Family Lodge Hatagoya Shimizu Okitsu

I’m really grateful there are places like this that allow pets, since not many hotels do. The rooms aren’t designed to be pet-friendly, so there are no amenities, and smoking is allowed in the pet-friendly rooms. There’s an air purifier and 24-hour ventilation, but the smell still concerns me. Each pet also comes with an extra charge, so I think it’s a bit pricey. I often wish there were a small kettle in the room for making a hot drink easily, though I know that’s a luxury.

There’s a drugstore and a FamilyMart next door. A Seven-Eleven, Shizutetsu Store, Sukiya, and a coin laundry are also nearby. To get there, turn onto National Route 1 Shizumizu Bypass from Okitsu Nakamachi, then head towards Minobu on National Route 52. It’s on the left. The front desk is open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and accommodation fees are cash only. Pajamas and amenities cost extra. The first-floor lobby has a microwave and kettle, and coffee service is available. Rooms are spacious, with a separate bathroom/sink and toilet. There’s a desk and chair as well as the TV table and chairs. It seems suited to families traveling by car, and could be reasonably priced if you bring your own pajamas and amenities. I was on the second floor, which had no elevator access, just an external staircase. Bread and juice were provided for breakfast, but I didn’t use it because I was leaving early.

For six nights, I had no worries staying here. The place is clean and looked after, even if the facilities are a bit dated. There’s a coin laundry, convenience store, drugstore, and restaurant right next door. Bring your own indoor shoes and nightwear. Bath mats and towel sets, including bath towels, can be rented for 100 yen per night.

The Shimizu Okitsu branch is missing a washing machine, dryer, and drink vending machine, which is unusual for a Hatagoya. There’s a coin laundry right beside it, though, and a FamilyMart next to that. We travel with our dog and keep coming back to Family Lodge Hatagoya because you can go straight from the parking lot into your room without passing through a lobby or front desk. No cage or cart needed, so taking the dog in and out is easy. The rooms and pet setup have been consistent at every Hatagoya we’ve used, which is reassuring. Since we stay regularly, I think pet owners should at least be careful not to leave a mess. My rating reflects the usual consistency of the facilities and service, so it’s just my personal take.