APA Hotel Takasakieki Higashiguchi

I had a quiet room and noise wasn't an issue. It felt calm, and the TV was large. I liked being able to link my Netflix and Prime Video subscriptions and watch on it. The room size was enough for one person on a one-night business trip. Breakfast had a limited buffet selection, which was fine since I don't eat much in the morning, and the drinkable yogurt was delicious. One thing felt awkward: a hotel employee took food for themselves right beside me while I was serving myself, and I wondered whether that was appropriate. The hotel connects directly to the station, so you can reach check-in without getting wet in the rain. Go into the Monterey building and take the elevator to the 6th floor for the front desk. There are several elevators between ground level, the station, and reception, but only one runs early in the morning and late at night.

The breakfast was great, and the atmosphere and quality were better than I expected from a three-star hotel, well worth another star. It’s convenient for the station and shopping, with a straight walk into the middle of the shops. Coming back, though, you might forget exactly where the lift is. (Photo just outside.)

The soundproofing was good, but the windows can't be opened. There’s an air-cleaning device and humidifier in the room. Both pillows were very thick, and they gave me a headache. The staff I met struggled to understand and speak English. Breakfast was a poor value for the Western options, and I found them unhealthy: scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, Japanese bread (pure gluten), sweet pastries, butter, milk, sweet muesli or cornflakes, and sometimes mortadella. They also had fresh vegetables and fruit, plus juice with sugar. There was no cheese, porridge, or proper healthy bread.

I’d definitely come back if I were in Takasaki. The station location is very convenient, and there are plenty of places for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you don’t need to eat at the hotel. The room was small, and the bed called a “queen” was only big enough for one person. Still, it felt safe and clean, with an immaculate bathroom. Amenities were all there, including drip coffee in the room, which I tried for the first time and am now hooked on, and sleepwear. There’s also an elevator from reception straight to the station.