Espoir Iwate

The view and music were both lovely at Restaurant Espoir. I had the roast pork set, which was that week's lunch special, for 1,100 yen including tax. The meal was absolutely delicious. The restaurant is on the second floor of Espoir Iwate on Chuo-dori in Morioka City.

Parking was available for the meeting, and the place was clean. I didn't stay overnight, so I can only comment on the banquet. The food was average, and they had non-alcoholic beer. It's quite a distance from Morioka Station, which could be uncomfortable in hot, rainy, or snowy weather.

The Japanese breakfast was tasty, a nice change from other business hotels that only serve frozen Western food. The rooms are spacious enough that they don't feel cramped, and I noticed care in the details. Free parking is a real plus around here, especially since expense processing is a pain. I travel around the country by car for work about 90 nights a year, and private accommodations are always a gamble. This place is a bit old, but well maintained, comfortable, and clean. The shower curtain smell is a shame. Some odd reviews have been giving it low ratings; it's not flashy, but it's fine. I thought it was a good hotel, and would usually give it four stars or more.

The single rooms are roomy, and it's a plus for smokers that smoking rooms are available. It's close to the city center, the price is good, and the location and rooms were both great. The front desk staff were very helpful. The towels weren't the best, though, and the facilities are a bit dated. I'd definitely stay here again.