Unbelievable Hotel Deal in Niigata, Japan! (Route Inn Kenchominami)
Road Trip Roulette & Route Inn Revelation: My Niigata Adventure (and the Hotel That Almost Broke Me – in a Good Way)
Okay, so let's be real. Planning a trip to Niigata, Japan, wasn't exactly on my "dream destinations" list. More like, "Where the heck did we end up this time?" (Thanks, road trip roulette!). But you know what? Sometimes fate – or, in this case, a slightly wonky GPS – leads you to surprisingly amazing places. And that brings us to the Route Inn Kenchominami, the hotel that saved my sanity (and maybe my marriage) in the Land of Rice Cakes and Snow.
Accessibility? Check, but with a Slight Stumble (and a Hilarious Mishap)
So, accessibility… crucial, right? Especially after the epic hike (I use that term very loosely) my husband convinced me to do earlier that day. The Route Inn definitely tries. They have elevator access (thank GOD, I was practically jelly after that "hike"). They tout facilities for disabled guests, which is promising. And the car park [on-site] was a lifesaver after a long drive.
The wheelchair accessible thing? Okay, it's not perfect. Think "Japan-accessible," which is a step up from "completely inaccessible," but still requires some navigating. On the plus side, the staff were incredibly helpful. Now, here's the funny bit: trying to maneuver my suitcase and myself into the elevator with a slightly confused look on my face? Let's just say it involved a rogue water bottle, a near-miss with a potted plant, and a lot of giggling from a very patient bellhop. He probably thought I was an idiot. I may have confirmed his suspicions. But hey, at least it was a memorable start!
Cleanliness & Safety: Post-Pandemic Peace of Mind (and a Seriously Clean Bedspread)
Let's be clear: I'm a germaphobe. Pre-pandemic, I was that person wiping down EVERYTHING. Post-pandemic? I'm basically wearing a hazmat suit everywhere. So, the Route Inn’s commitment to cleanliness was a huge selling point. Daily disinfection in common areas? YES PLEASE. Rooms sanitized between stays? Music to my ears! They even have anti-viral cleaning products! It's all about safety/security feature and security [24-hour], the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. I felt like I could actually breathe, which is a big deal for a stressed-out traveler.
And the room? Spotless. The bedspread was so clean it practically glowed. No, seriously. I actually did a little "sniff test." (Don’t judge me.) I could sleep soundly between the luxurious blackout curtains and soundproofing!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Breakfast Buffets to Late-Night Noodles (and My Ramen Revelation)
Okay, the food situation. This is where the Route Inn really surprised me. I'm not a huge buffet person, but their breakfast [buffet] was actually pretty decent. They had a mix of Asian breakfast items and Western breakfast options – perfect for someone like me who needs both a hearty start and a little bit of familiarity.
But the real star? The Asian cuisine in restaurant for dinner! I'm talking steaming bowls of ramen, the perfect antidote to a long day. And the best part? They had a vegetarian restaurant too! The coffee/tea in restaurant was a nice touch as well.
I’ll admit, I maybe possibly went back for seconds… or thirds. (Don't tell anyone.)
The bar made a perfect escape after the kids were put to sleep.
Services and Conveniences: From Laundry to Luggage Storage – They Thought of Everything (Almost)
The Route Inn is packed with conveniences. Daily housekeeping? Check. Laundry service? Check. Luggage storage? Check, check, check! The elevator was a godsend, the dry cleaning was great, and the concierge was super helpful. The doorman welcomed us every day and a big smile.
The only tiny gripe? The Wi-Fi in public areas was a little spotty at times. BUT, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (did I mention that?!) was a lifesaver. I could happily update my social media with all my adventures! They even had Air conditioning in public area which was a big plus .
Available in All Rooms: My Ultimate Room Rundown
Okay, the rooms themselves. They’re not exactly the height of luxury (this isn’t the Ritz, people!), but they are clean, comfortable, and functional. Here's the lowdown:
- Air conditioning? YES. (Crucial in humid Japan!)
- Alarm clock? Yep.
- Bathrobes? Nope. (Bring your own, or embrace the Japanese hotel staple of… well, nothing!)
- Bathroom phone? Nope, thank God. Wouldn't want to get any unwanted calls.
- Bathtub? Yes, and after a day of walking I loved it!!
- Blackout curtains? Essential!
- Closet? Plenty of space to hang your slightly-damp clothes. (Thanks, Niigata weather!)
- Coffee/tea maker? Absolutely.
- Complimentary tea? Yes!
- Daily housekeeping? Yay!
- Desk? A perfectly functional workspace.
- Extra long bed? Nope but still comfortable!
- Free bottled water? Yes!
- Hair dryer? Absolutely.
- High floor? Depends.
- In-room safe box? Check!
- Internet access – LAN? They got it.
- Internet access – wireless? Yup!
- Ironing facilities? Included.
- Laptop workspace? Sure!
- Linens? Clean and crisp.
- Mini bar? Yes!
- Mirror? Several!
- Non-smoking? Yup.
- On-demand movies? I never bothered.
- Private bathroom? Of course.
- Reading light? Yes!
- Refrigerator? Yes!
- Safety/security feature? All over!
- Satellite/cable channels? Yes.
- Scale? For those pre-holiday weigh-ins. (Eek.)
- Seating area? Minimal but functional.
- Separate shower/bathtub? Yes!
- Shower? Of course!
- Slippers? Nope.
- Smoke detector? Always!
- Socket near the bed? A massive win for charging your phone!
- Sofa? Not really.
- Soundproofing? Amazing!
- Telephone? Yes!
- Toiletries? Basic but functional.
- Towels? Plenty!
- Umbrella? Yes.
- Visual alarm? Yes!
- Wake-up service? Yes!
- Wi-Fi [free]? All rooms!
- Window that opens? Nope.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: From the Gym to the Foot Bath (and My Failed Spa Dream)
Okay, listen, I tried to unwind. The sauna sounded amazing, and I was really hoping to enjoy the hotel's spa and maybe even a massage. Sigh. Life with kids. Didn’t happen. So, I can’t personally vouch for those. There is a Fitness center which is a big plus. It would have been nice to use the swimming pool!!
However, they did have a foot bath if you were able to enjoy your time in the hotel. And if you want to take a stroll outside, or enjoy bicycle parking, you could do that.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Features (and a Babysitting That Didn't Happen)
The hotel is family/child friendly. They had kids facilities and even a Babysitting service! That didn’t work out either… (I'm sensing a theme here.)
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Airport transfer is available! They have car park [free of charge] but the public transportation is reliable.
Unbelievable Hotel Deal Alert: Escape to Niigata (and Get Comfy!)
So, overall? The Route Inn Kenchominami might not be the height of glamour, but it's a solid, reliable, and surprisingly charming hotel. It’s a lifesaver for road-trippers, families, and anyone who wants a clean, comfortable, and convenient base for exploring Niigata.
Here's what you need to know:
- Book now for the best rates! Don't delay – availability can be tricky, especially during peak season.
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your average sanitized travel itinerary. This is… my itinerary. And it’s heading straight for the Hotel Route Inn Niigata Kenchominami, Niigata, Japan. Consider yourselves warned.
Project: Niigata - Operation Get My Head Straight (or at least, get it somewhere other than here)
Day 1: Arrival – Or, the Great Ramen Reckoning
- Time: 9:00 AM (Ish) – Officially scheduled to arrive at Narita Airport. Unofficially, expecting a minor existential crisis upon realizing I’m actually doing this. Plane food. Always a gamble. I’m already missing my cat.
- Time: 12:00 PM (ish…) – Arriving in Niigata via Shinkansen (bullet train). Holy wow, these things are sleek. I might just cry from the sheer efficiency. Hopefully, I can understand the announcements. My Japanese is… a work in progress. Pray for me.
- Time: 1:30 PM (approximately) – Arrive at Hotel Route Inn Niigata Kenchominami. Check-in. Pray for a clean room, a decent view (maybe a glimpse of a noodle shop), and, most importantly, a working coffee machine. The caffeine withdrawal anxiety is real.
- Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM – MISSION: FIND RAMEN. Seriously. I've spent weeks drooling over pictures of Niigata ramen. I’m talking rich broth, perfect noodles, that chashu pork… I’ve done my "research" (read: googled relentlessly). I hear there's a place near the hotel, but… I'm not exactly known for direction. There will be a photo of a bowl of ramen eventually. Cross my heart.
- Anecdote – The Ramen Run: God, I swear, finding that ramen place was a comedy of errors. I got turned around immediately. Ended up walking through a market I didn't even know existed. The smells! The colours! I wanted to buy everything. And then, finally, after asking a sweet old lady (who looked like she’d seen a thing or two) for help… I found it. The ramen? Worth every agonizing, directionally-challenged second.
- Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Exploratory wander of the area surrounding the hotel. Mild panic about not knowing the local language. "Kon'nichiwa" and "Arigato" can only take you so far, people. Considering investing in a phrasebook. (Maybe I should've done that before landing…)
- Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Dinner. Maybe venture outside of the hotel. More ramen? A bold move, but… maybe. Or something else, if I can pluck up the courage to translate a menu. Wish me luck.
- Time: 7:00 PM – Late. – Collapse into bed. Possibly stream myself on Netflix. Face it, I’m jet-lagged. Diary entry. Cry quietly.
Day 2: Rice Fields and Quiet Moments (Maybe)
- Time: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM. Hotel breakfast! Embrace the Japanese breakfast spread! I need energy for the day. I think. I hope. I'm hungry.
- The Breakfast Debacle: So, the breakfast was… a learning experience. Natto. Fermented soybeans. My face. It's a love-it-or-hate-it kind of thing. My reaction? Well… let's just say the hotel staff probably got a good laugh. I tried it, I really did. I just… couldn't.
- Time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Destination Niigata Rice Field: Travel to Niigata's renowned rice fields, the source of the region's famous rice. I’m hoping to get some killer landscape photos.
- Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Lunch - Something light and preferably not involving fermented anything. A quiet cafe in a rural area sounds ideal.
- Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Exploring the countryside, taking in the beauty of Niigata. Find a quiet spot. Contemplate the meaning of life (or, at least, the direction of my next train). Maybe sketch something.
- Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Return to the hotel. Rest and take pictures of the pictures I took. Prepare for dinner.
- Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Dinner. Something simple.
- Time: 7:00 PM – Bedtime - Reading. And hopefully, sleeping more soundly. This jet lag is a beast.
Day 3: History and… More Ramen?
- Time: 9:00 AM – Stroll around the Kencho area.
- Time: 10:00 AM - Explore the Niigata City History Museum. I'm hoping to learn something. Hopefully, it isn't all in Japanese.
- Time: 12:00 AM - lunch. Is this ramen, again?
- Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Afternoon. Back to the hotel. Rest up. Work on my journal and the photos.
- Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM – Dinner. Dinner and think of new places, or the same old places…
- Time: 7:00 PM – Bedtime - And then, the sweet, sweet embrace of unconsciousness. I'm starting to think this might be the best part of the trip…
Day 4: Departure - Adios, Niigata!
- Time: 8:00 AM – Hotel breakfast. One last shot at the natto? (Nope.)
- Time: 9:00 AM – Check out. Heart full of memories (and maybe a little ramen broth on my shirt).
- Time: 10:00 AM – Travel to Narita Airport.
- Time: 1:00 PM – Arrive at Narita.
- Time: 4:00 PM – Board plane.
- Time: Eternity – Return to life.
Important Notes:
- Pace Yourself: This is a very rough outline. I'm going to let the wind blow me where it may. Spontaneity, people! It's the spice of life (and travel).
- Embrace the Chaos: I fully expect to get lost, misunderstand things, and make a complete fool of myself on numerous occasions. It's all part of the adventure, right? (Right?)
- Ramen Priority: This is non-negotiable. I must find and consume copious amounts of ramen. It’s a personal pilgrimage.
- Coffee Consumption: Please send caffeine. Preferably strong.
This, my friends, is my journey. Wish me luck, and pray I don’t accidentally offend anyone (too badly). I’ll report back… if I survive.
Freeport Getaway: Luxurious Freeport Hotel (ME) - Unbelievable Deals!
Alright, Fine. What *is* this thing anyway? Some kind of...question-answering...thing?
Honestly, I'm not even sure *I* know why I'm doing this. Maybe it's the allure of online validation. Maybe I just have too much coffee coursing through my veins. Either way, here we are. Brace yourself.
So, who wrote this thing? Some wise guru? A bot? A caffeinated squirrel?
Look, this is all a work in progress. It's not going to be perfect, and I'm totally okay with that. Actually, I *prefer* it. Give me imperfections over perfection any day. It's more, you know, *interesting*.
Are you going to answer *my* questions? The REALLY important ones? Like, does pineapple belong on pizza?
As for *your* question, well, it depends. If it aligns with my current mood, yes. Otherwise, you'll get a cryptic, philosophical response. Or maybe just a GIF of a confused kitten. It's a gamble, really. But try me.
What if I don't *like* your answers? Am I allowed to disagree?
My opinions are just that – opinions. Yours are just as valid. So go ahead, rip my answers to shreds. Tell me I'm wrong. Tell me I'm a genius. Just... be nice about it, okay? I'm sensitive. (Not really, but I'm using it as leverage).
Okay, fine. But promise me one thing: no boring corporate jargon. Please.
I'm striving for honesty and authenticity. Yeah, sometimes it gets a bit messy, and, you know, I might go off on a random tangent about the existential dread of mismatched socks. But at least it's… real? Ish? I'm trying, alright?
Are you actually going to answer any *real* questions? Like, about...life? The universe? And everything?
But the beauty is, I suppose, that you can make one. Or, you know, stumble through life figuring it out. I'm more a fan of the latter approach. I'm the kind of person who'll tell you there's no "right" answer, only the one you find for yourself. And that's a pretty good answer if you ask me.
So, yes, maybe. I'll take a stab at the big questions, but don't expect anything profound. Just expect... maybe some laughter, maybe some tears, maybe some moments where you go, "wait, what? " And that's okay.
What's your biggest pet peeve? Prepare yourself.
And... people who leave their grocery carts abandoned in the middle of the parking lot. Seriously? Do you understand the effort required to put those things back? It's not rocket science! It's just common decency. The little things, you know?
What's the one experience that shaped you the most? Spill the tea.
Famous last words.
First, I spent like ninety minutes just figuring out the right pan for it. The instructions kept saying "soufflé dish, 6-inch diameter". That sounds like a *thing* you can see, like, you know, *have*. Like, a literal 6-inch diameter soufflé dish. But I didn't. So I spent a good 20 minutes looking at measuring tapes and thinking "wait what does 6 inches mean? That's wide, right? What kind of pan do I even *have*?".
Got it! (Maybe). Then, I started with the egg whites. Whipped them stiff as instructed. Thought I was a freaking *chef*. The recipe said "fold in gently." "Fold in gently?" I asked the air. I'd been watching shows with food people, who justBook Hotels Now
