Hotel Alpha-One Ogori

I was there the night before a tournament at Kirara Expo Memorial Park Swimming Pool. The big public bath was just what I needed after a long trip, and the room was clean, neat, and roomy enough. The TV was a smart TV, so YouTube and Netflix were available. Ice and a microwave beside the elevator on every floor were handy too. The hotel parking was full, so I used the lot across the street. I appreciated that parking was free, and I'll stay here again next time.

I came for an away game for Trinita, and the location worked well, around a 15-minute drive via the expressway to Renofa Yamaguchi's stadium. This was my first stay at Hotel Alpha1. The chain is well known around Japan, though I don't see it much in Kyushu. It reminded me of Toyoko Inn, only a little nicer. My room was clean and I had no complaints. The staff member in the parking lot directed cars smoothly. Since I was on a motorcycle, they showed me a covered spot, which was a big help. Breakfast wasn't crowded, so I could take my time. I also left my hoodie in the room and returned for it a while after checkout. The staff were very helpful then, too.

Breakfast was the surprise for me. I didn't expect such a wide Japanese buffet at a business hotel, with so many side dishes to choose from. I had sausages and fried eggs, oden, fried shumai, fried pacific saury, burdock stir-fry, sauteed spinach, pork miso soup, and seaweed rice. Other options I left untouched included kawara soba, meat and potato stew, miso eggplant, and rolled omelets. I left full and satisfied, and am grateful to the people who prepare it. The room was clean and spacious, and the unit bath was clean as well. There's a large public bath, but it didn't look like a hot spring, so I skipped it. The hotel is conveniently near the station, and ¥7,400 for the night felt impressive value.

The amenities were plentiful, and having a trouser press right in the room was useful. It was clean, and I couldn't hear the neighbors. This was my first stay, and with the weather getting colder lately, I was glad the hotel turned out to be closer to the station than I'd expected. I'd definitely come back.