HiroshimaEkimae Universal Hotel ShikansenguchiMigi

Dinner and breakfast were included in the price. The room was a good size, with a bed larger than a single and a compact bathroom with a shower. It’s very conveniently located, about five minutes from Hiroshima station.

The best thing here is how close it is to Hiroshima Station. Beyond that, I wouldn't recommend staying. There was no free breakfast or dinner, despite reviews mentioning free breakfast that seem likely to be fake. We booked a non-smoking room and got a smoking one, with a horrible smell like smoke and rotting meat. The room was so cramped we had to put luggage on the bed or shelf, the fridge didn't work, and the whole place felt outdated. Even from the 12th floor, the trains were really loud.

We ate well during our three days here. Breakfast and dinner are free at the lobby restaurant, though you need to pick up meal tickets each day, and the breakfast ticket the night before. The breakfast selection stays the same but has a nice mix of pickles, fish, rolled omelettes, pasta and meatballs, and salad. Getting around is easy too, with the Shinkansen gate about five minutes away, plus buses, trains, shops and restaurants in the station complex. The stadium is close enough to walk to, handy for baseball fans. The rooms look dated and the two elevators can get crowded in a building this size. My bed and reasonably firm pillow were fine, and the WiFi was free. My wife appreciated the in-room bathtub, since the public baths on the 15th floor can be a hassle, especially for women who have to get the entry code from reception. The bath water was comfortable, not so hot that I couldn't just walk in and sit down.

For the price, this place is hard to beat, especially with Hiroshima station just a four minute walk away. My solo room was a good size, clean, and had all the amenities I needed. The WiFi was fast and free, and the toilet and room were as clean as you'd expect at a Japanese hotel. The booking included dinner and a breakfast buffet. Breakfast didn't have many choices, but it was fine for filling up before heading out. I'd skip the curry set at dinner. You need to visit reception every day for the next morning's breakfast voucher and your dinner voucher. Service was good, and they let me leave my luggage after an early checkout, so I didn't need a station locker.