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Summary of reviewsU Street Capsule Hostel in Washington, D.C. is widely lauded for its strategic location that offers both convenience and vibrancy. Situated mere steps from the U Street Metro station, it provides easy access to major attractions like the National Mall, the White House and various transportation hubs, including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Union Station. The bustling U Street corridor imbues the hostel with a lively atmosphere, featuring numerous dining options, bars, restaurants and notable spots like Ben's Chili Bowl. The hostel strikes a balance between a dynamic neighborhood and a tranquil, secure space, making it an excellent base for exploring D.C.'s urban lifestyle.
The hostel also receives positive feedback for its unique rooms, particularly the capsule beds which are spacious, private and surprisingly comfortable. The futuristic design of the capsules adds an interesting twist to the lodging experience. Private rooms are available for guests seeking more solitude. The hostel is generally noted for its cleanliness, especially in common areas and bathrooms, contributing to a safe and comfortable stay. However, some guests noted occasional lapses in cleanliness in certain areas like capsules and the basement showers.
Guests have mixed feelings about the breakfast service; while some appreciated the quality and freshness of the offerings, others lamented the inconsistency and confusion regarding whether breakfast is included. The breakfast experience appears to have room for improvement in terms of communication and execution.
Staff at U Street Capsule Hostel are frequently commended for their friendliness and attentiveness, contributing significantly to the welcoming atmosphere. The reception team, in particular, is highlighted for their excellent service. The efficient self-check-in system further enhances the guest experience, despite minor lapses in staff availability and occasional unhelpful attitudes.
The hostel offers solid wifi connectivity, generally praised for its reliability across the property. However, the absence of power outlets in capsules and occasional stability issues can be inconvenient for guests needing to charge larger devices like laptops.
Overall, the beds receive mixed reviews; while many find the capsule beds comfortable and private, some guests note inconsistencies in mattress quality with several describing them as too thin or worn out.
U Street Capsule Hostel fosters a welcoming environment tailored to adult travelers, particularly solo adventurers. Women-only dorms and designated adult-only areas ensure a secure and tranquil experience. Additionally, the hostel's pet-friendly policies are appreciated, although there are some restrictions such as not allowing large dogs.
In summary, U Street Capsule Hostel is an excellent option for budget travelers seeking a unique lodging experience in a vibrant, central location. With a few improvements in specified areas, it has the potential to offer an even more comfortable and satisfying stay. Show more
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Hostel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Dog Friendly Hostel
Dogs Stay Free
Cheap Hostel
Accessible Hostel
Hostel for Adults Only
Small Hostel
Hostel where Dogs Stay Free
Room Types
Single Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory features a balcony, seating area and air conditioning.
Single Bed in Female Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory has a seating area, air conditioning and soundproofing.
Single Bed in Male Dormitory Room with Shared BathroomThis bed in dormitory features a view, air conditioning and soundproofing.
Single Bed in Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory has a soundproofing, air conditioning and seating area.
Large Pod Female Room This bed in dormitory features a balcony, air conditioning and soundproofing.
Single Room with Private BathroomFeaturing free toiletries, this single room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bidet and a hairdryer. The single room has carpeted floors, a seating area, air conditioning, heating as well as city views. The unit has 1 bed.
Superior Single RoomProviding free toiletries, this single room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bidet and a hairdryer. The single room is furnished with a desk and a seating area and provides air conditioning, a carpeted floor and city views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Single Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory has a seating area, soundproofing and air conditioning.
Single Bed in Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory features a seating area, soundproofing and view.
Guest Reviews
7.9
Good
Location
The location of U Street Capsule Hostel in Washington, D.C., receives widespread praise from guests for its convenience and vibrancy. Positioned just steps away from the U Street Metro station, the hostel provides easy and quick access to major city attractions and public transportation, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. Visitors appreciate the proximity to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Union Station and major sights like the National Mall and the White House. The bustling U Street corridor, known for its nightlife, restaurants and entertainment options, enhances the hostel's appeal, especially for those looking to experience D.C.'s vibrant social scene.
Guests highlight the area's numerous dining options, grocery stores and notable spots like Ben's Chili Bowl, which contribute to the neighborhood's lively atmosphere. The hostel's central location is also noted for being within walking distance to many popular sites, making it easy for travelers to navigate and explore on foot.
Despite being in a dynamic and active neighborhood, the hostel maintains a sense of safety and tranquility, as affirmed by several reviewers. The location struck a balance, providing both a lively environment and a secure, calm space to return to after a day of sightseeing or a night out. Overall, U Street Capsule Hostel stands out for its strategic location, blending the ease of access to public transportation with the excitement of D.C.'s urban lifestyle.
Breakfast
It appears that the breakfast experience at U Street Capsule Hostel has elicited mixed reactions from guests. On the positive side, some guests found the breakfast options to be great and enjoyed the fresh, high-quality food offerings. The cozy coffee bar in the hostel is praised for its nice morning coffee and pleasant staff. A small buffet is also mentioned as being included in the breakfast experience.
However, many guests expressed dissatisfaction with the breakfast service. Several reports highlight confusion regarding whether breakfast was included or not with many guests expecting a complimentary breakfast based on their booking information, only to be disappointed upon arrival. There are mentions of charges for what was assumed to be a free meal, as well as limited breakfast options mainly consisting of coffee, tea and small snacks.
For some, the breakfast was not available at all and its absence was often attributed to COVID-19 restrictions. Guests noted that the advertised breakfast was a fictitious inclusion, leading to frustration. This inconsistency and lack of clarity affected guests' overall perceptions of the service, despite the quality of the food when it was available.
In summary, while the breakfast at U Street Capsule Hostel has its high points in terms of quality and certain offerings, the communication and execution of this service seem to have significant room for improvement.
Rooms
U Street Capsule Hostel offers a unique lodging experience in a vibrant and central location, perfect for budget travelers. The capsules themselves are a hit, praised for their spaciousness, privacy and surprising comfort, which many found to be more accommodating than a traditional bunk bed dormitory. The capsules emulate a futuristic, spaceship-like atmosphere, providing an interesting and novel experience. Each has a curtain for added privacy and adjustable air conditioning.
Private rooms are also available and appreciated for their comfort and ability to cater to those seeking a more solitary stay. Cleanliness is generally noted, particularly in common areas and bathrooms, though some guests felt that improvements could be made in this regard, especially in the capsules and individual rooms. Storage space within the rooms is limited with lockers being on the small side and fewer plug options than expected.
Bathroom facilities, although modern and clean, are somewhat inconveniently placed with showers only available in the basement, leading to occasional crowding. Some small repairs and maintenance issues were noted, such as faulty USB ports and occasional noise from ventilation systems.
Despite some drawbacks, including minimal kitchen facilities and occasional noise from other guests, the efficient self-check-in process and adequate price-quality ratio make U Street Capsule Hostel a decent option for those looking to experience something out of the ordinary while enjoying the convenience of a central location surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants. The overall feel is safe and homey, particularly for extended stays and the hostel could benefit from a few upgrades to maximize guest comfort.
Beds
The beds at U Street Capsule Hostel have garnered mixed feedback from guests, focusing on comfort, privacy and the quality of mattresses. Many guests appreciate the capsule beds for being comfortable, cozy and offering a greater sense of privacy than traditional dorm beds. The capsules are noted to be spacious, clean and sufficiently private with comfortable bedding, including pillows and mattresses that appear new to some reviewers. Several guests specifically highlight the comfortable and cushioned nature of the bedding with remarks likening the beds to providing a good night's sleep.
However, the recurring issue seems to be the thinness and varying quality of the mattresses. Multiple reviews point out that, despite some mattresses being comfortable, others are described as too thin, saggy or worn out, leading to discomfort for several guests. This discrepancy in mattress quality has caused complaints of hard or stiff sleeping conditions and backaches. Moreover, the capsules can be noisy, especially when accessing upper bunks and the lack of proper doors can reduce the overall comfort and privacy levels.
In conclusion, while the U Street Capsule Hostel's beds offer a unique and generally cozy experience with notable privacy, the inconsistent mattress quality is a significant drawback that may affect the comfort of some guests.
Cleanliness
U Street Capsule Hostel offers a mixed experience when it comes to cleanliness with a predominantly positive outlook from guests. Many reviews highlight the hostel as clean and comfortable with particular praise for the tidiness and well-kept nature of the common areas, rooms and capsules. Showers and restrooms often received positive mentions for being clean and modern, adding to the overall sense of hygiene and maintenance. Clean towels and sheets were appreciated and the hostel's general cleanliness and organization met guests' expectations.
However, some areas could benefit from more frequent and thorough cleaning. Issues like dirty or poorly maintained bathrooms, dust and dirt in the capsules, unclean bedding and occasional odors from cleaning agents were noted. The basement showers and restrooms sometimes lagged in cleanliness and certain facilities showed signs of wear. Despite these drawbacks, the hostel maintains a reasonably clean environment, especially in high-traffic common spaces and individual capsules, contributing to a safe and comfortable stay.
Staff
At U Street Capsule Hostel, the majority of guests have praised the staff for their friendliness and helpfulness. Many reviews highlight the attentiveness and accommodating nature of the staff with several guests specifically noting the excellent service provided by individuals like Miguel and Dee. The self-check-in system has been reported to work flawlessly and the reception is often described as pleasant and welcoming.
Guests appreciated the staff's politeness, kindness and professionalism, often noting that the team went above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. The hostel's app for check-in and other services has generally been well-received, contributing to a convenient and smooth experience for visitors.
However, some reviews mentioned areas for improvement, such as occasional issues with staff availability and occasional lapses in friendliness. A few guests reported that the staff could be more engaging and present with some isolated complaints about specific individuals being unhelpful or having bad attitudes.
Overall, the U Street Capsule Hostel staff are largely seen as a positive aspect of the stay, contributing significantly to the hostel's welcoming atmosphere and efficient service.
Wi-Fi
U Street Capsule Hostel offers a generally positive experience when it comes to wifi connectivity with several guests highlighting the good and excellent wifi available throughout the property. Many reviews noted that the wifi works perfectly and can be accessed everywhere, ensuring guests stay connected without significant issues. However, it's worth mentioning that the wifi can be slightly unreliable or weak at times, especially during peak usage periods. Some guests reported intermittent stability and occasional speed issues, making it less ideal for medium to heavy usage.
Another factor to consider is the absence of power outlets within the capsules with only USB ports available, which sometimes do not function properly. This setup could be inconvenient for guests needing to charge larger devices like laptops, relegating them to common areas for such tasks. Despite these minor setbacks, the hostel makes up for it by providing additional amenities like free coffee, tea, a microwave and a fridge, along with a convenient Goki key app system for easy access.
Overall, U Street Capsule Hostel delivers a satisfactory wifi experience and various amenities that contribute to a comfortable stay, although improvements with power outlets and wifi stability would enhance the guest experience further.
Adult Only
'U Street Capsule Hostel' offers a welcoming atmosphere tailored to adult travelers, particularly appealing to solo adventurers. With separate female showers and sleeping areas, it ensures a safe and clean environment for solo female travelers. Female-only dorms and designated adult-only areas contribute to a sense of security and exclusivity. The hostel attracts a younger crowd, making it a great place for solo travelers to make new friends in a secure, children-free setting. Overall, the adult-only policies create an inviting and tranquil experience.
Dog Friendly
U Street Capsule Hostel offers a dog-friendly environment with specific accommodations for pets. Guests have the option to stay with their pets in upper pods and the hostel provides a designated dog-friendly space, which has received positive feedback from visitors. However, there are restrictions, such as not allowing large dogs. Although the hostel generally approves of the dog-friendly space, some reviews mention external disturbances like people smoking weed in the surrounding area and a rumor about police being called to the property regarding a stolen iPhone. Despite these issues, the hostel is appreciated for its pet-friendly policies.
No, U Street Capsule Hostel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at U Street Capsule Hostel.
Yes, U Street Capsule Hostel welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at U Street Capsule Hostel.