Comfort Hotel Akita

The breakfast was a real highlight: a tasty all-you-can-eat spread with healthy local Akita ingredients, and it was included in the price. We were also pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the stay was for a regular business and family hotel. It’s a short walk, about four minutes, from Akita station, and check-in and checkout were quick. The room had more space than many business hotels, was quiet, and came with the expected amenities, though some are picked up at reception. Housekeeping did a great job, and restaurants and a few sights are nearby. We’d stay again when we’re in AKita. It isn’t a luxury hotel, of course.

The hotel Wi-Fi was the weak spot. I had trouble browsing on the complimentary connection, so heavier tasks like VPN use or joining Zoom may be frustrating. As a base for our first night in Akita, though, it was very convenient, close to the station, Senshu Park, and the art museum. There was at least one fluent English-speaking staff member in the lobby whenever I stopped by. She even asked whether I loved Akita Inu when she saw me staring at the stuffed dog by the front desk. Breakfast was included, with the usual range I’ve seen at other Comfort Hotel locations and at least one local dish. The stay was pleasant and in line with the brand’s other hotels in Japan.

The book collection is the one thing I liked. Otherwise, I wanted to leave as soon as I could. We paid around 9,000 yen for an economy room, and the dirty bed and thin pillow made it hard to sleep. I could put up with the stain, but the bathroom smell and the feeling that I’d wasted money on a bad night really got to me. The bathroom smelled awful after we left it closed for a day, and there was a constant noise at night from somewhere, maybe wind or snow hitting the building. The walls between rooms were thin too. Water pressure was weak, the amenities felt cheap, and checkout was early and strict. I also wish there were a no-breakfast option. I wouldn’t want to eat that cheap, cold breakfast for more than a day. Even a budget fuzoku hotel could do better, including with the pillow. Does the owner care about running this place? I don’t think so. During high season, I think it should cost around 5,000-6,000 yen. Add 2,000-3,000 yen to your budget and stay somewhere else. I learned the hard way that Japan has hotels that feel like a price scam too.

Breakfast was good value. The room felt a bit cramped for two women with two medium-sized bags, so we should have booked a room each.