Hotel IL VIALE Hachinohe Annex

I was glad to find such a low rate, and the staff were relaxed and friendly. There was complimentary coffee in the lobby too. The plumbing is a bit worn, but I could live with that after a night out in town, when I was likely to get drunk and topple over anyway. Just a heads-up for winter: the toilet has no heated seat, so sitting down in the cold might make you jump. You may feel more comfortable if you pick up a toilet seat protector at the nearby Seria in Sakurano.

For people who enjoy eating and drinking, I think the location is convenient. The building is old, but I felt the price matched its condition. During the heating season, though, I wish there were a humidifier and an air purifier.

The room was spacious and well maintained for a hotel of its age, and the designated parking is conveniently just a few minutes' walk away, at the multi-story parking garage by the Pachinko Concert Hall. With the discount, parking costs 600 yen, but without it the bill would be over 3,000 yen. 😰 The location is right in the middle of the downtown area, and once inside, the hotel is quiet. Hachinohe hotel prices have been high lately, so 8,000 yen was understandable, and it was the cheapest rate in the downtown area that day. Still, the facilities are old: the plastic around the bathroom sink is cracked and the furniture is aging. The hotel name has changed several times, so I can see why investing in renovations might be difficult, but it would be nice if they updated the place. There’s a nostalgic bedside panel for the radio and background music, but it doesn’t work. There’s also no outlet by the pillow, so I couldn’t charge my smartphone next to me. I’d stay again if it were cheaper. Accommodation can end up costing more than the drinks.

The location is great, and the rooms are bigger than at other hotels. For parking, it costs 600 yen if you declare it at the Concert Hall's multi-story garage. I meant to book four nights in a row, but accidentally split my booking between the Annex, the separate building, and a regular Il Viale room, two nights each. Like in the main building, the water pressure makes it hard to keep the shower head in place, so you have to hold it with one hand. There aren't outlets nearby either, so you'll need an extension cord. The faucet temperature is adjusted by turning the red and blue wires.