61%Kobe Guesthouse

A YHA Hostel but not really what you'd expect from one; and no discernible discounts available for HI Members. I had no problem with this hostel other than there being no air-con (because "it's Autumn" - it's still >30 degrees!), not even a fan. I booked a 6-bed dorm and ended... more A YHA Hostel but not really what you'd expect from one; and no discernible discounts available for HI Members. I had no problem with this hostel other than there being no air-con (because "it's Autumn" - it's still >30 degrees!), not even a fan. I booked a 6-bed dorm and ended up with a 2-bed room; I was given a 10% discount when I extended my stay by 1 night and the manager speaks much better English than any place I've stayed in Japan so far.close

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by lizogl – posted on Sep 19, 2008

14

dirty, dirty and dirty....take it from yours lists

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by schullesc – posted on Aug 28, 2008

6

The rooms are really rundown, the beds are too small.The electrical installations are crap. The door to the hostel is not closed at night (the look was probably defect...) The worst thing was that a rather useles fan was constantly on, day and night. I don´t know what it is needed for... It... more The rooms are really rundown, the beds are too small.The electrical installations are crap. The door to the hostel is not closed at night (the look was probably defect...) The worst thing was that a rather useles fan was constantly on, day and night. I don´t know what it is needed for... It sounded like some old noisy PC, the reason why I slept just one hour or so. For the price you pay, you get much more at other hostels. A clear no go!close

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by StefanHi – posted on Aug 17, 2008

2

very nice beach and shopping centre around　the corner...

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by evi-lutmayr5789 – posted on Aug 16, 2008

6

It's less than ten minutes away from the beach! Unfortunately, the nearest train station is a bit farther, and if you have a big backpack on your shoulders...

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by manuelcisneros – posted on Jul 13, 2008

2

Very strange policies. Water shuts off after 9am. T.V. shuts off after 10pm. Bathroom stalls are inches away from face. No keys to doors. You can lock your room from the inside but not if you leave to go out. Near train. But, they have one fantastic clothes dryer!

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by dianasmail4265 – posted on Jun 30, 2008

6

The location of this hostel is very incovenient, you will have to walk a long way from the station to reach it and it is 6 stations from the main area. It is next to a busy road and because of the additional charge for the Air Conditioning ( of which we were not made aware) we had the window open... more The location of this hostel is very incovenient, you will have to walk a long way from the station to reach it and it is 6 stations from the main area. It is next to a busy road and because of the additional charge for the Air Conditioning ( of which we were not made aware) we had the window open during the night and didn't get to sleep much. Also the location is quiet dodgy and the staff doesn't make you feel right at home.close

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by miguelgomez668218 – posted on Jun 29, 2008

1

This was a huge mistake. While it's located close to Akashi Bridge (worth a visit at night!), the staff was down right rude. He not only refused to give me better directions from the station (which has TWO West exits oddly enough), but threatened to not let me in if I did not arrive by 9pm. He... more This was a huge mistake. While it's located close to Akashi Bridge (worth a visit at night!), the staff was down right rude. He not only refused to give me better directions from the station (which has TWO West exits oddly enough), but threatened to not let me in if I did not arrive by 9pm. He further insulted me by saying my Japanese is not good and that is very inconvenient. Being an American, but having lived in Japan just over a year, I am sure my Japanese is at a higher level than most foreign tourists coming to Japan. Once there, everything seemed clean and safe and I was settling in when I realized not only did my room door not lock, but that I was the ONLY guest in a four story hostel. After grabbing dinner and checking out the rather dodgy area around the station, I grabbed my stuff and bailed, wanting to take my chances in the heart of town. Wound up paying for my second room of the night at Toyoko Inn, a reasonable and very convenient business inn near Sannomiya Station (major hub). The second room was well worth my peace of mind. I in no way reccomend this hostel. Rude, not a single map of Kobe available, no ammenities, dodgy area and if travelling alone, very cut off from the world.close

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by katymon – posted on Jun 5, 2008

3

The view from here is very nice and the stuff is kind and friendly!

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by cinamontea20062714 – posted on May 14, 2008

1

This place closed at nine despite our reservations. We arrived just before ten and they were completely shut. It is a 20 minute train ride from downtown Kobe. If you dont care about nightlife then its suitable, but it's prohibitively far from downtown. The dorm beds were like sleeping on a lumpy... more This place closed at nine despite our reservations. We arrived just before ten and they were completely shut. It is a 20 minute train ride from downtown Kobe. If you dont care about nightlife then its suitable, but it's prohibitively far from downtown. The dorm beds were like sleeping on a lumpy rock. I really dont recommend this place.close

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by Andrewlawr – posted on May 8, 2008

1

I put excelent for character as the kitchen doubles as a greenhouse and the beds are like cots - you have to climb over a fence to get in! And you have to read the comments in the guest book there. They are beaut. I wouldn't not recomend this place. I'd stay there again and had a great few... more I put excelent for character as the kitchen doubles as a greenhouse and the beds are like cots - you have to climb over a fence to get in! And you have to read the comments in the guest book there. They are beaut. I wouldn't not recomend this place. I'd stay there again and had a great few (quiet) days. But make sure you go there with a sense of humour.close

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by jenniclapshaw8570 – posted on Apr 24, 2007

4

not the best guesthouse in the world, a little drab... but the guy at the front desk spoke good english and helped me out quite a bit.

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by msmonkey – posted on Apr 19, 2007

3

Drab, dull and boring. Had a bunk room and I'm sure my sheets were dirty! The duvet didn't seem clean at all. lucky we were only there on a stopover. Lucky it didn't cost much. Don't stay there a long time if you don't have to. We stayed in a great budget hotel for the same price the following...

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by liz-pawley1323 – posted on Apr 15, 2007

2

Kobe guesthouse isnt too far from the main stops of Kobe and Sannomiya. 17minutes. Its easy to find. Really close to the huge outlet stores. Really nice man who runs the Guesthouse.

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by onekiwiana – posted on Apr 2, 2007

5

This hostel is one of the worst I've ever stayed in. Although it was in Japan I felt as though I was in Central America instead. The whole facility was rundown and unkept. It was just a shame that a place could charge 2250 yen and get away with it. It is also so far from the city that if the... more This hostel is one of the worst I've ever stayed in. Although it was in Japan I felt as though I was in Central America instead. The whole facility was rundown and unkept. It was just a shame that a place could charge 2250 yen and get away with it. It is also so far from the city that if the bridge hadn't been in the background I would have considered it a total loss. DONT STAY HERE!!!!close

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by rainstn – posted on Feb 27, 2007

8

Great single rooms for an awesome price! Also, the nearest train station has a map to the hostel that the attendants gave me when I told them where I was going...I was impressed. Good location between Himeji and Kyoto on a main rail line.

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by tokyo2431 – posted on Jan 6, 2007

6

Directions to the hostel was straight-forward and easy to locate, but after a walk close to 20 minutes. Quite tiring with a full backpack on your shoulders. Reception for check-in only opens from 5pm to 10pm, so we had to rush back from the city to avoid having to stay the night out. Very small... more Directions to the hostel was straight-forward and easy to locate, but after a walk close to 20 minutes. Quite tiring with a full backpack on your shoulders. Reception for check-in only opens from 5pm to 10pm, so we had to rush back from the city to avoid having to stay the night out. Very small double-bed room with almost no space to manouver but good thing was it came equipped with a wash basin. Showers were only available on 2nd floor with restricted hours since they are next to guest rooms. Rather elusive staff and a quiet place.close

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by diane7115 – posted on Sep 4, 2006

3

We like that the hostel is near to the beach and the outlet mall, and it's just 10 minutes walk to the JR station and town centre! However, the host doesn't speak much english, and we got locked out for being dirty after going to the beach...Also there is no electricity in the morning, AirCon...

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by Aarons4541 – posted on Aug 11, 2006

5

We knew that Japan might have bugs that might bites and so we came prepared. However, we thought it to be safe in the dorm. WRONG! we were there for 4 nights and each of those nights we counted 4+ bug bites per leg. that was a lot of scratching we had to do for the rest of the trip. If you... more We knew that Japan might have bugs that might bites and so we came prepared. However, we thought it to be safe in the dorm. WRONG! we were there for 4 nights and each of those nights we counted 4+ bug bites per leg. that was a lot of scratching we had to do for the rest of the trip. If you can find someplace closer to the center of the city or samnomiya. go there.close

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by proffg – posted on Jul 18, 2006

2

Not the best place I've stayed, but not the worst either. For Japan the beds are VERY cheap. The biggest downside is the location - Tarumi Station is a good 20 minutes from Kobe Station, and about half an hour from Sannomiya, and there really isn't much around Tarumi. If you stay here you'll want... more Not the best place I've stayed, but not the worst either. For Japan the beds are VERY cheap. The biggest downside is the location - Tarumi Station is a good 20 minutes from Kobe Station, and about half an hour from Sannomiya, and there really isn't much around Tarumi. If you stay here you'll want to plan to go out in the morning and come back when you're ready to sleep. Oh, there are also no common areas to speak of, so there's not much of that, "hanging out, meeting new people" atmosphere you get in many hostels. All of the other visitors I saw were Japanese. I'd consider staying here again, but first I'll look around for a better choice.close

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by dragonfl – posted on Jul 17, 2006

11

Great location on the water next to a park, outlet mall, and cheap restaurants. The beds were extremely uncomfortable and they should make people smoke outside.

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by 4kelly – posted on Jun 9, 2006

9

beds were very uncomfortable!

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by mushin – posted on May 31, 2006

1

no tolietries supplied such as towels, slippers. no heat in bathroom facility

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by bhsjgraz – posted on Apr 8, 2006

6

Not too bad tough I've stayed at better hostels in the same priceclass. Has a distinct run-down look about it and while it has a kitchen which is free to use I decided not to because of the condition I found it in.

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by chrols – posted on Mar 25, 2006

3

very good value but a bit out of the way for central Kobe. About 25 mins out on train - but is on JR line.

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by dave2646 – posted on Mar 25, 2006

4

The place has a bit of a prison feel. I think that may be due to the fact I was the only guest in a banal small room which was cold. And big sliding door felt like a night lock-in(htought there was no curfew.) I think a militant feel comes with a lot of HI affiliated hostels. It was... more The place has a bit of a prison feel. I think that may be due to the fact I was the only guest in a banal small room which was cold. And big sliding door felt like a night lock-in(htought there was no curfew.) I think a militant feel comes with a lot of HI affiliated hostels. It was inexpensive and I think it would even be palatable with a friend or at least another life form. It would be great in summer. I spied a large balcony.close

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by bidvid – posted on Feb 11, 2006

2

This hostel is an absolute disgrace! The staff is nonchalant, the electricity is only on from 17h to 9h, and the heater is gas operated so it is turned off from 00h till 5h for SECURITY REASONS!! The showers are basically outside, and the isolation is soo poor that humidity seeps in enough to... more This hostel is an absolute disgrace! The staff is nonchalant, the electricity is only on from 17h to 9h, and the heater is gas operated so it is turned off from 00h till 5h for SECURITY REASONS!! The showers are basically outside, and the isolation is soo poor that humidity seeps in enough to leave puddles on the inside walls!And all this in the middle of winter which means the only thing you get out of staying here is the flu! We will definitely never return.close

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by Jon5410 – posted on Dec 27, 2005

4

Stingy - this is probably the most suitable word to describe this youth hostel. Most lights were turned off in the corridor at night, almost not functioning air-conditioner, TV not available after 10, and dryers that cannot dry more than 5 T-shirst in an hour... What more can I say? Inconvient... more Stingy - this is probably the most suitable word to describe this youth hostel. Most lights were turned off in the corridor at night, almost not functioning air-conditioner, TV not available after 10, and dryers that cannot dry more than 5 T-shirst in an hour... What more can I say? Inconvient location. Not recommended. The guesthouse in Kyoto is far better (Gojo).close

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by pclsl – posted on Aug 28, 2005

1

a guesthouse and hostel are located in the same building. based on how much you want to pay and your sleeping arrangements be sure to inquire if their are opening in either.

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by cathlyn – posted on Aug 17, 2005

4

This property is good value for money. Character is lacking but the location is good - right next door to big shopping mall, ocean and eateries. Rooms are clean and comfortable. Man on front desk was nice - thank you:)

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by smr8498 – posted on Jul 10, 2005

1

Finding it was easy. Next to the beach, but the dorm beds can be difficult for some who are either tall or large or like room.

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by Enmit – posted on Jun 30, 2005

2

nice places to eat cheaply nearby

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by lynne4609 – posted on May 11, 2005

8

Location wise it was a bit of a long walk to get to the guesthouse. But close to the shopping and view of the bridge was nice. I found the women in charge to be rude and very unhelpful when they were busy. It seemed like she forgot about the customer! However the man in charge spoke good... more Location wise it was a bit of a long walk to get to the guesthouse. But close to the shopping and view of the bridge was nice. I found the women in charge to be rude and very unhelpful when they were busy. It seemed like she forgot about the customer! However the man in charge spoke good English and was friendly and helpful. Furthermore, we were not told about any internet service available nor about bicycle hire and whether we wanted to have Western or Japanese rooms. Perhaps they could try and improve the service given to it's custmers better.close

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by radley – posted on May 1, 2005

6

a grumpy old lady runs it, but here husband is pleasant. i personally would stay in the centre of town and not travel out to Tarumi, but i'm not on a strick budget.

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by peterfat – posted on Apr 19, 2005

2