Business Inn Nankai

My room was a fairly spacious Japanese-style one, with large windows that let in natural light, which is unusual for a business hotel. The dining area was pleasant, and the drink bar stays open around the clock with several coffees and hot water. The nighttime receptionist who checked me in was especially friendly and spoke very good English. A few small drawbacks: the shower area is tight, there aren’t many charging outlets, and stairs lead up to the check-in counter. Still, I’d definitely recommend it for a stay in Wakayama.

The listing said there would be an ensuite bathroom and a sento or public bath, but the bathroom and toilet were shared. The bathhouse was off-site and cost an extra 1,300 yen. Free laundry was also advertised, but there was no laundry available. At night, noise kept coming through the thin walls and doors. I had asked for a quiet room, yet mine faced the street. At check-in, the property wouldn’t move me or let me cancel. The listing also called it a two-minute walk from Wakayamashi Station; even walking quickly took me 4-5 minutes. The male staff member I spoke to on 11th March wouldn’t change my room. Maybe they didn’t have any rooms with ensuite bathrooms at all. The misleading details caused needless stress during my trip. Trip.com should review this listing.

This is a review of the annex only, not the main building. The shared Western-style toilets, private bathroom, and dining kitchen with a microwave and kettle were useful, and the place had been renovated nicely. My room had air conditioning and an air purifier. The service and cleaning were excellent, even though I’ve mostly described the bad parts. I booked for a solo trip because the annex was near the station and advertised a nostalgic Showa-era feel. I expected somewhere comfortable, but the room was so retro it felt like the early Showa era. The walls were thin, it was cold, and I was too frightened to sleep. The front desk staff were unfriendly. I regret choosing the annex just to save money. Like others have said, it really felt like a prison. The experience left me so low that I caught a cold after the trip. I was surprised a hotel like this still existed so close to the station in the Reiwa era. It was traumatic, and painful to think back on. A net cafe inside the station would have been much more comfortable. This is just my own experience, and again, it’s not a review of the main building.

Tuesday, December 30, 2025, tourist from Osaka. I used a standard non-smoking single. The coffee machine by the dining room next to reception was very welcome in the morning. You have to ask for ice. At the hotel there are only alcohol and cola vending machines, though there’s another machine right outside. The front desk is on the second floor, but if you call on the intercom someone will help with your luggage. It’s a four-minute walk from JR Wakayamashi Station and a 35-minute walk from JR Wakayama Station. There’s a supermarket and convenience store at Wakayamashi Station. It’s close to Wakayamashi Station, but that station is inconvenient, and getting to Wakayama Station by bus or train is a hassle. I like walking, so I walked from Wakayama Station, stopped for a meal on the way, and continued to the hotel. The bathroom is small, old, and gets crowded. You adjust the shower temperature with separate hot and cold taps, and the water pressure was weak. The tub was possibly the smallest I’ve used. The shampoo dispenser and toilet flush button were both oddly placed, a couple of firsts for me. After flushing, the pipes buzz for a while. The room was an average size and fine for sleeping a night, not cramped. It feels old, but that didn’t bother me: the toilet frame wood is rotten, wallpaper is peeling, and a cord is held down with duct tape. The air freshener’s scent was really strong, though. I was glad there was an air purifier. I didn’t use the air conditioner, since the building was warm. There was a free bottle of water in the fridge, which I really appreciated. The door feels cheap. You use an old-fashioned key and turn it, and there’s no auto-lock. It’s thin, so voices and TV sound can pass through. When I was in the room, I mostly heard the exhaust fan and didn’t notice much noise, but I could hear the door clank when it opened and shut. The desk by the pillow has no outlet, and there’s just one socket at the desk, so a power strip would help. Even with a few concerns, I’m very satisfied for what the stay cost. I didn’t have any unpleasant experiences, and I’m really happy with it!＼(^o^)／