Toyoko Inn Utsunomiya Ekimae 2

The room looked straight across at Toyoko Inn Utsunomiya Ekimae 1, so people could see into it unless I closed the curtains. Still, I'd happily stay here again when I'm in Utsunomiya. Toyoko Inn is reliably good and feels like a safe choice wherever I travel in Japan. I arrived by motorcycle on Saturday, April 25. The hotel was easy to find, though the road outside was badly clogged with taxis and other vehicles. A front desk staff member kindly showed me where to park the motorcycle, which made a very good first impression. The room and building were clean and new, the bed and futon were so comfortable I even napped after arrival, and the Saturday rate was under 7,000 yen. Motorcycle parking cost 300 yen. There are lots of places to eat near Utsunomiya Station, including gyoza restaurants and izakayas. The popular gyoza places had long queues; I tried Orion Gyoza, which had no line, and could see why. Shops are easy to find too: FamilyMart is across from the hotel, with Lawson at the station and Seven-Eleven by the river. Breakfast had plenty of vegetables and was moderately busy at 7:30, with two staff members working. One male guest yelled, "Hey, miso soup!" when it ran out. That's a downside I've seen with Toyoko Inn. It's an inexpensive chain, so some guests, of any background, aren't very considerate. Guests can choose breakfast on the room TV, and I think the hotel should say that complaints about the selection should be brought to the dining area at 6:30 AM, or ask guests with poor manners not to use the service. Dishes that run out should be replenished, but it's unfair for staff to get shouted at when something has simply run out.

The room and breakfast were as comfortable as they usually are at Toyoko Inns, and the hotel is about a five-minute walk from Utsunomiya Station. But this was the first time I gave one of these hotels two stars for service. I checked in at around 7:30 pm. Two people were at the counter, yet nobody even said hello while I used the check-in machine. A greeting wasn't essential, and staff usually give a quick explanation, but this time there was no response at all.

For work in Yaita, I went out of my way to travel 30 minutes to stay here, and I think it was worth it. The bed is so comfortable that I slept well, and they served beef bowls at breakfast, which should help me get the most out of my work. For me, a hotel is just somewhere to sleep, but ideally it should be affordable, comfortable, easy to use, and near the station, with fast internet so I don't have to walk much.

The hotel is very close to JR Utsunomiya Station, and my room was clean and looked after well. I was told to take however many amenities I needed, though I made sure not to go overboard. The makeup remover, face wash, lotion, and emulsion were all Pola, and they felt lovely to use. Breakfast was free, but I skipped it this time. I'll definitely try it on my next stay. Thank you! 😊