What is a guesthouse? How is it different from a hotel?
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A guesthouse generally refers to simple lodging facilities. Unlike hotels and inns, bathrooms are shared and rooms are shared, but guesthouses also have their own advantages, such as the opportunity to interact with other travelers and being inexpensive to stay at. Also, since services and facilities are minimal, it is basic for guests to take care of themselves during their stay.
Many guesthouses are privately run, so they have a wide variety of concepts and offer a variety of services based on the owner's hobbies and preferences.
Types of guesthouses
Guesthouse room types are mainly divided into two categories: dormitories and private rooms. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so we recommend choosing the one that best suits your travel style.
Dormitory
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A dormitory is a shared room with multiple beds. In most cases, there are several bunk beds. Each bed is separated by a curtain or partition, and the only private space is above the bed.
Toilets, bathrooms, living rooms, kitchens, etc. are shared with other guests.
If you want to actively interact with other travelers and want to keep travel expenses as low as possible, you should choose a dormitory.
Private room
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In a dormitory, once you step out of your bed, everything is a shared space, but in a private room, once you enter the room, everything is your own space. Compared to a dormitory, the accommodation fee is a little higher, but it is recommended for those who want to relax without having to worry about other people. However, please note that toilets, baths, and kitchens are often shared.
Women's dormitory
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There are also dormitories that only women can stay in. Some people may want to avoid co-ed dormitories that are only separated by curtains or partitions due to privacy concerns. Women-only dormitories are a little more expensive than co-ed dormitories, but they have the advantage of being safer. This is a recommended room type for people who are uncomfortable with mixed-gender spaces.
The charm of the guesthouse
If you're going to stay at a guesthouse, you want to have a special experience that you can't get at a hotel or inn. Here are four unique charms of guesthouses.
Low accommodation costs
The biggest attraction of guesthouses is that they keep accommodation costs down. Unlike hotels and inns, they do not provide meals or amenities and only offer the bare minimum of service, so while a business hotel will cost around 6,000 to 10,000 yen per night, a guesthouse will cost around 2,000 to 5,000 yen.
Enjoy interacting with people
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Guesthouses have common spaces such as lounges, kitchens, and living rooms, allowing you to enjoy interacting with a diverse range of guests. Meeting people of all nationalities, ages, and occupations is sure to create unforgettable memories of your trip.
Some guesthouses hold events and workshops for their guests. Actively participating in these events can also lead to new encounters.
Deeply involved with the local community
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There are guesthouses that are closely tied to the local community, not only in urban areas but also in regional tourist destinations and rural areas. Many are run by locals, so their big appeal is that you can interact with the locals and experience the local culture.
It would be a fun experience to ask the owner about delicious local restaurants and scenic spots that only a few people know about and then go on a tour.
With a wide variety of concepts, you can choose the place that suits you best.
One of the attractions of guesthouses is that each one has a completely different concept and atmosphere. There are a wide variety of guesthouses, such as designer, renovated old houses, art-focused, and ones with co-working spaces, so you can choose one that suits your needs and preferences.
[Q&A] Tips for staying at a guesthouse
Unlike hotels or inns, there are a few things you should be aware of when staying at a guesthouse. We will answer some frequently asked questions in this Q&A section.
Q: How do I find a guesthouse?
A: Once you've decided on your destination, first check out the major accommodation booking sites. It might also be a good idea to search on a dedicated booking site that only features guesthouses.
You can easily search for guesthouses near your destination using Google Maps.
Q: How do I make a reservation?
A: You can make a reservation through a reservation site or directly with the guesthouse by phone or email.
Q: How do I use the shared spaces?
A: Generally, you are free to use the shared spaces such as the living room, kitchen, and lounge. Some guesthouses have time restrictions, so you should check in advance.
Also, please be quiet in the early morning and late at night so as not to disturb other guests. The common areas are used by all guests, so please check the rules in advance and use them correctly.
Q: Is there a check-in or lights-out time?
A: Some places allow check-in 24 hours a day, while others have set check-in times, so be sure to check their official websites. Lights-out times are often set between 11pm and midnight, but this can vary from guesthouse to guesthouse, so it's essential to check in advance.
Q: Are amenities available?
A: Generally, there are no amenities provided. Please make sure to bring all the necessary items, such as toothbrushes, towels, and hairdryers.
Also, be aware that shampoo, conditioner, and body soap may not be provided.
Q: Is there anything useful to bring?
A: It would be useful to have slippers, an eye mask, earplugs, a padlock, and an eco bag.
<slippers>
Slippers are not provided in guesthouses, unlike hotels and inns. It is a good idea to bring a pair of slippers to take with you so you can relax.
<Eye mask and earplugs>
Since people come and go freely in dormitories, your sleep may be interrupted. With an eye mask and earplugs, you can concentrate and get a good night's sleep.
<padlock>
In guesthouses, where many people stay, you are responsible for managing your valuables. Many guesthouses provide lockers, but some do not. Bringing a small padlock or security pouch will allow you to store your valuables safely.
Eco Bag
Eco bags are very useful. They can be used in a variety of situations, such as when you go to take a shower, when you have extra luggage, or when you want to store dirty clothes together, so it's good to have a few on hand.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi?
A: Wi-Fi facilities are generally available. If you are using a guesthouse for workcation or other purposes, it is a good idea to inquire just in case.
Increase your travel options with new accommodation experiences
Guesthouses may seem like a high hurdle to overcome, but once you realize their appeal, staying at a guesthouse may become the purpose of your trip. "Unexpected encounters" are the best part of traveling. Be sure to actively interact with other guests and locals, and enjoy the unique encounters you can only have there.
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
