WISE OWL HOSTELS SHIBUYA

I was happy with my stay at this hostel. The initial check-in experience was alright, but the staffs who were on shift late at night were very friendly and engaging. Overall it felt like a safe neighbourhood, and Shinsen and Shibuya are around the corner. Roomwise, we found the normal twin bunk room to be quite cramped, especially if you have 2 big suitcases. Shower and wash rooms were nicely equipped, and so was the little basket of goodies that the previous guests left for communal use.

After staying at the amazing sadou hostel in Ueno, I came to this place and I was really let down. The picture give you the impression of 4 bunk beds per room or round that, no, you’ll instead be lumped in a dormitory of 28 people! There is no safe place in the dormitory to lock up large possession and where I was there wasn’t even really room to put it on the corridor without it becoming a hazard, the only option is to keep it at reception, but then will you keep going down for valuables or changes of clothes? No breakfast or food provided, though they would bring it in eventually? Some shelves held up with gaffa tape, and security doors constantly left open by guests. Staff, while helpful, seemed largely unable to help as couldn’t hear you over loud music they would play. Good beer in the mother bar though, for 500 yen. Beds were comfy, if a little bit cramped then other hostels I’ve been to, and wasn’t provided with fresh towel on daily basis as other places too, they’re an extra apparently, but maybe that’s me. Washing machines only held on 2nd and 3rd floor, with not much places to wait, so you’d leave your things at risk, even then, the drier didn’t seem to dry properly and there wasn’t even really anything to hang your clothes to dry. There was a rack, but only came up to my shin. Location wise it’s great if you don’t mind walking 20 mins to shibuya station, so it’s great for that, also some nice restaurants nearby especially ramen.

Good showers, comfortable beds, good value overall.

Good and clean hostel, nice vibe. A little far from the nearer station.