ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa by IHG

My five-year-old has a mild dust mite allergy and usually reacts to hotel bedding, but slept in their bedding for three nights in a row without a problem. We really appreciated how spotless the hotel was. The underground parking was convenient too, with a lift taking us straight from our floor to the car. Service was superb and the location was perfect. It’s an older hotel, but well maintained. The rooms are spacious by Japanese standards and the beds were comfortable. It worked very well for our family with young children, and we’d love to stay again.

We expected less from the photos and price, but the hotel felt much more luxurious. The concierge and other staff were helpful, and the breakfast buffet was nice. It was included and ran from 6 to 10, longer than at other places we’ve stayed. The interior is pretty, the rooms larger than average, and the location is right beside the train station. There’s one main entrance, though you can also get to the parking lot from level 2. On foot, you might end up walking around to the front doors, but it’s an easy enough walk. We arrived after heavy snowfall, and the paths and roads were covered, so it was a little slippery.

I was happy with both the stay and the value. The staff were friendly and helpful, and breakfast has improved since my last visit. The new menu has more local flavors and dishes, including mini hako sushi made to order. I was also surprised by how much was included as a welcome amenity: bath salt, local dessert, local tea drinks, and dry wakashi. It made me feel welcome right away. The Japanese restaurant was a pleasant way to avoid the crowds outside. The garden was beautifully lit, and the food was fresh, tasty, and nicely presented on lovely plates and bowls with a touch of luxury. The hotel’s interior style is a bit dated, but it’s very well maintained. The location is great if you’re visiting Toyama. Staying near the JR station puts you by the bus tour pickup and local bus terminal. The hotel is also a short walk from sightseeing spots, so you can get out early and be among the first to visit.

Breakfast was the best spread of food we had during our stay in Japan. The hotel is nicely presented, but the rooms are small and the beds smaller than at other hotels. My mother and I each had a suitcase, and there wasn’t room to open them on the floor, so we had to use the desk. The bathrooms are outdated but functional. It’s okay for a night or two, but the lack of space would get frustrating on a longer stay. For smokers, there’s no indoor smoking area like at some other hotels. You have to go outside and around the corner of the building. I didn’t enjoy that. It felt a bit secluded, which isn’t something I like as a woman when it’s dark.