Hotel Laurel

There’s no large public bath, but the hotel is clean and easy to use. Breakfast costs 100 yen and is quite substantial, with things like furikake (rice seasoning) and natto (fermented soybeans), so I’d recommend having it. There wasn’t an outlet near the bed, although they had put an extension cord in the room.

I booked a twin so I could help my mother, who uses a wheelchair, but she couldn’t get to the back of the room in it. Apart from that, I had no complaints and would stay again when I’m next in Shizunai. It was my first visit, and the staff were very helpful. Breakfast was also satisfying: just 100 yen, with side dishes and as much rice as you wanted.

I was here for business, not sightseeing, and for that purpose it was within acceptable limits. I had trouble understanding the explanation and asked the same thing several times. The woman at the front desk seemed quite intimidating. I was worried, so I checked in the morning, but she gave me a look as if to say, “Of course,” which felt scary. I wouldn’t choose this place for a sightseeing trip.

I booked because it was the cheapest room available in the Hidaka area that day. Then I became extremely ill and had to cancel that same day. I was out of breath and worried I might be marked as a no-show, but managed to contact them. I understood I’d have to pay for a same-day cancellation. Still, when the woman on the phone heard I couldn’t come, she just kept repeating, “We charge the full amount no matter the reason.” I was losing consciousness, said yes, and hung up. The website describes a relaxing space, so I was shocked that she never asked if I was okay or said she was sorry but had to charge the fee. It didn’t feel considerate or caring toward a customer. Maybe the staff’s temper was affected by dealing with inbound tourists who don’t understand Japanese common sense, though that’s only a possibility. I wanted to share this as a warning for others: if Eclipse or Annex are available, choose one of them instead of being stingy.