This is a wonderful hotel, unfortunately we were put into the smallest room, one that was so small and filled with unusable furniture that there was no space for one guest let alone two. Getting around meant one person had to stay on the bed while the other crawled to the sink or shower room. The room was so tiny that staying in it was a constant source of tension, the kind of tension that can ruin a vacation. It was so small, it was almost impossible to step into the room and move aside so you could close the door behind you. There is a similar problem maneuvering into the shower. So if you want to stay in this hotel definitely ask not to be put in room 214. It's torture. Management would do well to remove the bed, the nightstand, the chair (which cannot be used because it has to be crammed so close to the small bed), and the small table next to the chair that also cannot be used. Replace the furniture with tatami, futons and a couple of pads to sit on. Now, moving on from the agitation of being sentenced to Room 214, this hotel has a lot going for it. The staff is super helpful and friendly. The hotel and the Onomichi train station share the same building -- a brand new building -- so as soon as you step off the train, you're at your hotel. Also, the building is completely soundproof. You will not hear or feel trains rumbling by or any noise from the bus and car traffic from in front of the hotel. The rooms have cathedral ceilings, not just high ceilings but vaulted ceilings, which I'm sure would have felt luxurious had we not been stuck in Room 214. The rooms also have high windows that give you a lot of ambient light and, I'm sure, great views from some of the rooms. Before being pointed to your room, you are brought to an amenity counter and allowed to take as many packets of luxury face washes, night creams and other cosmetics as you desire. A N'espresso machine and coffee capsules await you in your room. Once again, this is a wonderfully charming and modern hotel in a wonderfully charming and funky city. We plan to return to Onomichi when it is not so hot -- and stay in this hotel. But we'll ask for a larger room.
We stayed two nights here, before and after cycling the Shimanami Kaido. The location could not be better. Arriving by train, the hotel is just across a pedestrian walkway, facing the inland sea. Most of the cycle rental places are along the waterfront or nearby. The short ferry trip to start the cycling is almost in front of the hotel. The Superior Queen room with view was comfortable with electric kettle, green tea & coffee drip bags. The view (from levels 5 & 6) was great. The rooms have a retro charm. Breakfast was included & offered western & Japanese options. Nothing fancy but perfectly adequate. The reception staff speak some English & they were happy to store our luggage while we cycled. There is a coin laundry & bike storage off the main reception area. Overall, very good value.
El Mochilero is a five star hostel, it is clean, there is more than ample space in the rooms, each guest has access to her /his own locker with it's own key where you will find several towels folded in a the manner of five star hotels in a very cute basket, there are also earplugs in each basket. The room I was staying in had four beds and there are two other rooms on the second floor. Very clean bathrooms with a bathtub. But what sets El Mochilero apart from other hostels is that it is family owned by a warm, caring and hospitable family.I felt right at home with Senora Carolina, su mother and her brother Percy.I was hosted as a member of the family and this will stay with me. There is a hearty breakfast served in the morning with orange juice and coffee that will sustain you through the day. I cannot thank enough this family for the way I have been hosted. And I hope to see them again.
Surprised to see a poor review for this place as this was one of the best places on our stay in Japan. Booked the multi bed room for my family and the kids (ages 8 & 11) absolutely loved the upper bed cubicles. Each cubicle came with a comfy bed and desk area that runs the length of the bed with a reading light, UBS/plugs receptables and privacy curtains. Shower and bathroom facilities are good and you are sharing the property with only a handful of others. The staff at the restaurant and at check in and check out were some of the friendliest most helpful people we came across on our entire trip. The roof top deck has wonderful views and the food and vibe in the restaurant was excellent. If we ever come back to cycle the Shiminami Kaido again this is where we will be staying.