Hotel Route-Inn Nakano

My family and I are very grateful to the night shift staff. Around 10 PM on November 17th, we mistakenly arrived at the front door of the hotel instead of Route Inn Grand, where we had booked. The staff were sincere and kind as they helped us sort out the mix-up. Then, just outside on the main road, our car got stuck on a kerb. We tried repeatedly to get it free, without success. A staff member heard the loud noise and came out in the heavy rain with an umbrella, then helped us. As it got colder and kept raining, he invited us to wait in the lobby. We were tired and cold, so they turned on the heater in the cafeteria for us. When we still couldn’t solve the car problem, he arranged a tow truck. The car was lifted and checked, and we were told it was safe to drive again. Everything was hectic, with the rain, luggage to move between two cars, and making room for a town truck. I didn’t get to thank the staff member personally, and I regret that. I hope this message reaches him. He showed real hospitality and made our time in Japan much better. We’ll share his kindness with others who need help. A big thank you from all of us.

We left after one night even though we’d planned to stay for three. The hotel is far out of the way, with very few places to eat nearby. At check-in, a staff member acted as if he was offering us water, then said it would cost 600 yen, almost $6. When we said we didn’t want it, he sarcastically asked, "well why not". The rooms felt small and dated, and there were stains on the floor and on the supposedly clean linens.

The hotel has helpful front desk staff and reasonable basic amenities. It’s near the train station, which makes it easy to reach Nagano, Yudanaka, and Shiga Kogen by public transit.

The front desk staff were really friendly. It’s good value, especially when you factor in the hot bath.