Nikko Kanazawa Hotel

The hotel is just opposite the station, and it exceeded our expectations. The lobby is beautiful, and the check-in staff, along with the rest of the team, were very helpful. Our room was large and on the 28th floor, with lovely views of the sea in the distance. They provided L’Occitane toiletries, pajamas, slippers, and all the other usual bits you get in Japan. Breakfast was adequate, though it didn't quite meet Western expectations. I'd have no hesitation recommending this hotel.

The staff at both reception and the restaurant were top notch, and the cleaning staff did a wonderful job, though I never saw them. The hotel is close to the train station, which is very practical when most, if not all, tours start early from there. I booked a Suite Twin Room on the 27th floor. It was huge, comfortable, and always spotless. After long tour days and train trips, I loved relaxing in the bathtub. There isn't a gym in the hotel, but you can buy day passes for 2200 yen at the gym in the next-door building, which connects to the hotel. The mini fridge was useful for fruit from the local market, and the drinks inside are included, though I only had water. The breakfast buffet was very good. There's also a Japanese option, which I didn't try. It closes rather early, at 10:00, and you need to arrive by 9:30. Honestly, I think they could extend it to 10:30 or 11:00.

The common areas are luxurious, clean, and classy, and the rooms have a great view. The bathroom takes up about two-thirds of the room, with a separate tub, shower, and toilet enclosure. That leaves very little space for the bed, which was designed with a side table on each side, though one had to be removed to fit the oversized bathroom. It feels like a suite bathroom paired with an APA hotel bedroom. There's very little counter or storage space.

Hotel Nikko is my go-to in Kanazawa now. Across the road from Kanazawa Station, it has friendly, courteous staff and rooms of a decent size. The building is a high-rise like Nikko Niigata, with guest rooms starting on the 17th floor, so you can count on a room with a view. I love a good view, and this one is the best of any hotel in Kanazawa, in my opinion. You can see all the way to the coast, and the room I had looked down on every other hotel in the area.