Oita Crane Hotel Miyako Machi

The room was roomy enough for a large suitcase, and I was really happy with its condition. The entrance is a little underwhelming, but the staff were incredibly kind. When I said the heater didn't seem to work, someone brought another heater just in case and switched it on. Mine started blowing air after I flipped the switch, though. They even checked that the air was coming through and the room was warm when I left my key behind. That was so thoughtful. Breakfast is free, as are bottled water and coffee from the vending machine, so you can help yourself whenever. The hotel is right by the entertainment district. I travel to Oita often, and after Art Hotel, this is the best place I've stayed.

The building is old, but it's kept up well. The rooms are spacious, the amenities are good, and breakfast comes with the stay, so it feels like good value. There's plenty of food and drink nearby. The one drawback is the walk from Oita Station, about 20 minutes.

At 4,400 yen for my room-only stay, the long hours were a great deal: check-in at 13:00 and checkout at 12:00, up to 23 hours. Breakfast costs another 700 yen, still very reasonable, and I'd like to try it next time. There's also a free GEORGIA coffee machine by reception, chilled mineral water at check-in, and free laundry, with detergent available at the desk for 50 yen. I didn't use the laundry. This place keeps its prices sensible while hotel rates have shot up with inbound tourism's return. Even business hotels in Oita City can cost over 10,000 yen for a weekend room without meals, so rooms here are always hard to book. Getting one open is lucky. The location is pretty average, in the middle of Miyako-machi and near downtown, though around a 10-15 minute walk from Oita Station. If you get turned around, head for Jungle Park in Miyako-machi. Plenty of restaurants stay open late, and Seven-Eleven and FamilyMart are close. My room had a wooden bunk bed that reminded me of an old-fashioned children's room. I fancied the top bunk, like winning a sibling squabble, but chose the bottom so I wouldn't roll out in my sleep. The bed was very comfortable. There was also a kitchenette with a built-in electric stove, not induction. The tea and coffee beside the cups were a nice touch, especially since business hotels often cut those extras. The coffee was drip brewed, not instant, and the kettle was a proper T-fal. Besides the shampoo and conditioner in the unit bathroom, there were two more types, four bottles altogether, by the desk. That's a thoughtful extra, especially for women, when many business hotels just provide rinse-in shampoo. The front desk staff were all pleasant and friendly. I wholeheartedly support conscientious, long-established local business hotels like this.

The reception staff were very gentlemanly, and I was completely satisfied with my stay. My twin room was clean, bigger than a typical business hotel room, and had an air purifier. There were plenty of amenities too, which made for a lovely trip to Oita. I'll come back next time I'm in Oita. Just be careful around the area at night, it seemed a bit unsafe.