Hostel Of The Day – The Wknd Travel

Hostel of the Day: BUNK GUESTHOUSE HOSTEL – Highly Rated and Welcoming Accommodation in Seoul’s Vibrant Hongdae District

In November 2024, I flew to Seoul, South Korea, with my friends to rediscover the city I had visited 8-9 years ago. I stayed for 9 days and 8 nights, overlapping with my friends’ time in Seoul. During those 8 nights, my friends and I stayed at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in Hongdae.

Join me in today’s Hostel of the Day feature as I share why this welcoming hostel is highly rated by all its guests.

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel is a highly-rated guesthouse/hostel in Hongdae. The property consists of two multi-story buildings, offering both shared dormitory rooms for budget travelers and private rooms for those who prefer their own space.

Brian, the property host, along with his staff, runs Bunk Guesthouse Hostel, ensuring that all guests have an unforgettable trip to Seoul. The property provides a wide range of facilities and amenities that guests can enjoy throughout their stay.

Location & Access

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel is located at 19-1, Wausan-ro 29ra-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04053, South Korea. It is in a quiet yet pleasant part of Hongdae, just a 4-minute walk from Exit 6 or Exit 7 of the Hongik University Station on the Airport Railroad (light blue line), and an 8-minute walk from Exit 8 of the same station on the Metro Subway Line 2 (green line).

The hostel is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. The nearest convenience store is about a 2–3-minute walk away, while the closest supermarket is around 10 minutes on foot. The bustling main area of Hongdae is about an 8–10-minute walk away.

The property is approximately 25 to 30 minutes by subway from Gimpo International Airport, 52 to 60 minutes from Incheon International Airport, and just 13 minutes from Seoul Station, the main station for KTX.

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel’s location is a solid 10 out of 10. It is on the quieter side of the lively Hongdae area but still close to hundreds of commercial establishments. It is also easily accessible by public transportation, with convenient access to both the Airport Railroad and Metro Subway Line 2.

Room Options & Cost

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel offers a wide range of room options to suit both budget travelers and those traveling in pairs or groups. The hostel provides both shared dormitory rooms and private ensuite rooms.

The shared dormitory rooms come in the following configurations: a 6-bed mixed dormitory room, a 4-bed mixed dormitory room, and a 4-bed female-only dormitory room. Each dormitory room is equipped with bunk beds, each featuring privacy curtains. Every bed includes a shelf, an individual reading light, a locker, and a power socket. The dormitory rooms also have air conditioning, and the shower areas are shared or ensuite, depending on the room.

The private rooms include several types: economy double room, standard double room, deluxe double room with kitchenette, double room with balcony, twin room with bunk bed, standard twin room, deluxe twin room, and family room. All private rooms come with a private toilet and bath, and some even feature private balconies.

My friends and I stayed at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel for 8 nights. We booked the family room (with 1 full bed and 2 single beds) with balcony for the first 4 nights, paying ₩476,928 (after discounts) for 4 people. For the last 4 nights, we stayed in a twin room with bunk beds, paying ₩309,365 (after discounts), not including the booking website’s mark-up. We booked the first 4 nights through Booking.com and the last 4 nights via Agoda.

My share for the 8-night stay at Bunk Guesthouse, which covered both room types, was ₱13,243.97, averaging roughly ₱1,655.50 per night. This is a very affordable price, considering the property’s prime location, complimentary breakfast, and the amenities and facilities available during my stay.

Guest Facilities & Amenities

Free & Fast Wi-Fi – All guests have access to complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi, which is perfect for those working remotely.

Complimentary Breakfast – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel offers a simple, free breakfast. Guests can make their own sandwiches or fried eggs, and enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea, or a cold glass of fruit juice. On weekends, the property adds cup noodles to the breakfast options.

Communal Lounge Spaces – The property features communal lounge areas where guests can relax, unwind, or socialize with others.

Patio – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel has an outdoor patio where guests can chill or pass the time. The patio is open until 2:00 a.m., as long as guests are mindful of noise after midnight.

Rooftop Area – The hostel has a communal rooftop offering an additional space to relax. Guests can use the rooftop until 11:00 p.m.

Shared Kitchen & Dining Area – Guests are welcome to buy groceries and cook their own meals in the shared kitchen, and enjoy their meals in the common dining area.

Unlimited Drinking Water Refills – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel provides unlimited drinking water refills to all its guests. The water dispenser is located near the refrigerator. Be sure to bring your own water container.

Air Conditioning & Heating Systems – All rooms are equipped with both air conditioning and heating systems, ensuring comfort throughout the year.

Complimentary Bath & Face Towels – The hostel provides complimentary bath and face towels, which can be replaced daily.

Guest-only Tours & Seasonal Activities – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel offers exclusive tours and seasonal activities, such as DMZ tours and weekly BBQs with other guests. Brian, the host, shares these details upon booking confirmation.

Hostel Drink Shop – The hostel offers beers and bottles of soju for those who wish to enjoy a drink. Please ask the reception for updated prices and availability.

Laundry Facilities – A laundry room is available from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a minimal fee for guests who wish to wash their clothes during their stay.

Luggage Storage – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel provides free luggage storage before check-in and after check-out. Guests can leave their bags near the reception while waiting for check-in or their departure.

Multi-Lingual, Friendly & Welcoming Host and Staff – Brian and his team are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They ensure everything runs smoothly during your stay and are always ready to help. They also speak fluent English.

Secured Room Access – Rooms are only accessible via a pin code provided to guests upon check-in. Each room has a unique code, ensuring that only the designated guests can enter their rooms.

Secured Hostel Premises – The premises are equipped with 24/7 CCTV surveillance for added security. The property can only be accessed by guests, with doors always locked and secured by pin codes, provided only to guests upon check-in.

Hostel Experience

My friends and I had a wonderful stay at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in Hongdae, South Korea. It is one of those places you will want to return to time and time again.

Several factors contributed to our fantastic experience. First, the hostel’s location is excellent. It is situated on a quiet street in the lively, bustling Hongdae area, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, and barbecue spots. It is also just a few minutes’ walk from both Metro Subway Line 2 (Green Line) and the Airport Railroad.

Second, Bunk Guesthouse Hostel has cozy common areas in both the main building, the second building, and even the patio. These areas are clean, quiet, and relaxing—perfect for unwinding. They are also ideal for those who need to get some work done during their stay, as the property offers fast and reliable Wi-Fi.

Third, the property provides a simple but decent breakfast. They even include cup noodles as a breakfast option on weekends.

Lastly, Brian, the host, and his team are truly fantastic. They are friendly, welcoming, and service-oriented. They helped us carry our large luggage to our rooms and made sure we had everything we needed. They go above and beyond to ensure guests have a great experience from check-in to check-out. Brian even invited us to join the Saturday BBQ with other guests—too bad we had other plans that night!

However, we did encounter a few minor inconveniences during our stay. These did not ruin our overall experience but did leave a small dent in our otherwise wonderful time. First, the complimentary towels were a bit small. While I did not mind using them, some guests may find them inconvenient.

Second, the twin bunk room was a bit small, though it did offer a private toilet and shower. The only time we found this to be inconvenient was when packing the night before check-out, as we could only open one medium/large suitcase at a time.

Despite these minor setbacks, we still had an amazing stay at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel. Would I book again for my next visit to Seoul? Definitely. Would I recommend it to my friends and readers? Absolutely. Make sure to check out the property and consider it for your next trip to Seoul—you are sure to have a fantastic time!

If you have any questions about Bunk Guesthouse Hostel or an upcoming stay, feel free to reach out to them through the following channels:

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel
Address: 19-1, Wausan-ro 29ra-gil, Mapo-gu, Mapo-Gu, 04053 Seoul, South Korea
Phone Number: +82 70 8703 0045
Email Address: bunk.seoul@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +82 10 9180 6905
Line: bunk2015
WeChat: bunk2015
KakaoTalk: bunk2015
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/bunk2015

That concludes my post about Bunk Guesthouse Hostel. What are your thoughts on the hostel? If you have any questions regarding anything mentioned above, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or reach out to me via email at contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thanks for joining me in today’s Hostel of the Day feature. Please also take time to check out my previous HOTD features by clicking this. You will find my other hostel reviews about Le Village Montmartre in Paris, The Bed Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur, The RomeHello in Rome, Yesinn Youth Hostel in Hong Kong, Yeah Hostel in Barcelona, Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel in Tokyo, The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi in Osaka, and Z Hostel here in the Philippines.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries, hostel of the day features, and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Hostel of the Day: THE BED BUKIT BINTANG – Affordable Central Kuala Lumpur Accommodation Perfect for Groups

In July 2022, I flew to Kuala Lumpur for a week-long trip outside the Philippines, the first one since the pandemic. I stayed with friends in the KL Sentral area and moved to The Bed KLCC after they left. I wrote about my experience at The Bed KLCC in one of my previous “Hostel of the Day” features. Since then, the property owners have opened a new branch in Kuala Lumpur’s shopping district, called The Bed Bukit Bintang.

My friends and I flew to Kuala Lumpur in May 2024 for a quick weekend trip and decided to stay at The Bed Bukit Bintang. The unbeatable rates and central location made us book the property right away. Allow me to share some details about this affordable, centrally located accommodation, perfect for those traveling in groups.

The Bed Bukit Bintang

The Bed Bukit Bintang, like its sister property The Bed KLCC, is a posh and modern capsule hotel that blends both comfort and style in its room offerings. The property is located on Level 5 of the famous Fahrenheit 88 building in Kuala Lumpur’s bustling Bukit Bintang district.

The property occupies the floor where the building’s swimming pool facility is located. The hostel occupies only part of the floor and offers both stylish capsule beds and comfortable private rooms at affordable price points.

Location & Access

The Bed Bukit Bintang is located at Lot 5-06 & 5-02, Fahrenheit 88, KL Plaza, No. 179, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The property is on the 5th level of the Fahrenheit 88 building, directly across from The Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

The property is situated in an area filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The nearest supermarket and convenience store are both within a 5-minute walk from the property. The Bukit Bintang Monorail Station is just a 6-minute walk away, and Changkat, Kuala Lumpur’s party district, is about 10 minutes on foot.

The property is about a 20 to 30-minute walk or train ride to KL Sentral, the city’s central transportation hub. From there, passengers can take a bus or the express train to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The airport is about an hour away by car or private transportation.

The Bed Bukit Bintang’s location earns a solid 10 out of 10. It is close to everything a guest needs, from shops and supermarkets to cafes, restaurants, and public transportation options.

Room Options & Cost

The Bed Bukit Bintang offers both private and shared rooms, catering to all types of travelers.

The shared rooms come in the following configurations: front-entry single mixed pod, side-entry single mixed pod, female-only side-entry single mixed pod, premium side-entry single mixed pod, and female-only premium side-entry mixed pod. All pods feature a pull-down privacy partition, individual reading light, pillow, blanket, and charging ports. Guests also have access to shared bathrooms and toilets.

The Bed Bukit Bintang also offers private rooms with the following configurations: an 18 sq m queen suite pod with a double bed for 2 guests, a 20 sq m king suite pod with a large double bed for 2 people, and a 25 sq m studio room with 1 double bed and 1 large double bed, ideal for 4 people. These rooms include reading lamps and in-room lighting, with the studio room featuring its own air conditioning system. Guests are also given towels and dental kits upon check-in. Nightly rates for these rooms vary depending on the booking platform used.

My friends and I booked through Agoda and stayed in two types of rooms. We reserved two queen suite pods and paid ₱13,492 (after discounts) for 2 rooms over 4 nights. We also booked 1 studio room for 4 people, paying ₱11,112.61 (after discounts) for 4 nights. This worked out to around ₱700 to ₱850 per person per night for these private rooms.

The Bed Bukit Bintang offers affordable nightly rates for both shared and private rooms. Considering the property’s prime location, facilities, and guest benefits (including free breakfast), the rates we paid definitely offered great value.

Guest Facilities & Amenities

Guests of The Bed Bukit Bintang enjoy the following facilities and amenities:

Free & Fast Wi-Fi – Guests at The Bed Bukit Bintang have access to a free and fast Wi-Fi connection.

Clean & Well-Maintained Communal Showers and Toilets – All guests have access to communal shower and toilet facilities, which are consistently clean and well-maintained by the staff.

Communal Powder Area – The property features a communal powder area where guests can prepare for the day. Cotton buds, hair dryers, and flat irons are also available for use.

Complimentary Breakfast – The Bed Bukit Bintang offers a simple complimentary breakfast, including bread with jam, waffles, croissants, eggs, rice, baked beans, and typical breakfast drinks.

Common Lounge – The property has both indoor and outdoor common lounges, where guests are welcome to relax at any time of the day. The outdoor lounge also serves as the designated smoking area.

Shared Kitchen & Dining Area – The hostel has a shared kitchen and dining area where guests can prepare meals and enjoy them. A refrigerator is available for storing food, drinks, and even cooked meals during your stay.

Complimentary Coffee & Tea – Guests can make their own coffee or tea in the dining area whenever the common area is open.

Unlimited Drinking Water Refills – The Bed Bukit Bintang provides unlimited drinking water refills to all its guests. The water dispenser is located near the refrigerator. Be sure to bring your own water container.

Centralized Air Conditioning System – The property features a centralized air conditioning system, which operates from 8 p.m. each night.

Swimming Pool – Guests have access to the swimming pool located on the same level as the hostel.

Shoe Storage Area & In-Room Slippers – Guests are required to leave their shoes in the shoe lockers near the reception. In-room slippers, provided by the hostel, should be worn to access the rooms.

Luggage Storage – The Bed Bukit Bintang offers free luggage storage for both arriving and departing guests. Please approach reception if you would like to store your bags while waiting for your bus or flight.

Daily Housekeeping – The hostel offers daily housekeeping services for all rooms and beds. Be sure to place the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign if you prefer not to have your room tidied during your stay.

24-Hour Reception – The property’s reception is open 24 hours a day, so there is no need to worry if your flight or bus arrives after midnight, or if you need to leave for the airport early in the morning.

Friendly & Multi-Lingual Staff – The Bed Bukit Bintang has a friendly and multi-lingual staff who speak Malay, English, and Chinese.

Laundry Services – The property offers laundry services for an additional fee. Please check with reception if you need to wash your clothes during your stay.

Hostel Shop – The Bed Bukit Bintang has a small shop where guests can rent towels, buy cup noodles, or purchase anything they may need during their stay.

Prayer Room – The hostel has a prayer room available for guests who wish to pray at any time of day.

Lift Access – The Fahrenheit 88 Building has lifts that guests can use to travel to and from Level 5. Guests with large bags or luggage do not need to worry about carrying them up to the hostel.

Secured Hostel Access – Access to the dormitory and private rooms is restricted to guests only. Key cards are provided at check-in, which work only for the assigned rooms.

Hostel Experience

My friends and I had a delightful accommodation experience at The Bed Bukit Bintang. While it is not perfect, it excels in many areas.

First, the price is very affordable considering its inclusions, location, and amenities. Our nightly rates did not even reach ₱1,000 per person, even though we all stayed in private rooms. Second, the studio room we booked offered plenty of space to move around. Its pool views also added extra value to the stay.

Third, The Bed Bukit Bintang’s location is excellent. Situated in the heart of the bustling Bukit Bintang area, it is just a few minutes’ walk to hundreds of restaurants, cafes, and shops. It is also conveniently close to the Bukit Bintang Monorail Station. Fourth, the property offers a simple complimentary breakfast for all guests, with a good range of options to choose from.

Fifth, for a hot and humid city like Kuala Lumpur, unlimited access to drinking water is extremely helpful. The Bed Bukit Bintang provides unlimited water refills for all guests, with a water dispenser located near the communal lounge. Lastly, the hostel has a swimming pool that guests can enjoy during their stay—an amenity that is rare for budget accommodations. My friends and I had a great time enjoying an afternoon swim.

As mentioned earlier, the hostel is not perfect and does have some inconveniences. First, the toilets and showers are communal, shared by both male and female guests. This setup may not be ideal for everyone, but I was totally comfortable with it. The shared facilities were clean and well-maintained throughout our stay.

Second, the air conditioning in the dormitory, king, and queen rooms is centralized, which can make the rooms feel hot and uncomfortable during the day. The studio room, however, has its own air conditioning system, which guests can control themselves.

Third, I hope the hostel addresses the smell in the shoe storage area. It was not very pleasant and could benefit from better ventilation. Lastly, while the hostel was quiet during our stay, I think adding seasonal activities could encourage more guest interaction and spark conversations.

Despite a few minor inconveniences, my friends and I still had a wonderful stay at The Bed Bukit Bintang. The accommodation is affordable, centrally located, and perfect for groups. I have two other friends who stayed in the dormitory room on separate occasions, and they also shared that they had a great time. Overall, The Bed Bukit Bintang offers great value for money, and I wouldn’t hesitate to return the next time I’m in Kuala Lumpur.

If you have any curiosities about the property and about a potential upcoming stay, please feel free to reach out to them on the following channels:

The Bed Bukit Bintang
Address: Lot 5-06 & 5-02, Fahrenheit 88, KL Plaza, No. 179, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone Number: +60 16-618 3584
Email: thebedbukitbintang@gmail.com / booking@thebedklcc.com
Website: www.thebedklcc.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebedbukitbintang
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/thebedbukitbintang

This wraps up my post about The Bed Bukit Bintang. What do you think of the hostel? Do you have any questions about anything mentioned above? Feel free to post them in the comments section below. You may also send these questions to me via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thanks for joining me in today’s Hostel of the Day feature. Please also take time to check out my previous HOTD features by clicking this. You will find my other hostel reviews about Le Village Montmartre in Paris, The Bed KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, The RomeHello in Rome, Yesinn Youth Hostel in Hong Kong, Yeah Hostel in Barcelona, Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel in Tokyo, The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi in Osaka, and Z Hostel here in the Philippines.

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.

Hostel of the Day: SANTIAGO GUESTHOUSE HIROSHIMA – Fully-Booked Budget-Friendly Hostel During Peak Sakura Season

My friends and I flew to Japan for last year’s Sakura season. We spent the first few days in Takayama and Osaka, then traveled to Hiroshima during the forecasted “full bloom” period. To our surprise, the full bloom was delayed by a little over a week due to colder-than-usual temperatures. We spent two days and two nights in Hiroshima and enjoyed the historical city, despite the large crowds.

We stayed at Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima for our two nights in the city. This property will be featured as today’s Hostel of the Day. Read on below to find out if this type of backpacker accommodation is something you would consider for your upcoming trip to Hiroshima.

Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima

Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima is a budget-friendly accommodation located in the heart of the city. The property occupies the 3rd to 6th floors of a six-story mixed-use building. It offers 89 private and dormitory rooms across four floors, with the reception, communal dining, and kitchen areas located on the 6th floor.

Planning to get a Japan tourist visa soon? I got your covered. I wrote about the 4 easy steps in securing your next Japan tourist visa.

Location & Access

The property is located at 4-18 Nakamachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, 730-0037, Japan. It is situated in a quiet commercial neighborhood filled with shops, offices, cafes, and restaurants.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum is 700 meters away on foot, while the Atomic Bomb Dome site is 850 meters from Santiago Guesthouse. JR Hiroshima Station is just over 2 kilometers away, accessible by both tram and bus. Hiroshima’s Hondori Shopping Street is only 5 minutes on foot (300 meters) from the hostel’s entrance.

Santiago Guesthouse is 50 kilometers from Hiroshima Airport, but it is close to important establishments such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart convenience stores. The property’s location is perfect, especially for those who want to base themselves in the city for a few days while exploring.

Room Options & Cost

Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima offers both private and dormitory rooms. The private rooms are available in the following configurations: twin room with shared bathroom, twin bunk room with shared bathroom, double room with bunk bed and shared bathroom, family room for 4 adults, family room for 5 adults, and another family room for 5 adults. These private rooms feature air conditioning, a heating system, comfortable bedding, a clothes rack, a table and chair, and a lamp.

On the other hand, the air-conditioned dormitory rooms offer the following bed arrangements: 8-bed mixed dormitory, female dormitory, and mixed dormitory rooms, all with access to shared bathrooms on the 4th floor. The dormitory beds feature Japanese-style bedding, individual reading lights, power sockets, lockers, and privacy curtains. Room or dormitory bed rates per night vary depending on the season and booking platform.

My friends and I booked our stay about 6 months in advance. I stayed in the mixed dormitory room for 2 nights and paid ₱1,342.09 after discounts. My friends stayed in the twin room for 2 nights and paid ₱5,660.43 (for 2 people) after discounts. Accommodations in Hiroshima are relatively affordable, even during the peak season. Be sure to book early to get the best possible rate.

Guest Facilities & Amenities

Guests staying at Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima can enjoy the following facilities and amenities:

Free Fast Wi-Fi – Guests have access to complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout their stay.

Shared Kitchen & Dining Area – The guesthouse features a shared kitchen and dining area near the reception.

Communal Lounge Area – Guests can relax and meet fellow travelers in the communal lounge area, located just beside the reception.

Clean Shared Shower & Toilet Facilities – The guesthouse offers clean shared toilet and shower facilities. The toilets are located on each floor, while all shower facilities are on the 4th floor. Each shower cubicle is equipped with bottles of shampoo and liquid soap.

Towel Hire – The hostel offers towel rentals for guests who do not have bath towels. The rental fee is ¥200 per towel.

Air Conditioning & Heating System – The entire hostel building is equipped with air conditioning and heating, which are used depending on the season and current weather conditions.

Drink Vending Machine – Guests can purchase drinks from the vending machine located on the 4th floor.

Tour Desk / Tourist Corner – The property offers tours and activities. Feel free to approach the reception if you would like to book one.

Lockers & Safe Boxes – Lockers and safe boxes are available for rent near the reception.

Coin-Operated Laundry & Dryer – The hostel has a coin-operated laundry and dryer, which guests can use during their stay.

Luggage Storage – Complimentary luggage storage is available for incoming guests on check-in day and for outgoing guests on check-out day.

Limited Reception Hours – Reception is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Guests arriving outside these hours should contact reception in advance to arrange their check-in.

Multi-Lingual & Friendly Staff – The property has friendly staff members who speak multiple languages.

Secured Hostel & Room Access – Access to the hostel and rooms is restricted to guests only. The main door is locked and can only be opened using a code.

Lift Access – The hostel has a lift that serves all floors. Guests with large luggage do not need to carry it up the stairs.

Hostel Experience

My stay at Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima was just alright. It was not exceptional, but it wasn’t bad either.

The property excels in the following aspects. First, Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima’s rates were affordable. My friends and I booked our stay 6 months in advance and got a good deal for both the dormitory bed and the private room. Second, the hostel’s location is quiet yet central enough to walk to Hondori Shopping Street, Peace Memorial Museum, and Atomic Bomb Dome site.

Third, the hostel staff were friendly and accommodating. The staff member who checked us in, Rilly, even gave us slippers to use during our stay. Fourth, the hostel’s communal shower areas were kept clean and tidy throughout the day. Lastly, despite the limited space, the hostel managed to fit in a communal lounge area, as well as shared kitchen and dining areas, which guests can use during their stay.

Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima also has its flaws. First, my friends and I visited during the peak season. This meant that all rooms and dormitory beds were booked, leading to messy and smelly rooms. The staff struggled to keep the dormitory rooms tidy, given the number of luggage and bags inside.

Second, the communal areas were crowded at night, which meant that at times, guests’ noise reached our dormitory room on the 6th floor. Lastly, the property’s check-in time is at 4:00 p.m., one of the latest I have ever encountered in my years of traveling. I do not mean to suggest they change it, but I find it a bit unusual.

Nevertheless, it was still a good stay at Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima. My friends and I got a good deal for the price we paid, and we would not hesitate to go back. I suggest you check them out during the off-peak season and avoid booking during peak times.

If you have any questions about the hostel or a potential upcoming stay, please feel free to reach out to them through the following channels:

Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima
Address: 4-18 Nakamachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan, 730-0037
Phone Number: +81 82 545 8477
Email: hiroshima@sansansantiago.com
Website: www.sansansantiago.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/santiagoguesthousehiroshima

This ends up my post about Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima. What do you think of the hostel? Do you have any questions about anything mentioned above? Feel free to post them in the comments section below. You may also send these questions to me via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thanks for joining me in today’s Hostel of the Day feature. Please also take time to check out my previous HOTD features by clicking this. You will find my other hostel reviews about Le Village Montmartre in Paris, The Bed KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, The RomeHello in Rome, Yesinn Youth Hostel in Hong Kong, The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi in Osaka, Yeah Hostel in Barcelona, Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel in Tokyo, and Z Hostel here in the Philippines.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries and flight reports on this website. Thank you and please watch out for more Sakura 2024 content in the coming weeks.

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.

Hostel of the Day: THE STAY OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI – The Affordable Osaka Accommodation I Keep Coming Back To | My Favorite Osaka Hostel

In the last two years, I have been to Osaka four times. Believe it or not, I only stayed in one accommodation. I enjoyed my first stay back in April 2023, to the point where I stayed in this property every single time I visited Osaka after. I will not gatekeep this any longer, and I will share my favorite Osaka hostel, The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi, in today’s Hostel of the Day feature.

I have been to Osaka a few times in the past. If you are interested to know more about my previous visits, feel free to check out the posts under the Osaka category.

The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi

The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi is 2-star high-rated accommodation in the heart of Osaka. Renovated in 2019, the property has 134 well-designed private and dormitory rooms across 7 floors. The reception, communal lounge, and co-working spaces are found on the second floor.

A few years ago, I stayed with The Stay Osaka’s sister hostel, The Stay Sapporo, in Hokkaido. I also featured the said hostel in this website. I hope you can check out that hostel of the day post here.

Location & Access

The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi is located at 1-14-29 Shimanouchi Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, 542-0082. It is in the center of Osaka, in a quiet neighborhood east of Shinsaibashi. The property is 2 minutes by foot from Exit 6 of Nagahoribashi Station (K16/N16) on the Sakaisuji & Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Subway Lines. It is 10 minutes by food from Exits 5 & 6 of Shinsaibashi Station (M19) on the Midōsuji Subway Line.

The hostel is 700 meters or 10 minutes away by foot from the Shinsaibashi Shopping Street and 1.1 kilometers or 15 minutes away by foot from Dotonbori/GGlico Man Sign. It is also near several local restaurants and convenience stores like Lawson, Family Mart, and 7-Eleven.

Planning to get a Japan tourist visa soon? I got your covered. I wrote about the 4 easy steps in securing your next Japan tourist visa.

The Stay Osaka is 25 to 30 minutes by train (Midōsuji Subway Line) from Shin-Ōsaka Station, 45 to 50 minutes away by train (Midōsuji and Sakaisuji Subway Lines) and airport bus from Osaka Itami Airport, and 50 minutes to an hour by train (Midōsuji and Sakaisuji Subway Lines, Nankai Lines, and Osaka Loop Line) from Kansai International Airport.

The hostel’s location is an easy 10 out of 10. It is close to everything one needs when traveling around Osaka. It is near the subway station, near commercial spaces, and is accessible to the airports via train.

In 2023, I stayed with another hostel in Osaka named Backpackers Hotel Toyo. It is probably the most economical hostel in the city with good quality facilities. You can check out my Backpackers Hotel Toyo hostel of the day feature here.

Room Options & Cost

The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi has a long list of hotel- and hostel-type private and dormitory rooms that all types of guests can choose from.

The private rooms have the following configurations: queen room with private toilet, twin room with private toilet, triple room with private toilet, 4-bed bunk room with shared toilet, 4-bed bunk room with private toilet and mini kitchen, Japanese-style (futon) room (for 5 people) with private toilet, 5-bed bunk room with private toilet and mini kitchen, and 6-bed bunk room with shared toilet.

The dormitory rooms have the following bed arrangements: mixed dormitory room with shared toilet, female dormitory room with shared toilet, and mixed dormitory room with semi-double beds and shared toilet. Room or dormitory bed rates per night vary depending on season and booking platform.

I stayed with The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi four times in the last 2 years, and I have booked the same mixed dormitory room (Room 701) with semi-double beds for all stays. Each semi-double bed features an enclosed (by curtains) space, a pillow and duvet, a safe box, in-room slippers, and toilet amenities, including bath and face towels. The room also features a large storage space and a small co-working space with tables and chairs facing the windows.

I paid an average of ¥4,322.13 per night, or ₱1,682.86 per night, with 11 out of 16 nights during peak season (long holiday weekend and Sakura season).

Guest Facilities & Amenities

Guests staying at The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi enjoy the following facilities and amenities:

Free High-Speed Wi-Fi – All hostel guests have access to complimentary high-speed wi-fi both inside the rooms and in the communal areas. The connection is fast enough to accommodate those people working remotely while in Osaka.

Shared Kitchen – Guests can use the shared kitchen to cook meals during their stay. The kitchen is fully-equipped with a burner, pans, and everything needed for cooking.

Communal Dining Area – The hostel has a spacious and aesthetic communal dining area beside the kitchen.

Complimentary Tea, Coffee, & Ice Cubes – The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi offers complimentary tea, coffee, and ice cubes to all guests. The hostel’s tap water is safe for drinking.

Co-Working Space – The hostel has a co-working space shared with the dining area on the second floor. Some dormitory rooms also have small co-working spaces inside the rooms.

Common Lounge & TV Area – Guests can chill and relax in the common lounge and TV area beside reception.

Clean Communal Showers & Toilets – The property makes sure that its communal showers and toilets are clean and well-maintained.

Air Conditioning & Heating Systems – All private rooms, dormitory rooms, and common areas feature air conditioning and heating systems.

Breakfast Service – The hostel offers breakfast service to those who avail themselves of it. The breakfast meals can be ordered for a fee the night before.

In-House Bar – The Stay Osaka has an in-house bar that sells alcoholic drinks and mixed drinks.

Vending Machines – The hostel has vending machines in front of reception.

Tourist Corner – The Stay Osaka has a tourist corner that has guides, city maps, flyers, and pamphlets with everything about Osaka, current promotions, and upcoming events.

Locker Rental – Guests can rent lockers for their valuables or other items when needed.

Free Boardgames Rental – Guests can borrow the boardgames near the lounge area and play with them during their stay.

Free Umbrella Rental – The Stay Osaka offers free umbrella rental during rainy days. Guests can freely get one when leaving the hostel and return it after use.

Coin-Operated Laundry & Dryer – The hostel has a coin-operated laundry and dryer, which guests can use during their stay.

Luggage Storage – The Stay Osaka offers free luggage storage before check-in until 3:00 p.m. and after check-out until 10:00 p.m.

Hostel Shop – Forgot to bring something? Fret not. The hostel has a small shop selling items the guests might need during their stay.

Seasonal Hostel Activities – The property hosts seasonal hostel activities to welcome guests from around the world. These activities are announced ahead of time in the hostel socials and on the noticeboards.

Long Reception Hours – The hostel reception is open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Check-in starts at 3 p.m. daily while check-out is allowed until 10:00 a.m.

Multi-Lingual & Friendly Staff – The hostel staff are all warm, welcoming, and friendly. They speak different languages including Nihongo, Korean, and English.

Lift Access – The hostel has one lift that goes to every floor. Guests who bring large luggage do not need to carry it via the stairs.

Designated Smoking Area – The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi has a designated smoking area outside near the building entrance.

Secured Room Access – All private and dormitory rooms can only be accessed by using the assigned key cards during check-in. The key cards only work on your assigned room, the assigned floor in the lifts, and the common floors.

Secured Hostel Premises – The rooms can only be accessed by the guests. Also, the lift requires a keycard for it to go up. The main entrance door is locked every day after 11:00 p.m. The hostel is also equipped with a 24/7 security surveillance system.

Hostel Experience

I have stayed with The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi several times in the past, and I will continue to stay with them every time I am in Osaka.

The hostel wins in some aspects. First, the mixed-dorm with semi-double beds is something I really like. I get the privacy I need for a fraction of the price of a private room. I also like that the room is spacious, has its own toilet and shower, and has a small co-working space or table.

Second, the hostel’s common area is my favorite. The common area is spacious and aesthetic. It is also perfect for those who need to do some work during their stay. It also has a fast and reliable wi-fi connection, ideal for work calls and meetings.

Third, the hostel offers complimentary amenities like shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, coffee, tea, and even ice cubes. It is my first time to see a hostel regularly provide ice cubes to its guests. Fourth, the hostel’s location is one of the best in Osaka. It is in a quiet neighborhood near Shinsaibashi and near many Osaka sights like Dotonbori, Kuromon Market, and Namba. It is also accessible to the city’s public transportation system.

Fifth, the hostel’s rates are not the cheapest in the city but are affordable and reasonable for the location, facilities, and amenities they offer.

The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi is not a perfect hostel. I also had some not-so-good experiences during my previous hostel stays. First, the common area can be very noisy and busy during the night when most guests are back from the days outside. There was one instance when guests were laughing out loud and shouting at 1:00 a.m. Good thing, the staff advised that group to tone down their voices.

Second, the dormitory room temperatures can be hot and uncomfortable at times. The dormitory room temperatures are controlled by the staff. There were instances when it went to the high and hot temperatures during my spring visits.

Even with these not-so-good experiences, The Stay Osaka remains to be my favorite hostel in Osaka. I enjoyed my previous stays with them and I am looking forward to coming back in the future.

If you have any curiosities about the hostel and about a potential upcoming stay, please feel free to reach out to them on the following channels:

The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi
Address: 1-14-29 Shimanouchi Chuo-ku ,Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, 542-0082
Phone Number: +81 06-6251-3900
Email: osaka@thestay.jp
Website: www.thestay.jp/osaka/en
Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_stay_osaka_shinsaibashi

This wraps up my post about The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi. What do you think of the hostel? Do you have any questions about anything mentioned above? Feel free to post them in the comments section below. You may also send these questions to me via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thanks for joining me in today’s Hostel of the Day feature. Please also take time to check out my previous HOTD features by clicking this. You will find my other hostel reviews about Le Village Montmartre in Paris, The Bed KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, The RomeHello in Rome, Yesinn Youth Hostel in Hong Kong, Yeah Hostel in Barcelona, Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel in Tokyo, and Z Hostel here in the Philippines.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries and flight reports on this website. Thank you and please watch out for more Sakura 2024 content in the coming weeks.

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.

Hostel of the Day – IMANO TOKYO GINZA HOSTEL – Comfortable & Value Accommodation Near Tokyo’s Bustling Ginza District | My New Favorite Tokyo Hostel

Last October 2023, I, together with some friends, flew to Tokyo for a few days to re-visit the city we visited back in 2015. I spent 11 days and 10 nights around the city and stayed at only one accommodation, Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel. Now that Oak Hostel Zen has closed permanently, I can tell you that this property is now my favorite hostel in Tokyo.

Join me in today’s hostel of the day feature and learn why Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel instantly became my new favorite hostel in the city.

Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel

Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel opened its doors to the traveling community in 2017. This excellent property aims to provide comfortable accommodation, just like when one comes to visit a friend’s home. Imano offers both shared dormitory and private rooms across 8 floors above the exceptional second-floor communal lounge and co-working space and the ground-floor reception.

Location & Access

Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel is located at 1-5-10 Shintomi, Chūō-ku, Tōkyō 104-0041. It is in the center of Tokyo, in a quiet neighborhood between the Tsukiji and Ginza areas. The hostel is 2 minutes by foot from Exit 2 and 6 minutes by foot from Exit 1 of Shintomicho Station on the Yurakucho Subway Line. It is 6 to 10 minutes by foot from Exit 4 of Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Subway Line, from Exit A1 of Takaracho Station on the Toei Asakusa Line, and from Exit A3 of Hatchobori Station on the JR Keiyo Line.

The hostel is about 10 to 15 minutes by foot from famous places like Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza Shopping Street, and Tokyo Station. It is also near several local restaurants and convenience stores.

Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel is 1 train ride away from and to Narita International Airport via the Keisei Narita SkyAccess Line that continues to the Asakusa Line (and vice versa) from Takaracho Station. It is also 1 train ride away from and to Haneda International Airport via the Keikyū Airport Line that also continues to the Asakusa Line (and vice versa) from Takaracho Station. Given Tokyo’s extensive train system, there are also other ways to reach the property via other train lines.

The hostel’s location may not be near a local supermarket, but it is still a good base of choice when traveling around Tokyo. It is near various train lines, which makes it accessible almost everywhere in the city. Its ‘one train ride away to and from the airport’ also makes it a convenient place to stay when in Tokyo.

Room Options & Cost

Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel offers shared dormitory rooms and private rooms, depending on what the guests need.

The hostel offers the following dormitory configurations: a 6-bed mixed dormitory room, a 6-bed female dormitory room, and a 4-bed mixed dormitory room. All these dormitory rooms feature bunk beds with individual reading lights, privacy curtains, power outlets, hangers, bag and shoe lockers, air conditioning, and safety boxes. These dormitory rooms also have access to shared showers (with shampoo, conditioner, and liquid soap), toilets, and wash areas (with hair dryers and kettles) located on every floor. Dormitory bed rates start at ¥3,400 per bed per night.

Imano Ginza’s list of private room options is as follows: Japanese-style single or twin room, 4-bed family room, and 6-bed family room. The private single or twin tatami rooms feature futon beds, in-room shower and toilets with wash basins, televisions, bathroom and toilet amenities, face and bath towels, and air conditioning. The 4-bed and 6-bed family rooms feature the same amenities as the dormitory rooms above. These are dormitory rooms converted into private rooms when guests or families book them. Private room rates start at ¥10,000 per room per night.

My friend and I stayed at Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel for 10 consecutive nights. We booked our stay with Agoda, spent the first 5 nights in the Japanese-style twin tatami room, and paid ₱9,298.86 each. Another friend joined us for the next 5 nights, and we all stayed in the 6-bed mixed dormitory room. We paid ₱6,589.06 for all 5 nights.

In total, I paid ₱15,887.92 for all 10 nights, roughly ₱1,588.79 per night in an expensive city like Tokyo and neighborhood like Ginza. Not bad!

Guest Facilities & Amenities

Guests staying at Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel enjoy these facilities and amenities:

Free High-Speed Wi-Fi – Guests have access to a high-speed internet connection available throughout the building. Those working remotely can also take advantage of this “work from anywhere”-friendly Wi-Fi connection.

Drink Coupon Upon Check-In – The hostel staff gave us a drink discount coupon upon check-in. The coupon was valid throughout our stay.

Complimentary Slippers – The hostel provides complimentary slippers to all guests. The slippers are only limited to 1 pair per person per stay.

Café & Bar – Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel has an in-house café and bar. The café opens at 8:00 a.m. daily, while the bar starts operating from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Clean Showers & Toilets – The property makes sure that its communal showers and toilets are clean and well-maintained.

Communal Wash Areas – Each floor has a communal wash area where guests can dry their hair, brush their teeth, or wash their faces.

Air Conditioning & Heating Systems – All private and dormitory rooms feature air conditioning and heating systems.

Communal Lounge & Dining Area – Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel has a cozy, aesthetic, and spacious communal lounge and dining area. This communal area is also perfect for those who want to get some work done during their stay in Tokyo.

Shared Kitchen – The property has a small but functional shared kitchen near the communal lounge and dining areas.

Complimentary Water Refill – The hostel offers drinking water refill through the dispenser found in the small kitchen.

Outdoor Terrace & Smoking Area – The hostel prohibits smoking inside the hostel premises. They have the second-floor outdoor terrace as the designated smoking area.

Meeting Box Rental – Need to attend an important meeting during your stay? The hostel has a RemoteworkBOX near reception, which is available for rent for only ¥700 per hour.

Free Boardgame Rental – Guests can borrow the boardgames near the café & bar and play with them during their stay.

Free Umbrella Rental – Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel offers free umbrella rental during rainy days. Guests can freely get one when leaving the hostel and return it after use.

Coin-Operated Laundry – The property has a coin-operated laundry on the second floor. Please reach out to reception if you want to use this facility.

Luggage Storage – The hostel offers free luggage storage to guests on their check-in and check-out days.

Locker Rentals – They also offer locker rentals for valuable items that cannot be left inside rooms and in the complimentary luggage storage. Feel free to reach out to reception if you want to rent one.

Hostel Shop – The hostel has a shop where guests can purchase amenities, snacks, and drinks or rent other amenities such as bath towels and pajamas. The shop is located beside the reception.

Seasonal Hostel Activities – Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel conducts seasonal activities where checked-in guests can join. These activities are posted on their social media platforms.

24-Hour Reception – People arriving early in the morning or late at night do not need to worry about checking-in. The hostel reception is open 24 hours a day.

Multi-Lingual & Friendly Staff – The hostel staff speak many languages; they are also nice, approachable, and friendly.

Lift Access – The hostel has one lift that goes to every floor. Guests who bring large luggage do not need to carry it via the stairs.

Secured Room Access – All private and dormitory rooms can only be accessed by inputting the number combinations found in the room keycards.

Hostel Experience

I enjoyed my stay at Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel to the point that it became my instant favorite.

Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel wins in these aspects. First, the hostel’s private and dormitory room rates are competitive on the affordable side if we look at Tokyo, and particularly Ginza rates. The hostel has everything a traveler needs during his or her Tokyo visit. Second, Imano Ginza’s location is central but quiet. It is in a peaceful neighborhood away from the busy Ginza and Tsukiji commercial districts.

Third, the hostel’s second-floor communal lounge / work area is the best. They have high-speed internet, which allowed me to be productive at work for a few days. The tables have power and USB outlets, which can be used to charge laptops and phones. Fourth, the hostel provides free drinking water refills. It helped us save some money by not buying drinking water.

Lastly, Imano Ginza has a whole bunch of friendly staff. One staff member, Mai (if I remember it right), even went to us on the second floor to give us candies she bought during her weekend trip to Yamanashi Prefecture. Lovely!

The hostel also has its drawbacks. First, the shared kitchen is very small. Only one person can use it at a time. Second, for those traveling with large suitcases, the double or twin private tatami rooms have very limited space. The suitcases can only be opened on top of the beds.

Lastly, the dormitory rooms need better ventilation. The 6-bed mixed dormitory room on the fifth floor where my friends and I stayed for a few nights had this disturbing or unpleasant unventilated smell. This can easily be fixed by opening the windows and letting fresh air circulate for a few hours every day.

Nevertheless, I still had a nice and delightful 10-day stay at Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel. I am happy I got the chance to try both their private tatami and dormitory rooms during this lengthy stay. I will be back in the future, now that it is my new favorite hostel in Tokyo.

If you want to see how the hostel looks in real life, their website has this feature that shows a 360° panorama view of the property. Also, in case you have questions about Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel, please feel free to reach out to them on the following channels:

Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel
Address: 1-5-10 Shintomi, Chūō-ku, Tōkyō 104-0041
Phone Number: +813 5117 2131
Email Address: tokyo-ginza@imano.jp
Website: www.imano.jp/ginza/en
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/imanotokyoginza
Instagram: www.instagram.com/imano_tokyo_ginza

This wraps up my stay at Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel. What do you think of the hostel? Do you have any questions about anything mentioned above? Feel free to post them in the comments section below. You may also send these questions to me via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thanks for joining me in today’s Hostel of the Day feature. Please also take time to check out my previous HOTD features by clicking this. You will find my other hostel reviews about Le Village Montmartre in Paris, The Bed KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, The RomeHello in Rome, Yesinn Youth Hostel in Hong Kong, Yeah Hostel in Barcelona, and Z Hostel here in the Philippines.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries and flight reports on this website. Thank you and please watch out for more Tokyo 2023 content in the coming weeks!

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.