Guest House Ichiyama Shukuba

The free breakfast is a real plus: a good spread of Japanese dishes, and you can eat there or pack it in a takeaway box. The hotel is just a few minutes from the train station, and lots of business travelers seem to stay here. We unknowingly booked a smoking room for two nights because we didn't realize there were smoking and non-smoking options. They couldn't move us because no other rooms were available, and the cigarette smell lingered. The bath drain was clogged, and the hot and cold water seemed to be at the extremes. If you get a good room, it should be a good stay.

The free breakfast was amazing and added a lot of value. There were trays and takeaway containers, so my wife and I filled ours and took them back to our room. Check-in was quick, and the location was the main reason I chose the hotel. I'd like to return during the food and alcohol booth festival right outside in the park. Parking was another bonus at 500 yen, as long as your car isn't too big. I highly recommend staying here.

The bed was extremely uncomfortable, and the smoking room smelled awful. They refused to move me to another room. I had already paid before arriving, but they tried to charge me again even after I showed my booking confirmation. No one there could speak English to help sort it out. This was by far the worst hotel I've stayed in, and I strongly recommend choosing somewhere else.

The room was a comfortable size, and the bathroom was the standard kind you find in most Japanese hotels. The bed was quite firm but still nice to sleep in. Breakfast was included, with plenty of choices, and self check-in was simple. Matsumoto Castle is within walking distance, with lots of places to eat nearby.