Hotel Masudaya

There isn't a toilet or bath in the room. The public bath is more medium-sized than large, and its reheating feature shuts off at 10 PM, though you can still use the showers anytime. The room was spotless despite being room-only, and the smoking-room smell was faint. The door locks automatically, then you open it by turning the key and pushing. The reception desk doesn't stay open all night. It seemed to be staffed until about 9 PM, though I checked in around 8. Parking right below the hotel is awkward because it's at a traffic-light corner, so I used the second lot. There's no convenience store close enough to reach on foot.

The breakfast sides, including the simmered dishes and pickles, were tasty, and the rice was cooked just right. Dinner was a generous spread: thick pork loin cutlet, chicken wings and eggs in a sweet sauce, plus chilled soy milk udon with spinach. We finished with Shimizu's sakura shrimp tempura in miso soup, an unusual flavor, and pickles. A large Super Dry was 770 yen, and the little horse mackerel nanbanzuke went perfectly with beer on a summer evening. The Western-style single with both meals came to a little over 7,000 yen. We were pointed to nearby Marua Suisan too. I was very happy with the stay. Thanks very much.

The staff were friendly and made the place feel homey. There are convenience stores and a supermarket within walking distance, and the air conditioner and fridge seemed new, which was nice. The room did smell moldy when I first went in, but after airing it out with the AC for about an hour, I stopped noticing it. The price is really low and the value is great. Toilets and baths are shared, though, which might be a bit inconvenient for women.

For such a cheap place, it was about what I expected. There isn't a toilet or sink in the room, but the bathroom's big tub is nice for a long soak. There's just one tub, so you have to book it for private use. Probably not a great fit for families or women.