Centurion Hotel Technoport Fukui- Artificial Radium Hot Spring

We were really pleased with our stay, especially since the hotel is close to Shibamasa World and Echizen Aquarium and has ocean views. A huge dinosaur greets you at the entrance, and there are lots of things kids enjoy. They get toys at check-in, and the banquet hall becomes a dinosaur balloon maze that they loved. The large bath is a comfortable temperature, with children's shampoo and rubber duck toys provided. The website doesn't make it clear, but it seems the pool is only open in summer. There is a restaurant, though it has closing days, so check ahead if you're booking a room without meals.

About 3.5 stars. I stayed in a Japanese-style room and had few complaints. The toilet had a washlet, the bathroom was comfortable and easy to use, and the large communal bath was spacious and nice. Some rooms are a bit far from it, but they have unit baths, so it's not a problem. I can't comment on the internet or eating in the rooms since I didn't use either. One thing that did affect my stay was a high-wave warning. The wind and drafts were so noisy that I couldn't sleep. My room faced the ocean, and I think I should have considered the wind direction before staying. The entrance and parking lot are on the west side of the building, so watch out if you're using navigation.

December was off-season for snow crabs, and the hotel was nearly empty with very low rates. I spent three days and two nights there, and on the second day I had the bath all to myself. It was oddly quiet, with only a minimal staff and very few people around. There were lots of manga for boys and girls in the hall, but you couldn't take them out of that area. It was cold, so I never got the chance to read any. The place suits people who just want a clean, quiet room to sleep in. If I visit Fukui again, I'll stay here.

The lobby has unlimited soft drinks and coffee, and the futons in the Japanese-style room were comfortable. My wife thought the shampoo was top quality. I wouldn't know, haha, I don't have any hair. The front desk service was excellent. When we parked in front of the hotel, someone came out to ask if we needed a cart. The large public bath was out of order, so they recommended a nearby hot spring and gave us a ¥500 discount per person. The pool only opens in summer, even though I'd brought my swim trunks.