Tabist Toyo Kobe

I paid ¥5,700 for a room without meals through Jalan, a Japanese travel website. It wasn’t especially cheap, but the free parking and 12 PM checkout appealed to me. It’s a typical love hotel, which may put some people off, depending on how you see it. You enter through a curtained entrance, go through a door that looks like a back door, and find a panel for choosing a room. Across from it is a reception area like a ticket counter. You don’t seem to make eye contact with staff. They give you a key and a welcome bottle of mineral water, then the elevator takes you up. When you get off, lights guide you to your room. The color scheme is pure love hotel, but the room itself was clean. The bathroom is incredibly spacious, though hot water took about five minutes to arrive and controlling the temperature was tricky. Still, it wasn’t a problem, and the amenities were excellent. The bed was large, around queen or king size, and very comfortable. Soundproofing was also excellent, and I slept soundly until morning. I skipped the free breakfast the next day. I wanted to walk around, so I asked if I could leave my car there until noon, and they readily agreed. Very convenient. I’d use it again if I get the chance.

I was surprised when I got there. At my age, I never imagined choosing a room from a panel at a hotel. There was even a curtain hiding a board with the sign in the parking lot. The room had a zebra-print floor, a red sofa, and a pink bed. Even so, it was clean throughout, and the bathroom was spacious, so I was very satisfied.

The breakfast was delicious, and the staff were polite and great. I hadn't expected much, but the spacious, comfortable room and free parking made me very happy with my stay. It seems the place can also be used as a love hotel. I'd come back when I'm in Kobe on business. Thank you.

There aren't any standout services, and the price doesn't feel especially low for an older place, though the cleaning fee probably explains that. Still, it's very clean. The bath feels smooth, and you can tell it's been cleaned thoroughly. The building is old but well maintained, and the staff are friendly, even if it's a little embarrassing when they proactively direct you into a parking space. The parking lot is oddly laid out and tricky to use, with an old-fashioned Showa-era love hotel feel. If you don't need much service but care about cleanliness, this place is a good fit.