Asahikawa's BEST Hotel? Route Inn Ekimae Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Asahikawa's BEST Hotel? Route Inn Ekimae Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - A Rambling, Honest Take
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a review of the Route Inn Grand Asahikawa Ekimae. Forget the perfect, polished PR spin. This is a real-deal account, warts and all, and you might just find yourself booking a room by the end. (Or maybe not, and that's cool too.)
First Impressions: The Arrival & Accessibility – Smooth, Mostly…
So, I arrived in Asahikawa after a long day of… well, let's just say "adventures." The train station is directly across from the hotel – HUGE win for weary travelers! Accessibility: The hotel has an elevator, which is essential. They also advertise facilities for disabled guests. Can't vouch 100% for every detail, but the main areas seemed pretty accessible. It’s hard to not be impressed by this hotel.
Rooms: Cleanliness & All the Amenities You Could Possibly Need
Alright, let’s get real. This hotel is spotless. Cleanliness and safety is clearly a priority. You know, these days, that’s a HUGE comfort. They boast anti-viral cleaning products, and everything smells clean, which is a good start. Rooms are sanitized between stays. There's a good sized desk, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi in all rooms (HUGE!), and even seemingly every appliance under the sun: Coffee/tea maker – check. Refrigerator – yep. Ironing facilities – for those who care to look presentable (I usually don’t, but it's there!), and a hair dryer – naturally. Did I mention the bathtub and separate shower? Luxurious! You also have bathrobes and some slippers, because what’s a hotel without a touch of extravagance, eh?
Internet Access: Wi-Fi? Awesome. Internet access – LAN? I’m not even sure what that is anymore, but it's there, so good for them!
Safety and Security: Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers – all the important stuff is covered. Felt safe, which is a big deal, particularly when you are away from home.
The Food Situation: A Buffet Bonanza and Some Quirky Choices
Okay, the breakfast. This is important. It's a breakfast buffet! While I generally prefer to sleep in and find a local cafe, I felt compelled to try the Asian breakfast on offer. Plenty of choices, with both Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western breakfast fare. It was… robust. Let's put it that way. The coffee shop was a good spot to grab a caffeine fix throughout the day, and they had a snack bar, I saw, for impulse purchases.
Dining, drinking, and snacking is clearly covered: the buffet also provided hot water linen and laundry washing. It's nice that they have essential condiments. You can get bottle of water pretty easily.
On-Site Restaurants and Facilities: Pool with a View? Eh.
Restaurants: Yes, including Asian and Western options. Poolside bar? I don't recall a poolside bar, but hey, I might have missed it because of the strong drinks…There is a bar which I didn't check out. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Naturally. A la carte in restaurant? Certainly. Pool with view? Now, the pool… It's a covered, indoor pool. Which is great for all kinds of weather. But the view? I didn't see one. I think the "view" is overlooking, well, the roof of the hotel. But hey, it's a pool! Sauna, spa, and steam room are all available!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Sauna, Spa, and (Maybe) a Workout
Spa/sauna and steamroom are all available. The sauna was great, the steamroom was pretty standard, nice options for chilling out. There's a fitness center too, if you're into that sort of thing. More power to ya! If you want to chill out there is a massage service available.
My Unforgettable Experience: The Laundry Fiasco
Okay, here’s a quick, totally humiliating story. Let's just say I was in a hurry and managed to ruin a brand-new, very expensive shirt. My fault. I didn't understand how to use the washer. The laundry service was right there, ready to go. I figured I'd just throw it in and it would be fine. It wasn’t. My shirt now has a pink hue, from a rouge-colored sock that "accidentally" ended up in the wash. Lesson learned: pay someone else to handle your laundry!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The staff was friendly and helpful. Very happy about the front desk [24-hour]. Daily housekeeping kept the room pristine. Cash withdrawal available. They also offer currency exchange. Laundry service (which I should have used!) and dry cleaning if you feel like being proper. Luggage storage is a big win if you have an early flight or late check-out. They also have a convenience store there so you can buy stuff, which is nice. Elevator is an absolute must. Overall, great perks.
The Verdict: Who Should Stay Here, And Should You?
Alright, the Route Inn Grand Asahikawa Ekimae isn't perfect. But it is practical, clean, and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. It's especially great for:
- Business travelers: Reliable Wi-Fi, meeting facilities, and a generally efficient vibe.
- Families: Family-friendly facilities.
- Anyone who values convenience: The location next to the train station is a game-changer.
Overall:
- Accessibility: Good, but double-check if you have very specific needs.
- Cleanliness: Top-notch.
- Food: Buffet is what you expect, nothing too special.
- Amenities: Excellent.
- Value: Solid. You get a lot for your yen.
My Recommendation:
Look, I'd stay here again. Absolutely. This hotel isn't just a place to sleep; it's a launchpad for exploring Asahikawa and the surrounding area. So, yeah, book it. Just, uh, maybe leave your laundry to the professionals! You won't regret it.
Final Thoughts:
This isn't just a place to rest your head; it is a real, honest, and practical stay. I'm glad I stayed.
Now, for the enticing offer:
Tired of hotel reviews that sugarcoat the truth? Book your stay at the Route Inn Grant Asahikawa Ekimae and mention this review to receive a complimentary drink at the bar! (Just don't order the pink sock cocktail.) Also, receive a 10% discount on your laundry service (So you don't end up like me!). Offer valid for the next month. Don't miss out on a comfortable, convenient, and dare I say, memorable experience!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get a REAL travel itinerary for Hotel Route Inn Asahikawa Ekimae Ichijo Dori. This ain't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered travelogue. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-hungover truth.
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Panic in Asahikawa (Oh, the Bliss!)
- 14:00 - Arrival at Asahikawa Station: Okay, first hurdle – actually getting to the hotel. I'd forgotten the map, naturally. Spent a solid 20 minutes wandering in circles, muttering, "Where…is…the… bloody…Route Inn?!" Finally, stumbled upon it, looking like a drowned rat, thanks to a sudden downpour. Seriously, the weather in Hokkaido is a fickle mistress.
- 14:30 - Check-In (and Judging the Lobby): The lobby was… well, it was a lobby. Functional. Efficient. Slightly beige. The staff were ridiculously polite, which actually made me feel a bit self-conscious. I’m sure I looked like a whirlwind of jet lag and questionable fashion choices.
- 15:00 - Room Reconnaissance (and Revelation): The room? Clean. Simple. With a tiny, almost aggressively efficient bathroom. But, and this is a BIG but, the view! Actually, it revealed it was quite lovely, overlooking the train tracks. I stood by the window for like, a solid 15 minutes just watching the trains. Something about the rhythm of them was oddly soothing. Suddenly, I was kinda happy, really happy, in this little hotel room.
- 16:00 - Snack Run (aka The Search for Sustenance): Okay, my stomach was growling. And my blood sugar was staging a revolt. I ventured out in search of… something. Ended up in a 7-Eleven, staring blankly at a wall of Japanese snacks. Ended up buying a mystery onigiri (rice ball) and a Pocari Sweat. The onigiri was… interesting. Let's just leave it at that.
- 17:00 - Exploring Asahikawa… Briefly: I attempted a stroll. But the rain started again. Decided to retreat. I did, however, manage to see a sign for ramen. Future goal? Ramen.
- 19:00 - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant: Back down to the hotel restaurant. Pretty standard fare, but I was genuinely starving. They had… curry. And I ate it all. Twice. Don't judge.
- 20:00 - Unpacking / General Disarray: Okay, let’s get real. "Unpacking" involved hurling my suitcase onto the bed and praying nothing exploded. I also attempted to sort my electronics. Failed miserably.
- 21:00 - Bedtime: Exhaustion. Just pure, beautiful exhaustion. Slept like a log. The little slippers they provide in the rooms? Best. Things. Ever.
Day 2: Culture, Ramen, and Potential Meltdown (Maybe)
- 07:00 - Hotel Breakfast Buffet (and the Battle for the Bacon): The buffet was a madhouse. People were serious about their breakfast. There was a definite competitive edge to the bacon line. I played it cool. Got my bacon. Victory!
- 08:00 - Asahikawa Museum of Art: Decided I should probably do something cultural. The art museum was… well, it was art. Sometimes I understood it. Sometimes I didn’t. There was a lovely exhibit about the Ainu people that was absolutely captivating. Made me think, which is always a good thing.
- 10:00 - Asahikawa Winter Festival Preparations: Saw the preparations for some kind of winter festival. Giant ice sculptures were being carved! Absolutely stunning. Really makes one realize that a lot of effort will go into a beautiful view!
- 11:00 - The Ramen Hunt Begins: THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE TRIP. I had done my research. I knew where I needed to go. Found this AMAZING little ramen shop called "Menya Saijo". They had the most incredible soy sauce ramen. Legitimately the best bowl of soup I have ever consumed in my life. I'm not even kidding. I might go back…again.
- 13:00 - The Zoo and the Penguins: Okay. The Asahiyama Zoo is a must. The penguins! They're hilarious! And they march in the snow! Seriously adorable and a very humbling experience. Saw a polar bear and felt a tinge of sadness.
- 15:00 - The Great Coffee Crisis: Post-zoo, I needed caffeine. Desperately. And a moment of quiet. Tried to find a decent coffee shop. Eventually, found a questionable chain cafe. Coffee was… okay. The quiet was worth it.
- 16:30 - Souvenir Shopping (or, the Search for the Perfect Chopsticks): Spent an hour agonizing over souvenir chopsticks. Seriously, I’m that person. Finally picked some out. Hope they don’t fall apart.
- 18:00 - Dinner Part 2 (Ramen…again?): Was tempted to go back to Menya Saijo. Didn’t. (Tough call!) Found a generic izakaya and ate some delicious grilled meat.
- 19:30 - Relaxation: Stumbled back to the hotel. Realized my feet hurt. Needed a long, hot shower. This is what peace looks like.
- 21:00 - Journaling and Thoughts on Life: I've been thinking a lot, just scribbling in the notebook, all messy and out of order, about feelings, observations, and the fleeting thought of what it means to live!
- 22:00 - More Bedtime: I'd probably need all of the sleep I can get. Another, far better day!
Day 3: Departure & Reflections (and the Promise of Ramen)
- 07:00 - Breakfast; this time armed to the teeth (and the bacon!): Breakfast buffet. Again. Less crazy this time. More bacon.
- 08:00 - Final Reflections on the Train: After checking out and heading to the station to catch the train. I'm gonna miss this place. Well, maybe not the hotel lobby, but definitely the ramen. Asahikawa, you’ve been a weird, wonderful adventure. And you. Specifically the ramen. You will always be in my heart!
Important Notes and Ramblings:
- The Route Inn: Comfortable, convenient, and a good basecamp. Not fancy, but gets the job done.
- Ramen: GO TO MENYA SAIJO. Seriously. Just go.
- Transportation: The Asahikawa Station is super easy to navigate. The buses are… well, they’re a thing. I mainly walked, which, honestly, is the best way to experience a place.
- People: The Japanese are incredibly polite and helpful. Even when I was totally lost and looking like a complete idiot.
- Overall Vibe: Asahikawa is a bit gritty, a bit charming, a bit… real. It's not picture-perfect, and that's what I loved about it.
- And Finally: I'm already planning my return trip. To eat more ramen. And maybe refine my chopstick selection skills. Until next time, Asahikawa!
So there you have it. My utterly imperfect, utterly human account of a trip to Hotel Route Inn Asahikawa Ekimae Ichijo Dori. Hope you enjoyed it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to… research ramen recipes.
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Question: What's the deal with feeling utterly *unmotivated*? Like, staring at a blank wall is more appealing than, say, showering?
Oh, honey, *completely* understand. The wall? Been there, done that, got the T-shirt (probably still hasn't washed it). Unmotivation... it's a mood, a vibe, a full-blown existential crisis wrapped in a giant, comfy duvet. For me, it usually hits when I'm staring down a to-do list longer than my arm. You know, the laundry monster, the never-ending email vortex, the existential dread of folding fitted sheets. My theory? Sometimes your brain just checks out. It's like it's saying, "Nope. Not today, Satan. We're on a Netflix and Cheetos schedule." The trick? Find something tiny you *can* do. Like, literally, putting on pants. Yesterday, I high-fived myself because I managed to brush my teeth. Progress, people! Progress!
Question: Okay, but what if you *actually* have to do something? Like, pay bills or go to that doctor's appointment you've been avoiding like the plague?
Ugh. The dreaded "have-to-dos." Look, I'm not going to lie. Sometimes I just... don't. I've let bills pile up so high they practically threatened to topple my entire life. The doctor's appointments? Let's just say my dentist probably thinks I'm living on the moon. (I’m not... officially). My strategy is a mix of denial, procrastination (a masterclass in that!), and a good dose of guilt. Seriously, guilt is a HUGE motivator. But here’s a slightly better idea: break it down. Paying a mountain of bills? Tackle one. One measly bill. Done? Celebrate with a gummy bear. Doctor's appointment? Schedule it, then *immediately* reward yourself with something you enjoy (a new book, a ridiculous TikTok rabbit hole, or maybe a small victory dance). It’s a slow burn, I tell ya. Small victories, eventually. Trust me, eventually.
Question: What's the secret to, like, *actually* finishing a project? Because I swear, I start ten things a week and finish exactly zero.
Ah, the unfinished project graveyard. My heart aches for you. I'm the queen of abandoned hobbies. Crochet scarves that will never grace anyone’s neck. Half-written novels. A sourdough starter that, alas, succumbed to neglect. The secret? (And it's a terrible, depressing secret, so brace yourself): you're probably biting off more than you can chew. Unless you're super-human. So, the brutally honest advice: start small. Like, *really* small. Want to write a novel? Write a paragraph. Want to build a birdhouse? Saw one piece of wood. Give yourself a realistic timeline, or you know… don't. Because I don't do that. Also, and this is crucial, find a reason to *want* to finish it. For me, it's often just the sweet relief of finally being *done*. Or the delicious victory of proving my brain wrong. But most likely, I'll just give up… sorry.
Question: What if I just... fail? Utterly, completely fail at something I really really wanted to do?
Oh, honey. Failing. The great leveler. The friend we all know and secretly hate. *I* failed at a job interview last year. Completely botched it. I’d practiced, researched, even wore a pantsuit that looked… mostly okay. But, I crumbled. I blurted out something ridiculous about squirrels (don't ask). And you know what? It stung. It *really* stung. I crawled into bed, ate a whole bag of chips, and wallowed in self-pity until I felt thoroughly rotten. And then… I got over it. Eventually. It took a while, but I realized that failing is just... part of the human experience. It’s how we learn. It’s how we grow. It’s how we get the best stories (like the squirrel story! Seriously, it’ll haunt me forever). So, if you fail, let yourself feel the feels. But then, dust yourself off, and try again. Or, you know, eat some chips. Either works. It’s always a process.
Question: How do I deal with those days where you just *feel* off? The kind where your mood is so low, the world seems gray?
Ah, the gray days. I know them intimately. For me, the first thing to do is acknowledge it. Don't fight it. Don't pretend you're sunshine and rainbows when you're actually a grumpy thunderstorm. Once you've accepted the gray, try something… anything. This is a grab-bag of techniques, some that might work, more that are probably useless. A walk in nature (if you can drag yourself out the door). A hot bath (if you remember you *have* a bathtub). Talking to a friend (if you can't bear to be alone). Honestly, sometimes, the best thing is to just… let it pass. It won't last forever-- I think. And on the off-chance, if it *does* persist, and you're feeling like you’re drowning, please, *please*, reach out for help. Talk to someone. A therapist. A friend. A stranger on the internet (like me, I think). It’s always better to navigate the gray with company. There are so many resources out there. You aren’t alone. And even if the days are rough, just remember – you’re still breathing. And sometimes, that's enough.
Question: What's the best piece of advice you've *ever* received?
Okay, this one… is weirdly profound. It wasn't some grand philosophical statement. It came from my grandma, who was a woman of very practical wisdom. She once told me, "Don't sweat the small stuff. And it's all small stuff." At first, I scoffed. Seemed too simple. But over the years, I’ve come to see the truth in that. It’s like… life throws a lot of crap at you. Little annoyances. Big disasters. But most of it, in the grand scheme of things, *doesn't matter*. So, try not to let the little things steal your joy. And if you do, well, that's okay too. We're all human. And humans are beautifully, wonderfully, messily imperfect. Just like this FAQ.
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