Fairfield By Marriott Gifu Mino

The bed and pillows were soft and just right for us. The room felt cozy and stylish, and fairly spacious compared with many hotels in Japan. The staff were kind and helpful, with suggestions for places to see around Mino and help finding restaurants. The location is pretty isolated, about an hour’s drive from Nagoya, so it really suits tourists with a car. One odd issue: the refrigerator has a freezer, but ice cream melts very quickly in it.

The location turned out to be more remote than I expected, but it was quiet and made for a good rest. I stayed briefly while traveling toward Toyama, and the room was clean and pleasant. I could even see cherry blossoms from my room, which was a surprise. Right beside the hotel is the roadside station Mino Niwaka Chaya Roadside Station, with restaurants and souvenir shops, though they close early, so check their hours. There’s also a FamilyMart open 24 hours about five minutes away. With a rental car, Super Center Okuwa is nearby and stays open late.

The room was spotless, 10/10, and the convenience store is just a two- to three-minute walk away. I was here for four days on a business trip and felt very comfortable. The receptionist was friendly and accommodating, and spoke very good English, so check-in went quickly and smoothly. There’s free parking right in front, which was a nice change from hotels that charge per night. The first-floor lobby has vending machines, complimentary drinks, a microwave and toaster, and coin laundry that doesn’t need detergent. Thank you, Fairfield, by Marriott Gifu Mino, for having me. I’d happily return on a future work trip.

The rooms are lovely, new, and really spacious, and the staff were very helpful. It’s a bit away from the town center, but what you get for the price is a bargain. There’s no breakfast option, though coffee and tea are free. A nearby convenience store and restaurant both offer guest discounts.