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Summary of reviewsI-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami offers a superb experience for travelers, particularly those on the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. The hostel is perfectly situated as a midpoint between Onomichi and Imabari, making it an ideal stop for cyclists. It boasts secure bike parking and storage facilities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Guests praise the location for its proximity to key landmarks like the Tatara Bridge and nearby amenities such as convenience stores and an onsen. The staff's exceptional hospitality and attentiveness further enhance the welcoming atmosphere.
Despite the absence of an on-site breakfast service, guests can easily find alternatives at a nearby convenience store. Dinner at the hostel, however, garners rave reviews, with meals that rival fine dining in quality and taste. The diverse menu caters to various dietary needs, offering everything from luxurious multi-course meals to simpler comfort foods, all at great value.
The accommodations feature a blend of comfort and modern design, with spacious rooms and well-maintained facilities. Guests enjoy the innovative capsule-style sleeping pods, equipped with cozy bedding and essential amenities. While privacy might be compromised slightly due to the use of curtains instead of doors, the cleanliness and organization of the space consistently impress visitors.
The hostel's cleanliness stands out, with spotless facilities that include sanitary bathrooms and showers. The modern aesthetic contributes to a relaxing and peaceful environment. The staff receive high marks for their friendliness, helpfulness, and multilingual communication skills, further elevating the guest experience.
Beds at the hostel are noted for their comfort, with many guests appreciating the quality of the futon-style mattresses and bedding. While some find the pricing slightly high for a hostel, the combination of comfort, cleanliness, and convenient facilities justifies the cost for many, especially cyclists enjoying the picturesque route.
Overall, I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami is celebrated for its exceptional service, strategic location, and high-quality amenities, making it a top choice for travelers exploring the Shimanami Kaido. Show more
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Hostel with Parking
Room Types
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory has air conditioning.
Single Room with Shared BathroomThe single room includes a shared bathroom fitted with a shower, a bidet and a hairdryer. The single room offers pajamas. The unit has 1 bed.
Twin Room with Shared BathroomThe twin room includes a shared bathroom equipped with a shower, a bidet and a hairdryer. The twin room provides pajamas. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
9.0
Excellent
Location
Situated perfectly on the Shimanami Kaido cycling route, the I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami emerges as an ideal sanctuary for cyclists, serving as a pivotal midpoint between Onomichi and Imabari. This accommodation caters exceptionally well to biking enthusiasts, offering secure bike parking and bike storage facilities directly in the rooms. Its proximity to the Tatara Bridge, alongside its location near convenience stores and an onsen, makes it a particularly appealing stop for travelers seeking both comfort and convenience. The hostel is lauded for its cleanliness and ease of access, ensuring a restful respite amidst the journey. Complementing its strategic location is its remarkable hospitality, with staff praised for their attentiveness and generosity even during unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather. Additionally, guests are drawn to its cozy ambiance and the inviting showers that provide soothing relief after a strenuous day of cycling. Overall, the hostel’s thoughtfully integrated amenities, combined with its superb location, make it a top choice for those traversing the picturesque Shimanami Kaido.
Breakfast
The breakfast situation at I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami leaves room for improvement, as there is no on-site breakfast offering, nor are there facilities to self-cater. While guests can enjoy new and operational amenities at the hostel, the absence of basic breakfast options like coffee, cutlery, or simple morning meals such as yogurt, toast, or pancakes is noticeable. This gap is somewhat mitigated by the convenience store located directly across the street, which provides an alternative for acquiring breakfast snacks. Guests often resort to this convenient option, though they express a preference for having a simple breakfast available at the hostel itself. Despite this limitation, visitors can enjoy à la carte dinner options on-site or explore dining alternatives in the area.
Dinner
Nestled in a region known for its serene landscapes, I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami delights its guests with a culinary experience that consistently impresses. Visitors rave about the delicious meals offered at the hotel's restaurant, with many noting the dishes resemble those of fine dining establishments. Whether opting for a set meal or a multi-course arrangement, guests often find both the quality and quantity exceed their expectations.
The in-house dinner doesn't just offer taste and flavor; it's also a fantastic value for money, providing hearty portions and variety to cater to diverse dietary needs. The multi-course meals, pre-booked by many for a reasonable price, stand out for their elegant seasoning and local flavors, making them a highly recommended choice. With an option to order upon arrival, guests appreciate the flexibility and are pleasantly surprised by the quality of food available on-site.
For those seeking a variety of options, the menu does not disappoint. Choices range from luxurious dishes to simpler, yet equally delicious offerings, such as fried fish sets accompanied by rice and miso soup. The inclusion of cocktails served at the cafe further enhances the dining experience, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.
Overall, dinner at I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami is celebrated for its exceptional quality and taste, leaving travelers with memorable gastronomic impressions that complement the beauty of the journey itself.
Rooms
I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami offers guests an impressive blend of comfort and modernity, making it a standout choice for travelers in search of spacious accommodations. The rooms are praised for their generous size, often exceeding expectations and significantly larger than typical hotel rooms found in Tokyo or Osaka. Facilities such as the bathrooms are not only clean but also gender-specific and spacious, enhancing the overall experience.
Travelers appreciate the brand new, modern look of the hostel, which provides all necessary amenities alongside the innovative concept of capsule-style accommodations. Each sleeping pod, while separated only by curtains, offers adequate space, ensuring a good night's sleep with comfortable, fluffy mattresses. The capsules are cozy and well-equipped with extra power plugs and lockable drawers, though some guests note that ventilation can be improved.
The hostel's location is particularly advantageous for cyclists, making it a great halfway stop with bike storage facilities available. Cleanliness is a consistent highlight across all reviews, with the entire facility well-maintained and immaculately clean. Guests can also enjoy additional amenities such as provided sleepwear and dining options on the premises.
Despite the absence of traditional doors in favor of locking curtains, which can pose challenges regarding privacy and noise, the overall consensus depicts I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami as a clean, comfortable, and well-organized choice for savvy travelers, offering a unique capsule hotel experience in a superb location.
Beds
I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami has received glowing praise for its beds, which offer both comfort and quality. Many guests appreciated the snugness and coziness of futon-style bedding, noting the mattresses were firm yet comfortable, with fluffy and high-quality bedding that ensures a good night's sleep. The hostel offers a variety of room styles including spacious bunk beds, which surprisingly feel more like private rooms due to their ample space and thoughtful design. These beds come with enough height and width, making them suitable for relaxation after a long day of cycling the Shimano Kaido route.
Guests have described the dormitory beds as spacious, warm, and dry, adding to the overall sense of comfort and safety within the mixed-gender dormitory settings. Those who stayed in private rooms have also praised the beds, emphasizing their fluffiness and comfort. Moreover, the hostel is noted for its spotlessly clean facilities and kind staff, enhancing the overall experience. While some found the bed a bit hard, most reviews indicate a high level of comfort across various accommodation options.
Though the pricing of some bed spaces might feel steep for a youth hostel, especially for those seeking budget-friendly options, the quality, cleanliness, and comfort seem to justify the cost for many guests, particularly those on cycling adventures.
Cleanliness
I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami offers an exceptional experience with a strong emphasis on cleanliness, which consistently impresses its guests. Visitors commend the hostel's impeccable standards, noting that even the bathrooms surpass the cleanliness expected in private homes. The entire facility is described as spotless, with a new and modern feel that includes well-organized spaces and comfortable interiors. Guests find the bathrooms, showers, and other amenities to be exceptionally clean and practical, contributing to a peaceful and relaxing stay. The hostel's design is praised for its functionality and welcoming atmosphere, with comfortable and spacious rooms. Whether it's the pristine dorms, super sanitary facilities, or the charming café, cleanliness is a standout feature. The hostel's convenient location and thoughtful provision of essentials add to its appeal, making it a highly recommended choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and hygienic environment.
Staff
At I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami, the staff consistently receive glowing praise from guests. Visitors repeatedly highlight the friendliness, kindness, and helpfulness of the staff, noting their gracious and accommodating nature. They are commended for their attentiveness and responsiveness, always ready to assist with directions, parcel drop-off options, or any inquiries. The reception team stands out for its courteous service, often going the extra mile by lending ice packs for sunburns or providing newspapers to deal with wet shoes.
Communication is seamless, with staff fluent in both English and Japanese, ensuring clear explanations and helpful recommendations for exploring the island. The front desk team is recognized for being caring and efficient, quickly offering towels and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. Guests appreciate the lovely staff's warm reception and articulated support, contributing to a relaxing and comfortable stay.
Moreover, guests frequently mention the amazing dining experience and the generosity shown by the staff, whether it's sharing local tips or ensuring each guest feels at home. With an exceptional level of organization, the staff's efforts result in not just a place to rest, but a genuine hub of hospitality. All these attributes combined create a favorable impression, making I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami a delightful stop for travelers.
No, I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami.
No, I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami.
No, I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami doesn't have a gym.