Hotel Mikado - Hostel

I particularly chose the Mikado for being good value for money and there's a hot bath and sauna downstairs. They have specific hours for men and women use, but it worked for me. I stayed in a traditional Japanese futon bedroom for first four nights of my stay and a standard single bedroom for the last two nights. Rooms are very small, but still have a refrigerator and work desk and room for a large suitcase. It was comfortable and all I needed. Wash facilities and toilets are in each floor, but I used the sauna area showers every morning. There is a communal kitchen downstairs by reception, tea and coffee available all day. Bathrobes, slippers and the usual amenities are available free of extra charge. Staff are very helpful and speak English and the hotel is well located close to Dotubusuen-Mae metro and Shin-Imamiya train station is a few minutes walk. There are plenty of nice cafes and places to eat by the hotel and karaoke bars seem to be popular in the area. The only criticism I had was that the basins in the onsen/spa changing area were taped off and needed fixing which didn't look good and there was quite a bit of dust in the rooms along the clothes hanging area which I cleaned. Besides a few minor issues, the hotel is ideal for budget travellers and I really enjoyed the sauna relaxing every morning and some evenings, I would definitely stay here again.

Stayed here for one night before going to Koyasan. A bit far from Shin Imamiya Station but still walkable with convenience stores nearby. Annex building common area, toilets, showers, and bedroom were all very new and clean. Didn't get to use public bath (closes at 950pm for men to open up for women) but was able to use it during my last stay and it's fine. Would recommend for the price.

For the price, this place was good. Location is decent for its proximity to the subway (Doubutsuen-mae) and so so for the Nankai Rail (you'll use it to get to Kobe and the airport). Family Mart and Osho Gyoza nearby, and Don Quijote across the street. Check in was easy and staff were friendly. The main building is where you check in and the Annex (nicer area) is connected by a sliding door. Room is a bit tight but clean and good with a fridge. Shared bath was nothing special but still good for me. If you want to be near the subway, this place is good but if you want proximity to the Nankai Rail, there are others.