HOTEL R9 The Yard Yuki

The room was okay, just a little pricey.

The food was a nice surprise: they gave us free coffee and a free bento, and it was delicious. The room had plenty of space for two, and restaurants, supermarkets, and drugstores were about a 10-minute walk away. I was kicking myself for hesitating, lol. I’d been curious about container hotels but worried the small rooms and low prices might mean poor service. This place had a roomy parking lot and reception right at the entrance, where check-in was quick. The receptionist was friendly, and there weren’t any complicated forms to fill out. I’d read a review saying there was no nightwear, so I’d considered a business hotel instead. Turns out they had nightwear and all the amenities. I’ll definitely stay here again. Too bad there isn’t one in the Tohoku region, where I visit often.

The snack service was a real surprise. The portions were more than snacks, lol, and there was a good selection of bento boxes. We each had one, and they were delicious. Coffee was available anytime through the drink service. The hotel sits in a quiet residential area, with convenience stores, supermarkets, and drugstores within walking distance. Parking was roomy and easy to use, so there was no need to rush while parking. I worried our fussy, excited kids might bother other guests, but even after I went outside to check, I couldn’t hear anything. It’s a good fit for solo travelers and families alike.

There are free drinks and coffee at reception, along with frozen curry rice and pilaf you can heat in your room’s microwave. Inside, the room has everything needed for two people, even though from outside it looks like a shipping container. The location is a bit inconvenient, near the border between Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures.