Green Hotel Aizu

Being near the station made meals easy to find, and there’s even a hot spring within walking distance if you don’t mind going a bit farther. The staff were friendly and the price felt fair for a typical local business hotel. It’s room-only, though, and charging by the bed is awkward since there are no outlets nearby, so bring a long phone cable. The bathroom has separate hot and cold taps, which makes getting the temperature right a bit tricky.

The three of us stayed without meals, and our triple room had two semi-double beds plus a folding bed with a double mattress stacked on it. It was completely fine, with plenty of room and no cramped feeling. We found a supermarket, convenience store, and izakaya nearby, and the microwave at the hotel meant we had everything we needed. The staff were really friendly too. I’d happily stay here again if I’m back in the area.

Lion d'Or is less than a minute from the entrance, so picking up supplies was easy, and the Wi-Fi was fast. I also appreciated the tea stations, including some open around the clock, and the kettles, since I could make tea or instant noodles without boiling water myself. Alcohol wipes beside the microwave were a thoughtful extra. The desk was already clear and tidy, so I didn’t need to move things around like I usually do when I arrive. The duvet-style bed looked very clean, and the front desk staff were friendly and helpful. Based on other reviews, I borrowed things like hand soap and a kettle from reception before checking in. Borrowing what you need seems sensible, but I’d brought what I thought was enough travel shampoo and body wash and still ran out, which felt wasteful.

The location was good, but the place felt too old, and the TV was small. My room was up a flight of stairs on the same floor, which was awkward with a suitcase. The unit bath looked renovated, yet the water never got properly hot, so the shower felt cold. The shampoo left my hair squeaky and didn’t seem very good.