Maizuru Grand Hotel

The public bath was too cool to relax in. Maybe the snowfall and cold snap had something to do with it, but both the tub and shower water were lukewarm. Parking behind the hotel costs up to 300 yen a day, so it isn't free. Breakfast had a fairly broad buffet selection, and the station-front location comes with reasonable prices. Despite the “Grand Hotel” name, the interior feels quite down to earth, so I’d give the stay 4 stars if the bath had been warmer.

The breakfast plan was a good choice, and the waitresses had a calming presence first thing in the morning. I was able to unwind after work, though the man at the desk when I checked out was a little irritating. I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it, so never mind. The place has such a Showa-era feel, which I really liked. Even the bumpy FRP? texture adds to that retro charm. I liked the bathroom more than the room. The rooms seem to have been renovated, but I wish I'd stayed here before. I wonder how long it's been open. I'll look that up next time. I'd like to come back and enjoy another stay. I also want to try the curry they serve on Fridays only.

The location is excellent, and there's a parking lot right beside the hotel. The soundproofing, though, is poor. You can hear hallway movement, neighboring doors opening and closing, and even toilets. I got complaints just for playing music on my phone. There's also only one microwave, outside the third-floor public bath, so people have to queue. If you need a quiet stay, this probably isn't the place for you.

The hotel feels a bit dated, but that didn't bother me. There were no tour groups that day, so breakfast was relaxed. The side dishes aren't especially varied, though there was fruit and something sweet, and the staff kept an eye on things so the dishes didn't run out. It's right in front of the station, with lots of restaurants nearby and a supermarket across from the station. There's a public car park beside the hotel, but guests have to pay to use it.