Hotel Aoki

I only stayed once because I couldn't get a room elsewhere, so I had no real choice. The price is lower than other places, which I suppose is one good thing. But honestly, I found it scary, from the large public bath to the hallways. There were far too many loud noises and vibrations in the middle of the night, and I can't think of anything else to praise.

For what I needed, a place to sleep, this budget hotel was perfectly fine. A few practical details: there's one microwave in the first-floor dining area, while each room has its own kettle. The toilets on each floor don't have bidets, so you may need to use facilities nearby if that matters to you. I think there are four parking spaces, and it's best to arrive early if you want one. The large public bath is there, but its water doesn't keep flowing, so impurities can collect.

The elevator wasn't working, and hauling heavy bags up to the fourth floor was really hard. It was also a struggle coming back up the stairs after drinking. This needs fixing. The room bathroom was basic, the tub quite small, and there was no bidet toilet, though the price makes those shortcomings understandable. I didn't have breakfast because I was there for a training camp. I stayed during the hottest part of summer and had worried after reading complaints about the air conditioning, but mine worked fine. There was also a fan, and the bed area was clean. The hotel has an older provincial-city feel. A high school baseball team seemed to be at a training camp too, and by the time I used the large public bath, the tub wasn't somewhere I wanted to soak. I suppose that couldn't be helped.

The communal bath was fine, and the hotel is right by the station, which was great. I stayed overnight before climbing the Southern Alps, and the reviews had it right: the elevator is still broken, and the room air conditioning doesn't work, so I used the fan. I'd stay again if I get the chance.