Okura Hotel Marugame

The staff were very polite, and my room looked out over the sea. It's in a nice, quiet area, but the rooms are dated and need refurbishment. The TV has no international channels. I also think an iron and ironing board should be in every room instead of being available only on request. The traditional key setup feels old too, since you have to leave the key at the front desk when you go out. In the bathroom, things like the mirror and shower were positioned so awkwardly that I had to bend to use them.

The staff were very friendly and attentive, but breakfast was disappointing: limited Western and Japanese options, and mediocre quality, despite being included in the room rate. The clean room had standard amenities and was a little larger than usual, though it felt dated. With its seaside location near the city center, the hotel's age shows, and it really needs renovating.

For a business event, I think this could be a good hotel, and it's okay for a tourist stay too. The staff were helpful and friendly. Getting to the main train station takes about a 25-minute walk, and there's an infrequent community bus if you don't want to walk. There aren't many restaurants or convenience stores close by, and the hotel itself is a little old.

This is about the summer beer terrace dinner buffet, not the hotel or its wonderful staff. The food has gone downhill over the last two years, especially the steak. Even with free drinks, I don't think it's worth the cost anymore, so we've stopped going.