Hotel Green Mark

The bathroom was the biggest problem. There was mold, and the mildew smell was so strong it made me feel ill by the end of my stay. The rooms also felt dated, had very few electrical outlets, and the walls were thin. Heating was central only, so on a warm day I had to open the window to feel comfortable. The four-night price was great, the location was convenient, and the front desk staff were very nice and helpful. If you’re on a tight budget, you could stay here, but be cautious.

We were moved to another hotel in the chain, where the older receptionist was rude again while the younger staff were friendlier. Despite the new location being farther from the station, we were charged the same as our original booking, even though the original website showed a price almost half of what we’d paid. We felt cheated and I definitely wouldn’t recommend the place. I’ve given many other hotels full ratings, but this one gets one star. At the first hotel, older staff members were rude, didn’t smile, and weren’t welcoming. Our room was supposedly non-smoking, but the cigarette stench was strong throughout the floor and especially in the room. Honesty, integrity, and hospitality matter in the service business. The younger staff seemed more welcoming.

We were disappointed that no non-smoking rooms were available when we checked in. Still, it was a good stay overall. The hotel is close to the train station, the rooms are small, as expected in Japan, and breakfast had a great variety.

Hotel Green Mark was affordable and welcoming, with courteous, helpful service and a comfortable bed. The rooms are on the small side, but we left early each morning, and the buffet had excellent Japanese and Western choices. The breakfast kept us going until late afternoon. I even miss the delicious potato salad now that I’m home. It’s about three blocks from the train and bus station, an easy walk without a taxi. You can walk to the open-air market, and there’s a large shopping arcade about six blocks away with a huge Daiso that’s great for souvenirs. Parco mall has trendy higher-end fashions, fun makeup counters, and costume jewelry. Its food court is handy for either a quick bite or a longer meal. Americans can sometimes find Japanese culture baffling or standoffish, but I didn’t find that to be true. It’s different, and going in with an open heart can make you fall in love with this engaging culture.