Hotel Garden Square Shizuoka

Set in central Shizuoka City, this is a stylish but affordable hotel within a short walk of the station. The rooms have everything you need and are pleasant, though the building looks old. You can leave the AC on while you're out. Staff will help when you need it, but don't go beyond that. Shizuoka City has nightlife, but fortunately you can't really tell from inside the hotel.

The staff made our stay especially memorable when we asked to switch to a non-smoking room. They explained the price difference and apologized that the new room needed cleaning. Since we were heading out to explore the city, waiting wasn't practical, so we arranged to move later that evening. When we came back for the new key, they'd already transferred our luggage and had everything in the new room arranged just as it had been before. We were amazed by how carefully they handled it, and almost felt bad about the work they'd done for us. The room was cozy in size but had all the essentials, and the hotel has modern facilities, including free bath salts at the front desk. The daily lemon beer is really good, too. We had a wonderful time and are grateful to all the staff. We'd happily stay again.

The simple breakfast was good, and there were restaurants and shops just outside. The location is great, though many Shizuoka hotels are in about the same area. My room was clean and spacious, the largest of the three Shizuoka hotels I stayed in. Everyone on staff was friendly, polite, and very nice. Of those three hotels, all about a three-minute walk apart, this was my favorite.

I've stayed here countless times and plan to keep coming back. The garden out back is lovely, the bed and pillows are comfortable, and breakfast is great. It's near the station, with coin laundry and helpful, friendly staff. Once I split my pants and they called a seamstress and explained everything in Japanese, so I only had to drop them off. Another time, while I was with family, they called about a kimono experience and helped make arrangements.