Family Lodge Hatagoya Kamisu

It’s in a convenient area with lots of restaurants and shops, and the hotel was clean. One of the best Hatagoya hotels I’ve stayed at.

Breakfast is a simple spread of bread, juice, coffee, and other hot drinks, served in the front lounge from 7 to 9 a.m. I had mini croissants, rolls, brown sugar bread with margarine, and a grape bun with margarine. The juice was orange. This is just my kind of place, and I’d love to see more motels like it in Japan. I stayed Friday night before heading to Kashima Stadium. There were fewer than 10 cars in the lot, but three or four groups in Antlers jerseys came in for breakfast, so it seems popular. I liked being able to see my car from the window. The inn has a motel style, which is unusual in Japan, and to be clear, it isn’t a love hotel. It seems set up for families: the twin rooms and beds are roomy, access from the parking lot to the first-floor room is flat and step-free, and the bathtub is large with low sides. I think it could work well for wheelchair users. The amenities and room facilities are basic, in keeping with a brand focused on value. Towels are provided, but bring your own personal toiletries, sleepwear, and pajamas. The bed cushions are firm, the comforter is heavy, and the pillows are low, with different textures on each side.

We stayed here as a family while traveling. The room was comfortable, clean, and spacious. Ours was room only, but they still offered free bread, coffee, and orange juice for breakfast. Toiletries like toothbrushes cost extra. At 4,000 yen per person for a room-only stay, it was an amazing bargain.

I’ve stopped here several times while traveling, since it’s unusual to find a place that lets you stay with your dog. They also provide a basic breakfast of bread and drinks.