Hotel Sunsunny

I’d seen so many negative reviews and comments online that I arrived with a different kind of high expectation, but the stay was surprisingly normal. I figured it was worth the price, and anyone with complaints could stay at the more expensive hotel across the street. The place has badly deteriorated over the years: stains cover the walls, large wiring holes were left unsealed, the TV has black lines on the LCD though you can still see the picture, and the toilet seat has been fixed with tape. The bathroom faucet in my room seemed to have been replaced recently, thankfully, so the temperature control worked and the shower was fine. The air conditioning had also been replaced with a residential unit, and the heating worked well. The sheets were clean, and there was no bad smell from the room, bed, or pillows. The closet was in an odd spot and didn’t create a pleasant feeling, so I left it unused. It looked like a loud bang from inside in the middle of the night wouldn’t be a surprise. The bedside light switch was in bad shape too, with most switches broken and unassigned, so it was hard to work out how to use it. JR tracks are nearby, so light sleepers might wake up. I’d have rated it ★★★★ if there’d been a refrigerator in the room. The shared hallway fridge seems prone to theft and contamination, and I didn’t feel like using it.

The room seemed dim at first, but once I switched on the desk lamp, there was enough light. I chose the place for its station proximity and reasonable 5,000 yen per night rate, and I really enjoyed the quaint, retro feel. The front desk staff were warm and friendly, much better than the dismissive, mechanical reception at the famous hotel across the street where I’d stayed the previous night. The building, beds, chairs, and other furnishings all felt very Showa-era, and even the built-in radio and switches by the pillow that didn’t work added to the nostalgia. This is probably a hotel people either love or hate, but I enjoyed the affordable price and old-fashioned atmosphere. I’d definitely stay again when I visit Choshi.

I was on a bicycle trip, and it was great that I could bring my road bike into the room. The bath water wasn’t very strong, which was a little disappointing, but it was still really relaxing. I’d like to come back.

About half the lights in the room didn’t work. There was almost no hot water from the shower nozzle, just cold water, so I had to fill the bathtub with hot water. Given the accommodation price, is this reasonable?