Hanamaki Onsen Hotel Senshukaku

Our non-tatami room was a good size. The hotel is modern and has onsen facilities. There are three properties side by side, and we understood that guests could use the onsen at any of them, though we didn't try it. Two drugstores across the road are handy for hotel guests.

I thought the public bath was great, and the dinner was okay. I'd recommend staying here if you're mainly after an onsen. Breakfast was a letdown, though. There were only four kinds of bread, fewer than I expected from a hotel that isn't a business hotel, and you had to warm them in a microwave. There were some Japanese dishes too, but I didn't eat anything. It was confusing and took time to find the dining hall. If you're really into food, a business hotel might be a better choice.

The service was very poor. After bathing, good luck finding your own bathrobe and slippers. My room was full of cigarette smell, and it seemed to have spread everywhere inside. I've traveled in several countries, and this was the worst accommodation I've ever experienced.

I've stayed here twice this year and have enjoyed it very much. The location is lovely, the staff are kind, and the food is tasty. The Onsen is really relaxing. It also seems like a good place for large meetings or conferences.