Dormy Inn mito Hot Springs Hotel

The baths were a highlight for me: the women’s area has a cold bath, a hot indoor bath, a hot outdoor bath, and a piping-hot sauna. After bathing, there’s complimentary ice cream and popsicles, and in the morning you can get free Yakult drinks. There are also two free massage chairs upstairs, a substantial Japanese manga library, and free laundry machines. Drying costs 200 yen per 20 minutes. The women’s bath has a high-security electronic lock, and Dormy Inn takes guest safety seriously. Complimentary coffee and water are available on arrival, and free ramen starts after 9:30 pm. Technically nobody checks how many bowls or ice creams you take, but I think it’s better to be modest so these services don’t get discontinued. This was one of my favorite stays on our three-week Japan trip. It’s not very close to Mito station, but you can take a short bus ride or walk 15-20 minutes, which is manageable without heavy luggage. I’d happily stay at one every night if there were well-priced ones near our destinations. Great value for budget travelers. If you pay extra for breakfast, I’d call it just okay. It’s mostly Japanese-style buffet food, with plenty of fish and sides like eggs, tofu, pickles, and prepared vegetables. My favorites were the local hot soba soup or stew in the savory section and the sweet warabimochi. Matcha and kinako flavors come with kuromitsu syrup on the side.

I enjoyed the onsen after the long drive from Narita Airport. The twin room was spacious by Japanese standards, and the TV lets you check how busy the coin laundry and restaurant are. Laundry is free, while the dryer costs about 100 yen for 30 minutes. I stayed during the flowering season at Hitachi Seaside Park. The hotel isn’t right by the train station, but it should be walkable. The parking lot was full when I arrived, so I was sent to a nearby one that cost 700 yen, which wasn’t bad. Breakfast starts at 6:30. I got there around 7:30 and it was full, with people waiting outside. There was a good selection, including sashimi rice. It’s a good place to stay before visiting the park, which is about half an hour away.

The room was large, comfortable, and very clean. There’s a washing machine on the 10th floor, along with all the usual facilities. I skipped breakfast, so I can’t comment on it. The front desk staff were welcoming and attentive, and explained everything needed for a good stay.

This was my first stay here. The lobby is spacious, and the rooms feel very luxurious. There’s a sauna in the large bath. It’s set to 100 degrees Celsius, though it didn’t feel that hot, while the plunge bath was a very cold 13 degrees. The open-air area has two chairs, and there’s a couch in the room. Breakfast is a buffet with local specialties, including natto. I’ll definitely come back.