Hotel Florence Odawara

Hotel Florence Odawara was easy to locate with the directions we got after booking. It’s a lovely Japanese-style home in a quiet spot away from the usual crowds. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone passing through the area.

I never actually stayed here. The trouble started with my Agoda booking for two adults and one child: two days after it was confirmed, I was told I’d have to pay extra for the child. That charge should have been clear before I submitted the booking. The property later said it would waive the extra fee, but by then I was unhappy with how it had been handled and cancelled. They still kept 50% of the booking amount, 7880 yen, even after I asked politely for the cancellation fee to be waived. Anyone considering a booking should be very careful. I found a better deal in Odawara after taking my time to look, though I was still out 2940 Yen. They seem set on enforcing the cancellation policy.

My room had a microwave, rice cooker, and plenty of cooking utensils, which made it really convenient. I grilled fish I’d bought for 88 yen at a nearby supermarket, and it was delicious. The rooms are cute and clean, and the staff would come by regularly, which felt reassuring. It’s like renting an apartment through a hotel. There was a multi-night campaign, so I got two nights and three days for just ¥13,000, parking included. Amenities differ a bit by room, so check ahead if you’re unsure.

There are hardly any shops near the closest station, so we picked up breakfast at a supermarket. The apartment is old, but it’s been renovated and was clean inside. With kids, the washing machine and clothesline were a big help for all the dirty laundry. They also had spoons, cups, plates, and even a rice cooker. The futon felt hard to sleep on, though I find that’s pretty much the same everywhere.