Hagi Travel Inn

I stopped here after visiting Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. I was worn out from the long journey and just went to bed, but I appreciated having a place to stop between Iwami Ginzan and Yamaguchi.

This is a business hotel in a three-story building without an elevator. My room, number 310, had a strong cigarette smell, and the first-floor shared area smelled just as bad. I was surprised by how intense it was, since I hadn't encountered that kind of smoke smell in Tokyo recently. I could tolerate it, but anyone bothered by cigarette odor should be aware. Opening the window brought noticeable traffic noise because the building faces the road. There were free water vending machines on every floor and internet access. Breakfast wasn't included, and with few shops nearby, it's best to buy something the day before.

I used it as a base to explore Hagi, renting a shared bike near Higashi-Hagi Station. I walked to the hotel from Higashi-Hagi Station. It's a little old, but comfortable. There's no elevator, so I climbed the stairs to the third floor. I actually don't mind stairs, even up to the 10th floor, so it wasn't an issue for me. I only booked the room, and at night the hotel seemed quiet, with no staff around. They had a contact phone number posted. There was a kitchen on the first floor, so it looked like guests could cook, though I didn't check the details.

At 24,000 yen for two people, it felt overpriced to get no breakfast or morning service. The free coffee and green tea were undrinkable, so I had to settle for water. The bathroom faucet made a loud, dinosaur-like roar when I turned it on, and I worried about disturbing the rooms next door. If there's no morning service, surely the front desk could at least have someone say thank you as guests leave. That would be the final bit of service. If I owned the hotel, that's what I'd do.