Roots Hostel ルーツサカバ — Restaurant in Osaka

First of all, the service here is really spectacular. The staff operate both the restaurant and the hostel, and they're always downstairs, ready to help. They gave us a matcha kitkat as a gift, as well as a free voucher for a drink from the restaurant. They were very friendly and helpful, saying we could sit in the lobby/restaurant anytime, and giving us utensils and water for free when we asked. Just know that the lobby/restaurant area allows smoking, so staying down there isn't exactly pleasant.

The hostel was decorated cutely, with Banksy-esque illustrations on every floor, room and sign. The room itself was pretty comfortable, being equipped with an A/C. All beds have a curtain for privacy. There's no TV, and no lockers. You do have to set up your own bed (spread the sheets, put the pillow cover on, fold the duvet etc) though, which wouldn't have been a big deal expect for the fact that nothing seemed to fit. The pillow cover was far too long for the pillow, and the sheets far too big for the bed. They provide you with one set of towels, and they charge for any extra sets.

Each floor does not have both female and male toilet. 4F has a male toilet, and 5F has a female one. The bathrooms are single-person. There's also a unisex toilet on both B1 and the 1F. There are no occupants on 6F, but there is an old, creepy bathroom set, as well as a fridge and a dusty sofa, with a nice view. There is also a kettle that looks like it hadn't been touched in years, a bin with no trash in it, and some other miscellaneous items. Nobody goes there, and it all has the feeling of being abandoned if not for the working fridge. The elevator doesn't even go to 7F, but the stairs do. I got creeped out before I could discover what was on this floor, though. All the floors inevitably stink of smoke due to 1F allowing smoking, which was unpleasant.

The showers here are an abomination. I'm not exaggerating when I say I stood there for ten minutes, waiting for the water to even get lukewarm. Yes, they have signs around saying that the shower may take a while to warm up, but ten minutes is too much. Eventually I just gave up and waited for someone else to use it, and so used it after them. Avoid taking showers here if at all possible, but if you must, use it straight after someone else.

I would have given this hostel 2 or 3 stars, taking into consideration the horrible showers and smoky air and other issues, if not for the fantastic service of the staff. As it stands, there are probably better alternatives if you're looking to...

This is the most honest review you will read here:

The host welcomed us in the hostel. The check-in was brief and easy. We had some issues involving Hostelworld, but this was solved without any problems. The hosts were kind and young.

The first floor is a restaurant. You get 10% off. The food tastes great too.

The beds are cleaned by using a roller (the one that sticks hair onto it). We had to make up the bed ourselves (see picture). It smelled a bit. We got used slippers which are soft to the feet.

There are many guys in this dorm. Some stay here for a long time (it seems; we stayed for 9 nights and they were there the whole time). The morning smell is memorable to say the least. Open the window and turn on the airconditioner if you want to stay alive.

We noticed that there was no security camera in the lift, rooms, and in front. They do have a scanner for the pass in front. Only use it after 11pm. Notify the staff if your slippers got stolen or when you smell something horrible in the room; it means that a homeless person has sneaked in one of the beds.

The paper supply in the bathrooms gets filled everyday. The floors are not getting cleaned. You need to bring your own towels, toothbrush, etc (see picture). 4 showers for men and 3 for women with warm water. There is a fridge, microwave and water-cooker. Women’s toilet is on the 2nd floor. Men’s toilet on the 3rd and 2nd floor. The dorm is on the 3rd floor.

We talked to others and it seems like the private rooms are the best if you want to stay here. Lots, if not all, locals are staying here because of the price.

650m from the Metro station. Additional underground walk of 15 min to get to the right station if you want to travel to Shin-Osaka. Several convenience stores and restaurants nearby the hostel.

Was about to give 2 stars but the homeless guy took one star away....

This was the best hostel experience I've ever had. I stayed here for 1 week in September, and I miss it already.

Pros • Wifi is SUPER fast (I work from my laptop remotely so this is my #1 requirement for anywhere I stay) • The staff was incredibly accommodating and I'm now good friends with them all • The takoyaki they serve downstairs is the best in Osaka • Lots of people coming in and out everyday, so it's easy to meet people in the downstairs lobby/cafe area • They provide shampoo, conditioner, soap, and hairdryers • Rooms were very quiet all the time • Bed was comfy • The entire facility was super clean • Convenience stores + restaurants are a 1 min walk away

Cons • It's in a more residential area of Osaka. However, it's only a 15 min walk or 10 min train ride to get to Dotonbori (the most popping place in Osaka, in my opinion), American Village ("Ame Mura"), pachinko buildings, and the crazy nightlife. This was perfect for me I enjoy staying in a more residential area so that I can get some rest at night.

Thank you Roots for the amazing stay! I'll be...