Hotel Route-Inn Itoigawa

This was easily the worst hotel I've stayed at. I booked a smoke-free room well in advance, but we were put in a smoking room. It was awful: both of us were coughing and could barely sleep. The onsen was filthy, with hair everywhere. It's quite a walk from the station, and the hotel wasn't even cheap. We ended up here because it was the only Itoigawa hotel I could find available on English booking sites. I really hope they didn't assign us that room on purpose after seeing our names and realizing we were foreigners, but it did seem that way. If you can, I'd urge other foreigners to try booking somewhere else, even if that hotel isn't listed on an English booking site.

Breakfast was below average by Japanese hotel standards, but it filled me up, especially since they had natto and I love natto. The rooms are very dated but adequate, and I saw a little mold in the showers. It's about 1 km from Itoigawa station, so not especially convenient. With luggage, take a taxi to and from the station. The front desk can call the local taxi company, and one should arrive in about five minutes. I also noticed two extra outlets behind one of the signs on the desk, in case you read the reviews saying there aren't enough near the beds.

The staff were really friendly, but the bed was probably the hardest I've ever slept on.

There’s a supermarket right next door, and Lawson/7-11 are close by, though the hotel is a little farther from the station and restaurant area. The internet was good, breakfast is provided, and there are four vending machines with soft drinks and beer. The room AC worked well and could stay on without the key, which was very handy. It's a typical Route Inn business hotel. The building is older and the rooms show some wear, but everything was very clean and tidy. Rooms are a little bigger than a standard Route Inn, with good space for a large suitcase. I'd suggest this is the best place to stay in Itoigawa.