Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Awazu Grand Hotel

The kids had enough fun at the playground that we came back. There’s a public onsen, but no private onsen. The rooms and the hotel itself are spacious and have that proper hotel feel. I didn’t care for the toilet being outside the balcony area of the room, though it was a minor issue. We enjoyed our stay, which is why I gave it five stars, even though I wouldn’t call it the best hotel. Based on the price I looked up, it seems like good value. I was there through tour arrangements, so I didn’t book it myself. Dinner was above average. The buffet had tuna sashimi, but no salmon, and a small hot pot at each table for cooking seafood. The steak was cold. Spider crab had to be ordered three days ahead according to the website, and after seeing someone with it, we wanted to order some too, but it was too late to do so.

The buffet meals were incredible, and the room was spacious. We also really enjoyed the onsen and the other facilities included with the stay. Reception staff were super friendly and helpful. I’d absolutely recommend it.

The kids’ play area is very good, and the staff were friendly and helpful. Our room was quiet, and despite the hotel feeling old, things were clean. We enjoyed the room, though some things didn’t work, and the heater only seemed to switch on or off instead of regulating the temperature well. It looks to me like the place isn’t being maintained properly. I’m sure it was nice when new, and it could be much better with some renovations. I’d still recommend it.

The onsen on the ground floor seems to be where everyone goes to wash. We found the washing facilities in our room limited, unless we made a mistake when booking. Still, I loved the place. It was clean, service was good, and it felt nothing like hotels back home. We booked half board. The buffet is on the first floor, with two seating areas, one more Japanese and one more European. The food was excellent, and having it buffet-style meant I could try things I wouldn’t normally eat. The room was very nice too. Very Japanese.