Super Hotel Marugame Ekimae

I liked being able to choose a pillow to suit my shoulder height and sleeping style. Guests can also use the onsen, with the men's bath on 1F and the women's on 2F. Women need a security code for the bath, which they give you at check-in. Breakfast and evening udon are free, and there's a magnet system to mark what time you'd like breakfast, as shown in the photo. The hotel has an Eco concept and, at the time I wrote this, gave a small gift to guests who returned unused toothbrushes. They also provide English explanation sheets about the amenities and services. Comfortable stay, friendly staff.

The hotel frames its whole approach around better sleep, with every detail, from bedding and lighting to air and temperature control, set up for physical recovery. It describes its environmental design as research-based, aiming for steady indoor conditions and clean air, and points to data and academic backing as support for its quality goals. It also shares research comparing how different bathing methods affect the time it takes to fall asleep, with natural hot springs presented as beneficial. At first glance it seems like a value-focused business hotel with hot springs, but the central idea is scientifically supported sleep quality, in keeping with its LOHAS philosophy.

It's close to Marugame station, and clear signs make it easy to find. Check-in was smooth, and the staff explained things helpfully in English. There are free drinks and kitsune udon, and breakfast is included. The breakfast was delicious, especially the bread. I also enjoyed the onsen. The room was decent and had the basic amenities, plus a view of Marugame castle. Coin laundry was cheap and the dryer didn't cost anything. Great value, and Super really lives up to its name.

The natural onsen and tasty food were real highlights. We were also impressed by how welcoming the staff were and how well they spoke English. Our room smelled unpleasant at first, but we opened the windows and used the room fragrance, and the smell was gone by the next day.