Matsuki building Seaside Mansion

The room was neat, very clean, and had the amenities we needed, with no real problems using the facilities. It’s a private lodging, so the price is low. Getting the key is a bit of a hassle, though: you check in at a hotel some distance away, leave the key there, and have it delivered to your mailbox the next day. It’s also far from the city center, so you’ll need a car to get around.

This was a budget hotel, but the room was spacious, renovated, and clean, with Wi-Fi that was perfectly fine for an overnight stay. I found it very cheap on a travel site. Since the hotel is unmanned, I had to pick up the key at another hotel about 2 km away, but the receptionist was helpful. It faces the national highway, with a McDonald's and a 100-yen shop nearby, which is handy. The room had toothbrushes, paper cups, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, bath towels, and cotton swabs.

I knew about the awkward check-in, the location, and the room size beforehand, but the nighttime traffic noise caught me off guard. Cars and motorcycles were loud, and without double glazing it felt like sleeping in a tent. I wouldn’t recommend it for light sleepers.

We were three adults and three children, and the renovated room was comfortable for the price. The sink is high, though, so it could be awkward for kids or shorter people. There’s rinse-in shampoo and body soap, but if you’re particular about those, bring your own. You’ll also need your own hairbrush and pajamas. The shower changing area has no bath mat, and the floor is slippery, so children need to watch their step. There were only four bath towels and no face towels. The cups are paper, which seemed safer to me nowadays. Amenities were set out for four people, so bring toothbrushes and cups for anyone beyond that. There’s a convenience store nearby for anything else you need.