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Exterior view, ZEN Hostel in Nagano
Mixed Dormitory Non-Smoking - Bed, ZEN Hostel in Nagano
two people sitting on a bench in front of a building, ZEN Hostel in Nagano
Lobby, ZEN Hostel in Nagano
Lobby, ZEN Hostel in Nagano
Interior view, ZEN Hostel in Nagano
Fitness center, ZEN Hostel in Nagano

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8.8

Excellent

111 reviews

111 reviews

Housekeeping9
Shops1
View1
See map
See map

8.9

Excellent

Location rating score

Excellent location
Popular neighborhood
Parking
FREE
Popular landmarks
Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum Higashiyama Kaii Gallery 22.0 km
Zenko-ji Temple 22.3 km
Midori Nagano 23.2 km
Matsushiro 27.8 km
Sanada Treasure Museum 27.8 km
Togakushi Shrine Chusha 29.6 km
Togakushi Shrine Kuzuryusha 31.8 km
Obasute tanada (Terraced rice fields) 38.8 km
Nearby landmarks
Yudanaka Train Station 280 m
Roadside station Kitashinshu-Yamanouchi 1.2 km
Kamijo 1.3 km
Engi 1.6 km
Shibu Onsen Information Center 1.6 km
Yomase 2.5 km
Japan Clay Dolls Museum 3.2 km
Ippongi Park 4.0 km
Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (The world of Snow Monkey) 4.1 km
Jigokudani Monkey Park 4.1 km

ZEN Hostel

3031 Hirao, Yamanouchi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano, Yudanaka, Nagano, Japan, 381-0401 - See map

The car parking and the Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay in touch and come and go as you please. Conveniently situated in the Yudanaka part of Nagano, this property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options. Don't leave before paying a visit to the famous Zenko-ji Temple.

Highlights

Located in heart of Nagano

310 meters to public transportation

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!

Air conditioning

Garden

This property has self-selected and self-certified the following hygiene measures.Learn more
Safety Features
Staff trained in safety protocol
See all amenities
Preventative Equipment
Hand sanitizer
Health and Medical
First aid kit
Doctor/nurse on call
Facilities

Car park

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!

Luggage storage

Contactless check-in/out

Laundry service

Safety deposit boxes

Wi-Fi in public areas

Family room

Your dates are popular among travelersUsers are booking a place in Nagano every 3 minutes on Agoda.com
Value for money8.9
Location rating8.9
Nearest airportMatsumoto Airport (MMJ)
Distance to airport77.7 km

Rooms available at ZEN Hostel

Quad Non-Smoking
...
  • Room size: 37 m²/398 ft²
  • Street view
  • 4 futons
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Japanese-Style Triple Room
...
  • Room size: 24 m²/258 ft²
  • 3 futons
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Triple
...
  • Room size: 24 m²/258 ft²
  • Street view
  • 3 futons
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Japanese-Style Twin Room
...
  • Room size: 18 m²/194 ft²
  • 2 futons
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Suite - Non-Smoking
...
  • Room size: 40 m²/431 ft²
  • Street view
  • 6 futons
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Japanese-Style Quadruple Room
...
  • Room size: 37 m²/398 ft²
  • 4 futons
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Twin Room Non-Smoking
...
  • Room size: 18 m²/194 ft²
  • Street view
  • 2 futons
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Standard Family Room
...
  • Room size: 38 m²/409 ft²
  • 6 futons
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Mixed Dormitory Non-Smoking
...
  • Room size: 42 m²/452 ft²
  • Street view
  • 1 bunk bed
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Single Bed in 16-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
...
  • Room size: 42 m²/452 ft²
  • 1 bunk bed
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Frequently asked questions

What time is check-in and check-out at ZEN Hostel?

Check-in is from 03:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM. You may request early check-in or late check-out during booking, subject to availability. Guests checking in or out before or after the designated periods may be charged an additional fee. The hostel offers luggage storage to guests for before check-in and after check-out.

How do I get to ZEN Hostel?

For those who wish to drive their own cars, ZEN Hostel has a car park right on site for maximum convenience. Parking is free for guests.

What is the smoking policy at ZEN Hostel?

ZEN Hostel does not permit smoking in any of its rooms, but allows smoking in designated areas.

What is the closest train, metro, or bus station to ZEN Hostel?

The closest train, metro, or bus station to ZEN Hostel is Yudanaka Train Station, 270 m away.

What restaurants are nearby ZEN Hostel?

ZEN Hostel is located in Yudanaka, famous for good restaurants such as Ofukuro, Nakayoshi Shokudo and Isami Sushi.

What are popular attractions near ZEN Hostel?

ZEN Hostel is located in Yudanaka area, which is famous for attractions such as Yumiya Shrine, Takayakushi Wakoan and Shibu Oyu Foot Bath.

What popular natural sightseeing spots are close to ZEN Hostel?

ZEN Hostel is located within Yudanaka, which makes it conveniently close to natural sights including Shibu Onsen and Ponpoko no Yu.

See map

Explore the neighborhood

What people love about ZEN Hostel

  • 9.2

    Exceptional
    Cleanliness

    "Its so clean and near from Yudanaka station."

    THERESIA

    |

    February 8, 2020

  • 9.2

    Exceptional
    Cleanliness

    "The hostel is really clean and the location (5-10min to the station) is also convenient."

    Basil

    |

    February 7, 2020

  • 10

    Exceptional
    Spaciousness

    "Lovely, spacious, very clean, great host."

    Sietske

    |

    August 5, 2019

Property ranking|Compared to 575 Nagano properties
See all rankings
Value for money score
8.9/10
Cleanliness score
8.9/10
Service score
9.1/10
Room size
30 sqm.
Better than
96
%
of Nagano properties
Better than
94
%
of Nagano properties
Better than
93
%
of Nagano properties
Bigger than
93
%
of Nagano properties
Overall rating:

8.8

Excellent
111 reviews
Cleanliness
8.9
Facilities
8.1
Location
8.9
Read all reviews >
More about ZEN Hostel

More about ZEN Hostel

ZEN Hostel

Find yourself in a truly relaxing place and fulfill yourself with all that Nagano has, with a refreshing stay at ZEN Hostel.
Enjoy all that ZEN Hostel has to offer! Free internet access provided within the hostel keeps you connected throughout your stay. For guests arriving by car, parking is provided free of charge. Always get the assistance you need with front desk services including luggage storage and safety deposit boxes.
Cold evenings are even better than warm ones, when you can cozy up at the hostel's fireplace. For longer stays or whenever you need it, the laundry service keeps your favorite travel outfits clean and available. For health reasons, smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the hostel. For guests who would like to smoke, the designated smoking areas are available.
All guestrooms at ZEN Hostel provide guests with a range of amenities to ensure a restful night. Enjoy your stay even more at the hostel, knowing that some selected rooms include linen service and air conditioning.


Dining and things to do

Fill your days with the array of activities and facilities offered at ZEN Hostel. Have fun with your fellow guests and indulge in winter's best snow activities, knowing that ski slopes can easily be accessed. Challenge your travel group members or other guests to competitive fun, with the hostel's hiking trails. Family time on relaxed evenings is easy with the hostel's shared lounge and TV area.


Reasons to stay here

Find rooms here that are cheaper than 95% of all other options in the city.
Find incredible value for money here, which is ranked better than 95% of the city's accommodation.
Guests who stayed here found it to be neat and tidy, scoring it above 93% of other accommodations in the city.

Show less

Amenities and facilities

Excellent
Facilities

8.1

Most talked about facilities

Housekeeping

5 mentions

Food & Dining

1 mention

Breakfast

1 mention

Languages spoken
  • English
  • Japanese
Internet access
  • Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
  • Internet
  • Internet services
  • Wi-Fi in public areas
Things to do, ways to relax
  • Garden
  • Hiking
  • Skiing
Cleanliness and safety
  • Anti-viral cleaning products
  • Body thermometer
  • Cashless payment service
  • Daily disinfection in all rooms
  • Daily disinfection in common areas
  • Doctor/nurse on call
  • Face coverings on staff
  • First aid kit
  • Guest rooms seal after sanitization
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Hot water linen and laundry washing
  • Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
  • Protective screens in common areas
  • Room sanitization opt-out available
  • Rooms sanitized between stays
  • Safe dining setup
  • Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
  • Staff trained in safety protocol
  • Temperature check for guests and staff
Services and conveniences
  • Air conditioning in public area
  • Contactless check-in/out
  • Elevator
  • Fireplace
  • Heating in public area
  • Invoice provided
  • Laundry service
  • Luggage storage
  • Safety deposit boxes
  • Smoke-free property
  • Smoking area
For the kids
  • Family room
Access
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Pets allowed
  • Smoke alarms
Getting around
  • Car park [free of charge]
  • Car park [on-site]
Available in all rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Clothes rack
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Free bottled water
  • Internet access – wireless
  • Linens
  • Non-smoking
  • Shared bathroom
  • Tatami flooring
  • Wi-Fi [free]

Location

3031 Hirao, Yamanouchi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano, Yudanaka, Nagano, Japan, 381-0401
Excellent
Location

8.9

Airports
  • Matsumoto Airport (MMJ)
    77.7 km
  • Toyama Airport (TOY)
    110.1 km
Public transportation
  • Yudanaka Train Station
    280 m
  • Kamijo
    1.3 km
Hospital or clinic
  • Hokushin General Hospital
    4.6 km
Cash withdrawal
  • ATM
    180 m

What's nearby

Popular landmarks
  • Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum Higashiyama Kaii Gallery
    22.0 km
  • Zenko-ji Temple
    22.3 km
  • Midori Nagano
    23.2 km
  • Matsushiro
    27.8 km
  • Sanada Treasure Museum
    27.8 km
  • Togakushi Shrine Chusha
    29.6 km
  • Togakushi Shrine Kuzuryusha
    31.8 km
  • Obasute tanada (Terraced rice fields)
    38.8 km
Nearby landmarks
  • Yudanaka Train Station
    280 m
  • Roadside station Kitashinshu-Yamanouchi
    1.2 km
  • Kamijo
    1.3 km
  • Engi
    1.6 km
  • Shibu Onsen Information Center
    1.6 km
  • Yomase
    2.5 km
  • Japan Clay Dolls Museum
    3.2 km
  • Ippongi Park
    4.0 km
  • Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (The world of Snow Monkey)
    4.1 km
  • Jigokudani Monkey Park
    4.1 km
Distances shown are straight-line distances on the map. Actual travel distances may vary.

Property policies

Children and extra beds

Extra beds are dependent on the room you choose. Please check the individual room capacity for more details.

All children are welcome.

Others
  • Check-in later than 10:00 PM will cost additional charges of JPY 1,000 per 30 minutes.
    Please pay the additional charges directly at the property. For details please contact the property directly.
  • As you have confirmed, the hotel is a simple accommodation.
    Although it is located in a hot spring town, it is only available in the shower room.
    In addition, the restroom is shared-bathroom.

    Please take your shoes off in your room and raised seating area.
    There are no slippers.

    Since the hotel is a 250-year-old wooden building as a simple accommodation facility, the walls are very thin, so please be careful about noise after 10:00 PM.

    There is a parking lot behind the hotel for the first 12 cars.
    Since the parking lot is limited, up to 1 slot can be used for each room reservation.
    If the parking is full, we will guide you to a parking lot in a different location.

    The check-in time of the hotel is from 03:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
    If you arrive after 10:00 PM, a fee of 1000 yen will be charged every 30 minutes.
    Please let us know your arrival time by the day before your stay.
    We will come to the check-in reception desk at that time.
  • When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Some helpful facts

Check-in/Check-out
  • Check-in from15:00
  • Check-in until22:00
  • Check-out from07:00
  • Check-out until10:00
Getting around
  • Travel time to airport (minutes)90
Extras
  • Daily Internet/Wi-Fi fee0 JPY
The property
  • Non-smoking rooms/floorsno
  • Number of floors3
  • Number of restaurants0
  • Number of rooms 12
  • Room voltage100
  • Most recent renovation2016
Parking
  • Daily parking fee0 JPY

Reviews of ZEN Hostel from real guests

Provided by verified guests of Agoda
8.8
/
10
Cleanliness8.9
Facilities8.1
Location8.9
Service9.1
Value for money8.9
High score for Nagano
Rating
9+ Exceptional (35)
8-9 Excellent (9)
7-8 Very Good (8)
6-7 Good (4)
<6 Below Expectation (5)
Time of the year
Mar - May (12)
Jun - Aug (2)
Sep - Nov (12)
Dec - Feb (35)

Show reviews that mention 

Showing 61 verified guest comments
1234
10.0
Exceptional
Sietske from Netherlands
Family with teens
Quad Non-Smoking
Stayed 3 nights in August 2019

Great place, lovely and spacious”

Lovely, spacious, very clean, great host. Would love to stay here again! Both private room as dorm is luxurious, common room nice and cool, the bR with fireplace great for all seasons. Clean showers, hot and cold water.

Reviewed August 05, 2019

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10.0
Exceptional
Lindsay from Australia
Solo traveler
Single Bed in 16-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
Stayed 2 nights in November 2019

Great stay”

Beautiful spot, friendly staff. Nearby baths and only a short stroll to anything you need to just kick back and relax. Was not there for the winter, but I will happily go back next time I head over for some winter season play.

Reviewed November 11, 2019

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9.6
Exceptional
Xiao from Singapore
Couple
Stayed 1 night in February 2019

Excellent place for budget travellers”

Zen is a extremely well-built hostel. It is located at just a few minutes walk from Yudakana station. What impressed me the most is each shower room has separate wet and dry zone. There’s a curtain, a bedside lamp and power plug for each bed in the dormitory. It also has a big and cosy common area for guest to hang out. Definitely a excellent option for budget travellers.

Reviewed February 11, 2019

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10.0
Exceptional
Luis from United States
Solo traveler
Single Bed in 16-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
Stayed 1 night in April 2019

Friendly place of great value!”

Maya who runs the hostel is very professional and informative ! The hostel is spotless and central to everything!

Reviewed April 06, 2019

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9.2
Exceptional
Basil from Japan
Solo traveler
Stayed 2 nights in February 2020

good location, nice people”

The people at the hostel are very helpful when it comes to finding out, where to go for skiing etc. The hostel is really clean and the location (5-10min to the station) is also convenient. In addition, they have a café/bar in the hostel, which makes for lively evenings.

Reviewed February 07, 2020

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9.2
Exceptional
THERESIA from Indonesia
Family with teens
Twin Room Non-Smoking
Stayed 1 night in January 2020

Traditional satisfy”

we are there like 4pm, and i think the guest is only us.. because so quite even when we come back at night. i like the room very clean even though a lil bit spooky because it's so quite and the carpet in the stairs to third floor to old. Its so clean and near from Yudanaka station.

Reviewed February 08, 2020

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9.2
Exceptional
Michael from United States
Couple
Quad Non-Smoking
Stayed 1 night in December 2018

Exceptional”

Charming hostel with great staff. Made us feel very at home and included us in their traditional New Years celebration!

Reviewed January 03, 2019

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8.8
Excellent
Ilham
Couple
Twin Room Non-Smoking
Stayed 1 night in December 2019

Good value for money”

All was great, cheap price with decent location and helpful staff (Masa-san the only staff we met). The room was decent, but it still feels cold inside (only AC as the heater). The way to the shower room was cold. Some slipper would be nice if provided.

Reviewed December 09, 2019

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8.0
Excellent
Ming from Singapore
Couple
Twin Room Non-Smoking
Stayed 2 nights in January 2019

Poor hot water facilities”

Location: perfect just less than 5 mins walk from yudanaka station Facilities: sad... hot water not consistent, will change to cold water suddenly.... freezes! If you need hot water for shower, please go to the nearby onsen (800yen per pax - personally I recommend biyo onsen - is more atas) instead! Secondly, no lift in the hostel. The room is okay for the cost.

Reviewed January 08, 2019

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7.2
Very good
Amanda from Sweden
Group
Suite - Non-Smoking
Stayed 8 nights in January 2019

Nice Japanese style, however very cold”

We were a group of six people staying for one week in a room. The staff and room itself was lovely, but there’s a few downsides to consider. The room was heated with kerosene that you have to put on yourself, which makes the room freezing cold overnight (since they turn themselves off after 3 hours). Same thing when you get back home after a day of skiing. The kerosene also leaves quite an odor. However, this way of heating is quite common in Japan, but just something to keep in mind if you’re staying in winter. Also, it’s a hostel - which means that nobody looks after/cleanes the room even if you’re staying for a full week. For the amount we payed I did expect a bit more cleaning and better heating system. The restaurant, lounge and staff was lovely though! Make sure to try the onsen next door, you can buy tickets from the hostel counter for €6.5, which also is a bit overcharged, other places we’ve stayed at in the same prize category includes it or charges about half of that.

Reviewed February 13, 2019

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6.8
Good
Kathy from Japan
Couple
Twin Room Non-Smoking
Stayed 1 night in March 2021

Cheap and low key”

The location is a little far from the main strip of shibu onsen but if you dont mind a little walk its okay. When booking i recommend emailing them or calling because the pictures arent completely accurate and they have some japanese style rooms and western style rooms. Its a huge place and they only have one area for showers and specific areas for the bathroom as well. The staff is really friendly and when i wasnt into the japanese room (because my bf tweaked his neck so the futon wasnt gonna do it for him) because the picture when we booked was of the western style room he accommodated us and moved us into that room happily, no different charge or anything. If you dont have any particular expectations and just need a place to stay, its chill

Reviewed March 27, 2021

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7.6
Very good
Cedric from Canada
Group
Triple
Stayed 4 nights in February 2020

Very good”

Cold during winter. It be 4 degrees in the common area and 10 in your room on cold winter nights!

Reviewed February 16, 2020

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6.4
Good
Michael from Philippines
Solo traveler
Stayed 2 nights in April 2019

Good Location”

Recommended for those who are visiting snow monkey in the morning and looking to spend relax time in one of the onsens within the area. The only thing I consider that might require improvement is keeping the dorm clean. since hostel allows guest from bringing their shoes inside the dorm and not having strict restrictions of guest eating food in their own bed, the room has unpleasant smell during my stay (at least to me). Overall, I still recommend staying im this place with the 2 reasons above.

Reviewed May 04, 2019

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6.4
Good
teck from Singapore
Solo traveler
Stayed 1 night in February 2020

Good”

will not choose the hostel again as the pillow is miserably small and thin, and difficulty with sleeping due to bed frame making loud squeaky noise while turning around.

Reviewed February 24, 2020

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9.2
Exceptional
Wai from Malaysia
Family with young children
Quad Non-Smoking
Stayed 2 nights in November 2017

Hostel with a Zen feel”

Doesn't seems to look like a hostel stay but more like Ryokan. Zen Hostel located near Yudanaka Station and there are many eateries around. Room was spacious, clean and comfortable. Love the interior of the hostel. Modern with good zen feel. Staff are friendly.

Reviewed December 29, 2017

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10.0
Exceptional
Ami from Sweden
Business traveler
Triple
Stayed 1 night in April 2018

Accessible and friendly ryokan”

English speaking staff who is very helpful, and wish to let everybody enjoy ryokan style hotel without knowing the etiquette. This means you do not have to remove your shoes. But I actually missed removing them and running around in slippers as in most ryokans. But I also appreciate the welcoming athmosphere. Zen Hostel is very convenient for talking walks, going to the Snow Monkey Park, and going to onsen. Zen Hostel had a agreement with a very beautiful onsen very closeby. We paid only 800 yen and could enjoy the most beautiful bath we have ever seen. We would love to return.

Reviewed May 04, 2018

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10.0
Exceptional
Rosalie from South Korea
Solo traveler
Stayed 2 nights in January 2017

Amazing Stay”

I loved ZEN Hostel. Really a beautiful property in a great location. Lots of privacy in the bunks with heavy curtains, but also plenty of really cozy common space for meeting new people. The only issue was it being absolutely freezing, but then again it was winter so of course it would be cold. The bedding was plenty warm though :) Just be sure to remember to rent a towel if you need to, as the bathrooms were very chilly in winter weather.

Reviewed April 17, 2017

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9.6
Exceptional
Linda from Japan
Couple
Twin Room Non-Smoking
Stayed 1 night in April 2018

Friendly, convenient with good facilities.”

I really liked this hostel. It has traditional tatami rooms for sleeping and ours was spacious and comfortable. There is a lovely fire to sit around in the bar area, as well as a pretty Japanese garden to look over from the living/TV room. This place is very well priced and close to the station, I'd definitely recommend it if you want good value for money. We would have liked power points in our room, but there are plenty of power points in the bar area to use. As with a lot of hostels in Japan, there are stairs you'll need to use, so if you have sore knees or heavy luggage or whatever, then you may be concerned, but if you're like most people and don't care about that, this place is great.

Reviewed April 25, 2018

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8.0
Excellent
michael from Indonesia
Solo traveler
Stayed 1 night in February 2018

Great location to catch train early in the morning”

The hostel is located at heart of Yudanaka onsen. 3 mins walk to station and public bath. Surrounded by local eateries and shops. Basic room amenities with nice lounge

Reviewed February 28, 2018

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8.8
Excellent
Dinna from Indonesia
Family with teens
Suite - Non-Smoking
Stayed 1 night in December 2017

Nice stay”

The hostel is clean, near the train station. The staff is helpfull, nice. But one of heater in our room was lowbatt very early in the morning (at 5am) and so difficult to find the staff at that time. But overall we enjoy to stay in this hostel

Reviewed January 15, 2018

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1234
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