HOTEL Cargo Shinsaibashi — Hotel in Osaka

I have decided to stay a few nights at this capsule hotel after reading the positive reviews. Indeed, this hotel is great as described. While it may not be a stone throw away from the nearest metro station, it is still walkable to either Shinsaibashi Station or Hommachi Station. It will not take more than 20 minutes to reach Dotonbori area on foot.

On the day of check-in, everything was seamless. The capsule or rather a cargo or cabin size living space is definitely way beyond my expectations. The sheets were not changed daily but the body/face towels were. A new bath scrub towel was provided daily as well. On every level, there are toilets and shower facilities. Basic amenities such as disposable toothbrushes with toothpaste, razor and combs are provided in the toilet as well. In order not to disturb the guests, hair dryers are only available at the public baths, a well-thought provision. Pajamas are provided as well.

But do not take a nap a few hours just before the check in time at 3.00pm, the noise from the cleaning works can be unbearable. But ear plugs are provided as well for sleep comfort. Thankfully, the noise level at night was bearable and snores from other guests were hardly audible due to the slightly thicker cargo walls.

There is a public bath on the highest floor; usually not crowded with at most 4 patrons including myself at any visits. At level 1, where the dining area is, there is cold/hot water provided. Coffee, green tea and miso soup sachets are provided for hotel guests as well. A stone throw away is a Lawsons, definitely a convenient place for solo travellers especially.

Everything appeared great until when I almost lost my phone while cleaning up. I down to the reception for assistance but with disappointment, a younger female staff responded with apathy, was beyond my imagination for Japan’s hospitality. Void of sympathy and empathy, she just replied “no one has passed us any phones”. Next when I asked what are the available operating procedures that the hotel may have in place, instead to be replied with “what do you want me to do?”. Then I asked if I could at least borrow some computer so that I could active locate my phone using iCloud - to be replied “sorry we don’t have, you have to go to an Internet cafe”. Startled by the response, and I was already in a panic mode, I wondered how do I even know how to locate one Internet cafe nearby. Then she added that I could make a police report but similarly, how do I even locate a police station without a phone. The female staff just made the worst assumption that anyone could locate any buildings or establishments without a phone. But to the very least, she did used her phone to show me the map of the nearest police station - not the most helpful, but finally she did tried. But she never even offered to at least call my phone, or help to use her phone to locate my phone? There goes the missing star. (I found my phone eventually with the help of one of the guests on the same level). While it was a mistake which I greatly acknowledge, the assistance rendered was almost close to none - so please do not lose anything else you will be all by yourself (especially...

What initially attracted me to this hotel was the concept of having a capsule-style pod within my own room, a feature I found intriguing and unique. The room, although compact, exuded a sense of coziness that I appreciated. Standing at about 150cm, the size worked well for me, but I can see how taller individuals might find it slightly frustrating as they'd need to navigate with a bit more bending.

The cleanliness of the room was noteworthy, featuring a safe, a small cupboard, and a TV that, unfortunately, didn't function as expected. This was a minor annoyance as I had hoped to connect my laptop and enjoy some television. Although the room couldn't be locked conventionally, the presence of velcro straps to close the curtain door provided a sense of privacy.

The bed offered a decent level of comfort, and the showers were clean and well-maintained. The amenities provided were impressive, including complimentary toothbrushes, skincare products, towels, lounge clothes, and even kitten-style heels for use within the hotel. This thoughtful touch added to the overall positive experience, and I highly recommend it for those who appreciate such details.

However, a drawback was the hotel's location, requiring a 12 to 15-minute walk to the nearest train station. On the positive side, it is situated in a residential area with an array of convenient shops, ranging from Daiso and McDonald's to various beauty stores and independent shops, providing a diverse and interesting local experience.

Another point of frustration was the unreliable Wi-Fi, suggesting that obtaining a local SIM card might be a more reliable option. On a positive note, the hotel provided free cold water and packets of miso soup, a considerate touch for guests.

I did request for a bottom room before my stay, about a month before and I had no issues with that. They clean your room every three days. Despite these minor inconveniences, the staff's friendliness, fluency in English, and the overall positive experience made my stay enjoyable. I would wholeheartedly recommend this hotel, especially for those who appreciate unique and well-thought-out amenities in a cozy setting, even if it comes with...

Very spacious for a capsule. Modern, clean, well equipped. Good for solo travels. Not much interaction with others. Overall a good experience. 8 minutes walk from shinsaibashi subway station. A 24h convenience store on the corner. Credit cards accepted.

Ground floor: Cafe opens 7am - 5pm Breakfast 7am - 10am Power outlets and free Wi-Fi available.

The Lobby ( 2F): Reception opens 24h. Male only/ female only separated entrances to the elevator, drink vending machine, smoking space. Free maps, sightseeing information and coupons on the table. Free ear plugs offered when checking in. Need to use the key card before pressing the elevator floor buttons. Also need to use the key card to enter the building from midnight to 7am.

The guest room floor: A glass sliding door to enter the room. No door lock. Two toilets, two showers and three sinks. Shower gel, shampoo, makeup remover, face wash, lotion, cotton buds and hair dryer provided. Only one room on each floor and 14 capsules in the room.

Inside the capsule: One thin mattress ( yet comfy) with beddings, one small closet, one mini desk next to the bed, one small safe deposit box, one makeup mirror, one tissue box, one trash bin, one flat screen TV with remote ( free VOD), one headset, desktop light and adjustable ceiling light. Light switch, headset jack, USB plug sockets on the wall all next to the bed. A curtain to keep your privacy. Insulation is just ok. I can hear it in my capsule when someone in the room reaching into a plastic bag. Everyone tries to keep it down so it's pretty quiet most of the time. Free towels, two piece pajamas, slippers, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair net, hair brush, cotton set and bath puff. All in one bag inside every capsule.

The top floor: Opens 6am - 9am & 3pm - 3am Also male/female separated. Indoor public bath, one outdoor bathtub and one toilet. Bring the bath towel from your capsule.

Free Wi-Fi available in the whole building.

No laundry machine in the hotel. The nearest laundromat is 20 minutes away according to the hotel receptionist.

Check-in from 3pm Check out before 11am Extension 1500￥/hr Key card lost...