Hotel AZ Kumamoto Inter Goryo

A heads-up about the buses: the express bus stop for Kumamoto City is right outside the hotel, but that stop is only for getting off. To board toward Fukuoka or Miyazaki, you have to cross to the other side of the hotel, and it takes a while because it’s hard to tell when the lights will change. I’d leave early. One morning there was no rice or refill by 8:30 AM. A student group had repeatedly taken more until they reached their planned amount for the day, leaving individual guests who avoided the rush to share the last three servings. Seven of us who didn’t know each other had to be considerate and split them. 🙄 If rice is too costly to provide freely, they could limit people to two bowls or use coupons for one extra bowl per refill, two bowls total. ☺️ Next time I’ll go first thing, even if it’s busy. I’ve stayed at AZ hotels in several places, but this was my first time at a restaurant that opened at 8:30 PM... 😱 I suppose it can’t be helped if they say they haven’t been to the restaurant by 9:30 PM... 💦 I’d like the restaurant to open at 5:30 PM. Thank you.

I was disappointed that the sausage wasn’t replenished on another day, and the breakfast didn’t feel like a reason to stay at an AZ Hotel. With rice and sausage in short supply, I wondered if it would be better to stay at a city business hotel and eat at Matsuya, where rice refills are unlimited. If rice runs out there, you can wait for freshly cooked rice. At peak time, after being advised to avoid the large groups, I found there was only about three servings of rice left at 8:30. Ten more customers came in afterward and were simply told there was no more. There was still bread, but honestly, I should have gone first thing even if it was crowded. My February attempt didn’t work out, so I plan to try the other option in March.

The staff have all been very friendly, and the breakfast was adequate. At this time of year and at this price, I’d expected service to be a bit poor, so that was a pleasant surprise. When it’s busy, letting guests take their breakfast coffee back to their rooms could ease the crowding. I feel guilty sitting and enjoying coffee while people are lined up. The place is generally clean, and I’d stay here again if I get the chance.

I was managing three children on my own at breakfast, including a baby and a toddler or elementary school aged child, so it was a challenge. A foreign female waitress spoke to us in excellent Japanese and helped serve the food. Her thoughtfulness made me very happy and touched. Thank you so much!