Calendar Hotel

Kind of cute capsule hotel in my opinion so far. Right at the Otsu train station. Great supermarket very near by, a few doors away. It has a huge extensive variety of delicious food and reasonable prices. One must carry luggage up the steps and check in after 4 pm. They give you towels, pajamas, toothbrush, brush, slippers and other little bits and pieces. But tea and coffee you must purchase at the cafe or make your own. I didn't mind the facilities at all. Perfect temperatures (June 1st). Other guests were quiet. The trains didn't bother me or the sounds of technology, as there is a kind of rhythm. But it's not a natural environment. Very cave like. Yet I was comfortable. It's a capsule hotel, not a regular hotel. You get what you pay for. And it's a good deal when passing through as a short one or two night stay.

The only reason I booked this hostel was because it was the cheapest one I found near Kyoto that looked decent. The place is pretty clean and looks new especially the capsules. It’s located outside Kyoto but it’s pretty close by train and the hotel is literally located above the train station and there is a 7/11 and a Starbucks in that building so pretty convenient. If you are a solo traveler and looking for a social hostel don’t come here because everyone except me was Japanese and very antisocial. Also the guy at the reception didn’t know a word in English so prepare to use google translate. I gave it 4 stars and not 5 because for some reason the wifi didn’t work in my capsule(it worked great in the common area but once I went to bed it didn’t work anymore), and also because the capsule was hot even when I turned on the fan button which didn’t seem to do anything.

I stayed here for two nights while exploring Ōtsu and Biwa Lake. I didn’t know what to expect upon arriving and was pleasantly surprised. If arriving by train just realize there are two main subway stations in Ōtsu and if coming from Osaka or Kyoto city get out at the 2nd stop or expect a walk lol. If you do arrive at the correct station than lucky you because Calendar Hotel is just outside! I was greeted warmly in the restaurant! Yes, the check-in is in the restaurant! It’s a nice trendy restaurant that gets busy, just walk towards the back. There’s an area for luggage and they supply you with a small lock for the chain. You also have access to a tiny locker. The capsule beds are average, but it has a TV! The pillow is useless, but the blankets are nice and warm. The bed squeaks so no “master of your domain” here lol. Clean showers and spacious shared area. Trendy capsule with lots of art displayed. There’s a smoking room too (I don’t smoke but know it’s there). It’s a no smoking capsule, but ngl there’s a hint of smoke in the rooms, probably from the smoking room. It’s most likely lingering on their clothing when they walk back to the capsule area? Having said that it didn’t really bother me because it wasn’t actual smoke, just the scent of it. The best part is the Tourist Info is just a door away and it’s where I rented a bike for a day. Also a very very good grocery story is a minute walk away. Lots of delicious hot foods, baked goods, and fresh items! In two days, I stopped by 3-times! Yet, it’s walkable to local restaurants, cafes, and of course the JR station is right there! If you’re looking for someplace outside of busy Kyoto City or Osaka… I highly recommend this place in Ōtsu!

Great option for people wanting to see attractions in Kyoto but be away from the busy spots. There is a great grocery store where you can get lots of good food options. Only negative was the room smelled a bit like cigarettes but it did not bother me.

Mediocre for the price. Location is convenient if you’re going to commute to Kyoto and there is a good supermarket nearby plus it’s nice to be close to the lake. The entire place smells like cigarettes, must be a faulty ventilation system. The lockers are way too tiny to fit anything.

Located right beside Otsu station makes it very convenient and it is only a 10 minute train ride to Kyoto station. It is a great way to explore both places and the lodging is a little more affordable. There are plenty of amenities and the place is very clean. If you are a light sleeper this is probably not the place for you because if there is a snorer you will hear it and it is also right next to the train tracks. The beds are not the most comfortable but they do have extra blankets by the lockers so I slept over one making it a bit more comfortable.

My son had a very bad experience in this capsule hotel. He checked in as walk in guest yesterday, May 1, 2024 at 4pm. After paying ¥10k at the machine, change amounting to ¥4k was released but there was no receipt so he can’t get an access card. He talked to the hotel staff but he was advised he had to do it again to get access. So he had to pay ¥6000 again just to stay together with his friends who did not encounter any problem with the check in process. It looks he paid ¥12k for 1 night which was really very disappointing. The staff should have checked the error but they stick to the advise that he had to pay again. Given the fact that he is just a student in Japan and he spent his allowance to pay this huge amount for an overnight stay was really a bad experience during the golden week.

The nonsmoking room I got smelled like cigarettes and it was hard to breathe, I asked for a new room because I was coughing and unable to sleep. Also, after someone comes back from smoking, they bring the smell with them. I had to ask to be changed rooms twice, luckily there was another one available that did not smell. Apart from that, I know that it is a capsule hotel, but expect some people to be noisy and talk on the phone very late at night...