Kurashiki Ekimae Universal Hotel

Great.

A nice place to stay.

I really enjoyed the meals here. Having breakfast and dinner included meant I didn’t have to spend time deciding where to eat or waiting in line, and the cafeteria had plenty of tasty options. The women working the evening shift were so kind to me, and the front desk staff were patient with my English. Most guests seemed to be domestic travelers, so I think they were a little surprised by it. The hotel has an older, Showa Era feel that I liked, and the rooms reminded me of my college dorm. I also appreciated being able to open the window. The hot springs were good and didn’t feel crowded, even though the hotel is large. There’s a pamphlet in the lobby with deals for local attractions, too. For the price, the location and extras were hard to believe. It’s walkable from the station and nearest grocery store, though neither is especially close. The real advantage is being right by the Kurashiki Baikan area attractions. If you plan to use it as a base for trips around Okayama Prefecture, that walk could add up over several days. Business hotels in Japan are generally handy for solo travel, and this one may be my favorite so far. I’d suggest day trips to the art museum islands and Takahashi.

It’s very cheap and includes a lot, like breakfast, dinner, and the onsen. The station is a bit of a walk, but you’re right beside the Bikan quarter.