Trail inn Nasushiobara - Vacation STAY 23743v

Okay.

It was a snowy, freezing day, and the room was the coldest place I’ve ever been. There was only a low-powered household air conditioner, which took about half an hour to start blowing warm air. Even after that, the room didn’t warm up, so I had to go outside. Since container hotels get cold, they should turn on the air conditioning before check-in. Finding the place was another problem: I couldn’t see any hotel sign and drove past several times, though maybe it was being repaired. It’s a cluster of containers across from the Hino Motors repair shop.

Check-in and check-out happen at the management building, where you use a tablet. There’s no resident manager, and in an emergency you need to contact ALSOK. Parking is reasonably easy, and the lot isn’t too small. York Benimaru is within walking distance, but I’d stop for supplies before arriving. In the room there’s a microwave, a kitchen refrigerator with a freezer compartment, and a washing machine. Frozen food stayed frozen. You can make simple meals, but there are no dishes or cooking tools, just paper cups, with extra cups available at the management building. Bring your own detergent. There’s a basic folding clothesline by the washer. It’s otherwise a typical business hotel. If you want an affordable, comfortable stay and are fine using the tablet for check-in and out, it’s convenient.

I’ve stayed at Trail Inn Hanazono before, so this was my second one, on a two-night motorcycle trip in early October. The cork smell was milder here, though the room was a little humid. Rooms open onto a shared central aisle like other R9 places, and for some reason the rooms shake when people walk by, even though passing trucks don’t cause it. The view out back is a pleasant vacant, farm-like lot. The usual room was clean, quiet, and had little vibration overall. It’s cheaper than the R9 and about five minutes from the IC. Lawson and Chateraise are a bit far on foot, but there are plenty of restaurants and supermarkets around Nishinasuno if you drive. Maruishi Shokudo, attached to the hotel, was closed even though it was Friday. I keep forgetting to unlock the window latch before opening it and nearly break the window, so a clearer reminder would help. If you’re used to R9, not having a separate freezer is inconvenient for ice cream, frozen foods, or ice, especially on a multi-night stay. There also aren’t many shops within walking distance.