- The location is excellent, about 600m from Odawara Station and exacly opposite the Odawara Castle. - The bed was comfy and the way it was set up, create less light into your bed cubicle even when the hall light is turned on (which is good). - I arrived early and thanks to the housekeeper to allow me to keep my luggage in the room, before I were to check in at 3pm. Otherwise I have to drag my luggage to 3F for temp storage (no lift in this building. - No human receptionist, but all check in check out are done electronically.

- The wifi is really bad. It keeps disconnected for the two nights that I stayed. If not because of the wifi, I could have rated the hostel as 10. - The building looks unfinished and old from outside. But inside the building, all is good.

Cozy little studio with privacy and has own toilet and standing shower area. Soft bed and 4 pillows, generous in terms of Japanese standard, most hotels, I get only a pillow that is too soft. The Odawara Castle Park entrance is just a few steps away - nice.

The distance to Odawara Station on foot with luggage isn't fun, when it rains! No convenient store around but it's ok. Hated the steps up to 3rd floor, I think my back broke 😆😅

Very functional Family room, with lots of cutlery and nice amenities in the room. Nice view of the castle entrance from the ultra large windows. A really cute cafe on 3F although I couldn't really get to use it. Complementary coffee and tea whenever you like on the cafe floor was a nice touch. I didn't find the check-in method difficult at all. I Don't get why all the reviews that people struggled to check in.

Didn't realize I would have to lift my luggage and stroller to the room in 2F. The window blinds were made of paper and I was really worried that my infant kid would end up tearing them.

The location was the main draw. It was right across Odawara Castle and very short distance from Odawara Station. The facilities were good and the room was spacious. It made our trip to Hakone area really convenient and enjoyable. There are heaps of food options in the vicinity. And we got to see Odawara Castle as if it was just in our backyard!

Given the price, I could not really complain. Maybe there are small traces of mould near the airconditioning unit, it can be cleaned more regularly.

Fantastic location, easily accessible from the railway. Right next to Odawara Castle - great as a landmark and easy access for visit. Has various parking facilities nearby if you are driving; convenient location.

Generally, everything was great and as expected for the price paid. Things that could be better improved on: Ocassionally the Wi-Fi is patchy and did not provide a reliable or usable connection. Possibility to have TV against the wall.

Great location. A cosy hostel in a relatively quiet neighbourhood. Check-in went without issues, although I did have to help a few guests with their check-in as it was unclear which bunk number is assigned to you unless you check inside the mens/ladies room itself (it's written on a whiteboard on the wall). Nice comfy bed, enough walking space on the floor to place luggage and not feel that you might be blocking other guests. Really liked having access to the 4th floor space for having meals late at night.

The shower area is placed directly beside a bunk bed, so be conscience of taking showers too late at night as it's clearly audible in the room. Also just note that you have to go through 2 number-pad locked doors to reach the toilet (and there is only ONE toilet for the 1st floor).

The key value of the room is value for money. It is not big, but definitely fit for purpose for a family of 2 adults and 3 young children. There is very thoughtful provision of snacks and tea (I love the okashi which is sort of an omiyage of Odawara - a miniature castle pancake). The location is splendid - though a bit of distance from the Odawara station. It is close to many restaurants, some are well-known for traditions while some others offer much value for money. I loved that we can have access to the quiet cafe on the 3rd floor in the late night and early morning - makes a good place to meditate and do some work. They also provide drinking water, games, and some simple snacks for a small fee. The team at HVNI is very helpful and responsive.

It is housed in a small building and is targeted more at backpackers for sure. So for family travelers, just make do when you have neighbour in the family room - bound to hear people speaking next door. Beyond that, the team at HVNI is very helpful and responsive.

Although it's a self check in facility, staff were very responsible through booking dot com messages. Easily accessible by walking or taking a bus from the train station. Right by the Odawara castle. The food recommendation provided by the hostel was great. Went to Odawara Oden Main Store - yummy food and great service. There's a huge locker under the bed.

The bathroom can be challenging for heavy set guys. But it's inside the dorm so it's convenient.

great location. easy-to-follow instruction (i.e.self check in). Great value. clean place.

the stairs to upper bed is not 'feet friendly. the staircase is round shape which is uncomfortable (usually places i go have flat staircase, easy on the feet). if you are up and down with sandals/shoes, then it's ok. but if you do， it doesnt make sense to take off the sandals/shoes and throw it on the floor(since now you are high on upper bed).

Surperb and most friendly staff. Most cannot speak English but can communicate via body language or Google translate, they were always willing to help no matter what the issue was. The hostel was always clean. A lovely bar and restaurant on the 3rd floor which even the locals visit; with a great view of the entrance of the castle. Guests can still bring own food to eat at restaurant, plus they have good free coffee!

Some squeaky noise as people move up and down the stairs, not a huge issue for me. In the female dorm, the shower was in the room which can get busy if all 6 beds were taken. I was lucky, throughout my stay the beds were always full but the guests rarely showered the same time as me. But like me, others may have went to an onsen so didn't need to shower at hostel! 10 minutes walk from JR train station. Not too far or close, acceptable.