Akihabara Bay Hotel (Female Only)

I finally found a chance to experience a capsule hotel and was not disappointed! First and foremost I was glad to find a women-only facility just to relieve one source of stress. There are always at least two staff at the front desk all of whom can speak English. Guests are given a guide on how to use the facilities, along with signage throughout the building which I was very thankful for (also written in Korean or Chinese, I forgot). These were for things such as how to use the devices inside the capsule, where to obtain items you need and so on. I don't recall whether or not we could choose top or bottom bunk, but I was satisfied to start with a bottom bunk on this trip. I was VERY impressed with the showering area. Each shower booth includes a space about the same size as the shower area for you to change, along with a hook to hang your things and an actual door with a lock instead of typical shower curtains! The sink area had many hair dryers, and every sink had cleansing oil, face wash (even in the showers along with shampoo, conditioner and body wash!) as well as hair treatment. This place really knew how to treat its demographic, I honestly felt like I was being pampered. Overall I felt like I was at a slumber party. On top of that, every capsule room floor has a washroom, as well as single stalls in between the stairways. I thought that was a very efficient use of space. The capsule room itself is exactly as advertised, and much bigger than I expected! They are fairly wide and long, and I found that the electrical outlet, tiny counter and the two hooks (super helpful for organizing) to be very useful.

My stay was overall more positive than negative. Just a few things bothered me: I went in July. While the air conditioner usage was generous (as someone who prefers cool weather), I found the building to be hot overall. Particularly in the shower area and the capsule room areas. The shower area always has a fan running in the entire room, but you can't feel it much until you get closer to it. So I found the shower booths and sink areas can get stuffy. The capsules have an on/off option for the fan, but the changes were minimal. I would cool down by standing near the air conditioner sources and avoid moving too much before going into the capsule and then I would be fine. Two washer and dryer machines are in the shower area as well and thankfully detergent is already provided. However they're in the path between the sinks and showers so it can get crowded. I think it also contributed to the heat. My capsule did not include a TV screen, so I am not aware of whether or not updates are provided there so I just took my chances to use them whenever I saw they were empty. This is a very small, narrow building. I thought the space was used efficiently, however while the lockers are tall they are very narrow along with the locker area itself. I'm so glad that measurements were provided online. I managed to squeeze a duffle bag and a medium luggage (once it wasn't bulging out of shape) and eventually found the time to repack it entirely thanks to the mirror and counter space on each floor. If I were to redo this experience, I would stick with a carry-on luggage and duffle bag instead. The 10AM-4PM facility cleaning time is rather strict and for good reason. The work that they do can be disruptive so it's better to go out. The common areas WILL be crowded right before. Facility is overall clean and done quickly, just the basement area seems a bit neglected.

The space is clean and modern (while being simple) the choice of cleaning or non cleaning service is perfect, I had both, and it comes to preference of which you choose. If you like coming back to a fresh clean room then paying the extra is definitely worth it (and the cleaning staff were lovely) but either way you get a set of fresh pjs (which are super comfortable) and towels each day. Note: if you intend to sleep in past 10, get the non cleaning service, you will save money and they won't disturb you in the morning (they request that you leave at 10 otherwise I don't believe they clean your room) and you still get a room clean every 4 days with the non cleaning plan if you are staying longer. The bathrooms are clean and feel it, there is the option to take a bath (must pay but inexpensive) have a shower early if you want to take advantage of the fresh clean showers. All basic skin care / products are provided and a couple extra. One of the best bits it the long wall mirror (vanity style) set with stools, sinks, hairdryers, hair curlers, straighteners! It's very relaxing looking after yourself in the evenings. Washing machines (2) cost 300Y for half hour (set). Dryers are small and are a bit weak but fine, it's 100Y for half hour but I find I need about an hour and a half to dry everything (this is with about weeks worth of items) Definitely worth the stay, I have spent about 3 weeks here in total (2 trips) and I would come back again.

Nothing was bad, just some notes for those looking that might be of concern to them. They request that you store your LARGE luggage downstairs which can become inconvenient (Note there is space to store upstairs, however they request against it). Not a concern of mine, but I will note that the bags (specifically large luggage) stored downstairs are not in a luggage room but rather left in general area/ entrance, but the area is constantly watched, and the rooms and lockers have plenty of room to store your valuables.

Good place to stay. They provide pijamas, towels, shoeer gel, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer. Amazing location.

If the other guests are not thoughtful of their noise it can be noisy as it is shared. Wear earplugs. Pillow not very comfortable.

Lokalisation

You were not allowed to stay in your capsule between 10 and 16.00 o'clock. The lockers are very small! You had to take of your shoes everytime you come in.