Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Ueda

Good value, with the station right across the street and convenience stores, local cafés, and food nearby. The room was small but worked perfectly for me as a solo traveler. Getting luggage down the hallway was a bit awkward.

The location is the big plus, with easy access from the station even when hauling oversized bags. The room felt worn, with older carpet and furniture, though it had new soundproof windows that open, and the washroom and shower were good. The TV was small and had no English channels. The room controls cover both air conditioning and heat, but the central system only provides one at a time. It was unusually warm for spring, so we had no AC, though opening the window helped. The lock was solid, and the lift needed a room key, which made me feel safe. There are lots of restaurants nearby. Breakfast was a very good hot Western buffet, with granola and toast, plus a Japanese option. It was included, as was the price-friendly stay compared with competitors. Given the tired room, though, check the price against nearby places and make sure you're happy with it.

Clean rooms, comfy beds, and friendly staff make this an okay place for a few nights in Ueda. It just feels behind the times compared with other Japanese hotels in the same price range. The TVs are small, the toilet seats aren't heated, the room interiors look old, and the elevators are covered in plastic, presumably for renovation work. These are minor issues, but nearby hotels at this price give a better impression and experience, so I can't rate it 4/5. For a longer trip or a longer stay in the area, I'd look at the other options nearby. 3/5.

It's across from the JR station, with food and drink spots close by. The room has basic amenities, and reception has extra things like tea bags, toothbrushes, hair wax, and shampoo.