HOTEL LiVEMAX Hiroshima Funairimachi Riverside

No restaurant here, so don't be surprised if breakfast included with your booking means a bento box and a bottle of tea ocha. The hotel is clean, and laundry costs 300yen for every 3kg.

I usually stay three nights, but I was glad I'd booked just one night here. The location wasn't good for me, with no local restaurants or food shops around. My room was the smallest I've had in four weeks, even though hotels had been around the same price. The place felt cheap and unpleasant, two stars at best. I'd suggest Route Inn, APA, or Dormy Inn instead. I can't recommend this chain and wouldn't book another one. This was my first stay at a Livemax, and the staff were awful. The man at the desk looked like he'd just got out of bed, with messy hair and clothes, and made no effort to help. I travel on a budget, so I'm used to places where staff are polite and helpful, or at least give you a courteous check-in. Here I got my key and nothing else. When I asked where the elevator was, that was all the help I got. I was shocked.

The cleaning was done well and efficiently, so I have no complaints there. The hotel is about a 20-minute walk from Hiroshima's main sights. It's in the lovers district, which is another reason it's cheaper than other places. The location isn't the best, but it's significantly less expensive, and you get what you pay for.

We spent two pleasant nights here. The room was cozy, well equipped, and even had a microwave, which you don't find everywhere. We enjoyed the lovely river view and were comfortable throughout our stay. The staff were consistently courteous and helpful, and self check-in and checkout were easy. Tram stops are very close, and the peace museum and memorial are within walking distance.