Unbelievable Higashi Hiroshima Hotel Deal! Route Inn Saijo Ekimae Awaits!
Unbelievable Higashi Hiroshima Hotel Deal! Route Inn Saijo Ekimae: My Brain Dump (and Hotel Review!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a review that's less polished brochure and more… well, me. We're talking Route Inn Saijo Ekimae, the supposed "Unbelievable Higashi Hiroshima Hotel Deal!" and I'm here with the unfiltered truth, the good, the bad, and the slightly-hungover-after-that-karaoke-session-in-the-nearby-izakaya. Let's dive in!
First Impressions & Accessibility: Can I Get In The Door? (And My Stuff Through It?)
Right off the bat, accessibility is KEY for me. Route Inn, in general, usually does a decent job. This one? Pretty solid. Wheelchair accessible areas? Check. Elevator? Double-check. (Phew, because my suitcase weighs more than my ex's emotional baggage). The lobby was spacious, and the ramp situation seemed manageable. I didn’t personally need a wheelchair, but I took a mental note for future reference (and for my elderly aunt who's obsessed with travel). Facilities for disabled guests are listed, so at least they're trying. The exterior corridor made me feel a little like I was in a budget hotel from a movie, not fancy, but fine.
The Internet… Oh, The Internet! (And Other Techie Stuff)
Okay, internet is essential. Especially when you're a writer who survives on caffeine and Wi-Fi. Route Inn claims Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – Wi-Fi. (They really emphasize the internet, don't they?). Truthfully, it was better than some dives I've stayed in, but not blazing fast. Perfect for emails, and a little streaming, but don't expect to download a whole movie during your lunch break. The Internet [LAN] option is there too, but who uses LAN anymore? Besides, my brain hurts enough without plugging in a cable. The Internet services section seems a bit…generic. You’re getting the basics, people.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did They Actually Clean? (And Did They Sanitize My Food?)
This is HUGE, especially post-pandemic. Cleanliness and safety were definitely on the agenda. I saw professional-grade sanitizing services listed, and I think I could smell the anti-viral cleaning products, which is a good sign, right? Rooms sanitized between stays, and daily disinfection in common areas: Check and check. Hand sanitizer dispensers were everywhere, and that made my germaphobe tendencies (we all have them) feel better. Staff trained in safety protocol also boosted my confidence levels. Individually-wrapped food options at breakfast felt reassuring (more on the food later). There’s even Room sanitization opt-out available, should you be weirdly thrilled by dust bunnies. They're serious about hygiene.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Is This a Foodie Paradise or a Microwaveable Meal Maze?
Okay, the most important question: WHAT CAN I EAT?! They have a restaurant! And a breakfast [buffet]! (Insert happy dance here). A buffet in restaurant is always a winner. I love a good breakfast, and this one was surprisingly decent for the price point. They had the usual suspects: eggs, bacon (sometimes crispy!), rice (because, Japan!), and a variety of other things I couldn’t identify but ate anyway. There was Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant options, which is what I went for on the first day.
One minor (and by minor, I mean slightly annoying) drawback: The coffee/tea in restaurant situation felt a little…meh. Nothing to write home about. But, there was a coffee shop option and the free coffee in the lobby. (I needed that… badly).
For lunch and dinner, you're looking at restaurants, with A la carte in restaurant. I didn’t go for the full three-course meal, though. I'll admit, on the first night, and because I was tired, I opted for the room service [24-hour]. It wasn’t gourmet, but hey, it was food, and it was there. The snack bar was also a helpful option for late-night munchies (after I had a few drinks next door).
Things To Do, Ways To Relax: Spa Day or Staring at the Ceiling?
Okay, let's get real: I wasn't expecting a luxury spa experience. But, hey, Route Inn tries to offer some options. There is a Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, a Foot bath (perfect after a day of walking!), and a Fitness center. So, if you are more disciplined than me, you've got options to detox. I stuck with the footbath.
Services and Conveniences: From Laundry to Luggage Storage – What's Actually Useful?
The usual suspects. Cash withdrawal (thank goodness!). Laundry service (essential for a long trip). Luggage storage (saved my back!). They had a basic convenience store, too, which is always a godsend. The concierge was helpful with basic questions. Daily housekeeping: essential for maintaining sanity. This is one of those hotels where you feel like they try to think of everything.
For The Kids: Is this a Kid-Friendly Hotel?
The Family/child friendly listings are there, so it's definitely an option. They list Kids meals . I did not bring a child, but I saw a few families there!
Getting Around: Lost in Translation (and Directions)?
The location is right near the Saijo Ekimae train station, which made it SUPER convenient. If you’re arriving by plane, they offer Airport transfer. They have car park [free of charge] which is nice. I didn't use a bike, but they offer Bicycle parking too.
In-Room Awesomeness (or Lack Thereof): The Nitty Gritty of the Room
Alright, what's it really like inside your little box? Free Wi-Fi, which I mentioned before, is a lifesaver. Air conditioning (duh). Blackout curtains (yes, please!). Bathrobes (always a plus!). They have a mini bar, a Refrigerator, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea (see: coffee/tea in restaurant). There's an Alarm clock, Slippers and a Hair dryer, all the essentials. It wasn't the biggest room, but completely fine for a solo traveler. The additional toilet was a good bonus, and the shower pressure was decent. The "Unbelievable" Deal - Is It Worth the Hype?
Okay, so the title. "Unbelievable Higashi Hiroshima Hotel Deal!" Is it unbelievable? Well, no, maybe not unbelievably good. But it's a solid, reliable choice. It's CLEAN, the staff are friendly, and the location is excellent. The price is right, especially for the quality. It’s not a luxurious experience, but it gets the job done. I would call it an "excellent value" - a good, budget-friendly hotel.
My Quirky Verdict and a Recommendation (to You, My Fellow Traveler!)
Look, I’m not going to lie, I wouldn't write home about the interior decor. I would go back. For a solo traveler, or a couple looking for convenience and value, Route Inn Saijo Ekimae is a winner. The location is perfect, the cleanliness is top-notch, and the amenities are more than sufficient. If you're expecting the Ritz-Carlton, you'll be disappointed, but if you're looking for a comfortable, clean, and well-located hotel, book the deal! You will love this hotel if:
- You value convenience and accessibility.
- You appreciate cleanliness and safety above all else.
- You're looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential comforts.
- You need a good base for exploring Higashi Hiroshima.
- You like a decent breakfast.
You might want to skip it if:
- You're a luxury-hotel snob.
- You require a spa and a massage.
- You demand the latest in interior design trends.
Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars. I’d stay there again! (And I probably will!).
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this trip to Hotel Route Inn Higashi Hiroshima Saijo Ekimae in Japan is about to get REAL. I'm talking less "polished travel blog" and more "unfiltered diary entry of a slightly caffeinated, easily-distracted human being." Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Regret (Just Kidding… Mostly.)
- Morning (or what felt like the middle of the night after a 14-hour flight): Landed in Hiroshima. Jet lag? Oh, honey, that's putting it mildly. My brain felt like it had been gently but firmly microwaved. Navigated the train system – which, honestly, is a feat in itself. I’m pretty sure I almost boarded a bullet train headed to… somewhere completely different. Thank the travel gods for helpful signage (and the kindness of strangers who didn't understand a word I was saying, but still smiled and pointed).
- Afternoon: The Hotel Route Inn Revelation: Finally, finally, arrived at the glorious Hotel Route Inn. Okay, it's a perfectly functional, clean hotel. The room is small (as expected), but hey, I’m not here to live in a penthouse. My first impression was pure, unadulterated relief. Showered…ah, the shower pressure! Glorious. Actually, I think I spent a solid 15 minutes just standing there, letting the hot water wash away the accumulated travel grime and existential dread.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Saijo Exploration and Carb Overload: Okay, time to explore Saijo! First impressions? Super charming. Lots of cute little shops and noodle restaurants. I stumbled upon a local sake brewery (this town is famous for it, apparently). The tasting was… well, let’s just say I may have purchased a small bottle to "sample back at the hotel" (wink, wink). Dinner was ramen. Carb-loading is a MUST in these situations. And oh my god, the ramen. The broth! The noodles! The… I blacked out. Kidding! Mostly. I did, however, accidentally spill some on my favorite t-shirt. Curse my clumsy hands!
- Night: Hotel room, sake, slowly deciphering the TV remote (still haven't figured out how to get English subtitles!), and fighting off the urge to just collapse into a coma on the bed. I managed to write some postcards to my friends back home, although my handwriting looked like a caffeine-fueled scribble. Also, minor panic attack about not knowing enough Japanese.
Day 2: The Brewery Pilgrimage and Emotional Rollercoaster
- Morning (Or, You Know, Later): Breakfast at the Hotel Route Inn. Free. Simple. Functional. The coffee was strong, which was definitely needed after the sake "sampling" the night before. The breakfast offered a buffet of Japanese and Western food. I piled my plate high with the usual suspects - rice, eggs, and a generous helping of grilled sausages. Not bad, not bad at all!
- Mid-morning: Sake Brewery Hopping, Round 2: Okay, the real goal of the day: exploring the sake breweries. This time I visited a few well-renowned places. The history behind these places and the passion the brewers have for their craft is incredibly impressive. Seriously, each one was like a mini-museum with tastings! The first brewery was a bit "blah," but then I landed in the perfect spot. Think stunning architecture, amazing aged sake, and a guide who actually spoke English.
- Lunch: The Curry Udon Epiphany: I am obsessed with it! Best meal I've had in weeks! I think I almost cried from happiness. I mean, I teared up a little. Don't judge me. It was that good!
- Afternoon: The Unexpected Museum Adventure: I stumbled upon a small local museum. Turns out, it was about the history of local sake production. It was fascinating, but also a bit… emotional. Seeing the dedication of these families, the history, the tradition… It made me think about my own life (which is rare when traveling, tbh). I spent an hour wandering the halls and it was completely worth it. It's beautiful!
- Evening: The Onsen Debacle (and Triumph!): Hotel Route Inn had an onsen (hot spring) but I chickened out. The public nudity thing just freaks me out, so I made do with a long shower. Maybe tomorrow! Honestly, the thought of being completely nude in front of strangers fills me with dread but the idea of soothing my aching muscles is so tempting! Should I or shouldn't I?!
Day 3: Farewell (For Now) and Existential Musings
- Morning: The last breakfast at the Hotel Route Inn. I'm actually going to miss the free coffee. Packed my bags, re-packing my bag feels like performing a magic trick, every time. Said goodbye to the room.
- Mid-morning: One last walk around Saijo. Bought a couple of souvenirs (mostly sake and some matcha green tea chocolates – because, Japan). Seriously contemplating making a life change, moving to remote islands, and growing my own matcha.
- Afternoon: The Train ride, the reflections. I'm leaving Higashi Hiroshima and the emotions start to flow. I'm sad to leave, but also excited to explore further. Reflecting again on how amazing the whole trip was.
- Evening: As I board the train to the next destination, I glance back at the hotel. I’m not sure if I'll ever be back, but I can say with certainty that this was an experience I will never forget.
Overall Thoughts:
The Hotel Route Inn was a solid base. Nothing fancy, but clean, convenient, and with free breakfast, it ticked all the boxes. Saijo? Absolutely charming. The sake? Divine. The food? Forget about it! The people? Kind and patient. This trip was a rollercoaster of emotions, carb-loading, and self-discovery. And you know what? It was perfectly imperfect. And I wouldn't have it any other way! Until next time, Japan!
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Unbelievable Higashi Hiroshima Hotel Deal! Route Inn Saijo Ekimae Awaits! (and the Chaos Within...)
Okay, spill it. *Really* unbelievable? What's the catch with this Route Inn in Higashi Hiroshima?
So, Location, Location, Location? How *close* is "Ekimae" actually? Because I've been fooled before...
What about the room? Are we talking shoebox, or… *slightly* less shoebox?
Breakfast? Is it the usual "mystery meat and questionable scrambled eggs" situation?
Speaking of interesting... tell me about any, um, 'memorable' experiences you had. Spill the tea!
Would you recommend it? Honestly.
Any other tips or things I should know before I book?
