Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama, Japan!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama - My Honest Take (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to unload on you about the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama. "Unbelievable Luxury" they say? Hmm… let's see if the reality lives up to the hype. (Spoiler alert: it kinda does, with a few quirky bumps along the way). I'm talking everything here, okay? From the Wi-Fi that better work (I’m a digital nomad dammit!) to the freaking bathrobes (essential luxury, people!)
Let's Talk Basics (Because, You Know, Important):
First off, Accessibility. They've got it. Not just lip service, either. Facilities for disabled guests are flagged, and there's an elevator, bless their hearts! This is a BIG win, seriously. More on this later, because the feeling of accessibility is important too.
Wheelchair Accessible? I didn’t personally use a wheelchair, but the layout seemed promising. Wide hallways, easy access to the dining areas… you get the picture.
Getting Online (Because We Live in the Future):
Internet Access – Yup. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank the gods of the internet! I'm a digital nomad, and the quality of the Wi-Fi is like, a deal-breaker. The speed? Pretty darn good. I could upload videos and keep in touch with my family. The Internet [LAN] option is there too if you're old-school. And they've got Wi-Fi in public areas, so you're covered wherever.
Cleanliness and Safety (Post-Pandemic Paranoia Central):
Okay, this is where Daiwa Roynet really impressed me right now. The whole suite of COVID-19 precautions were on display, thank goodness.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays - check, check, and check!
- Hand sanitizer everywhere, like a comforting germicidal hug.
- Staff trained in safety protocol, which I appreciated. Everyone seemed to take it seriously.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was observed pretty well. Not always perfect – that elevator ride to the top was a little cozy at one point, but the effort was there, and I respect that.
- Room sanitization opt-out available. Nice touch.
- Individually-wrapped food options… in some places, not others.
- Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items… I witnessed this personally, which gave me confidence.
- Cashless payment service - super convenient.
- Shared stationery removed, and CCTV in common areas - always makes me feel even safer.
The Rooms: My Home Away From Home (Eventually):
Alright, the rooms… This is where the "luxury" starts kicking in. Let's list the bits:
- Air conditioning: crucial.
- Bathroom phone: For emergencies (or gossiping with your room service).
- Bathrobes and Slippers: Yes, please! This is what I call "hotel heaven"
- Blackout curtains: Essential for sleeping off jet lag or late-night adventures.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, and Free bottled water - lifesavers.
- Desk for working.
- Hair dryer: Duh.
- In-room safe box and Ironing facilities - Very convenient.
- Refrigerator: Perfect for storing snacks and (ahem) celebratory beverages.
- Satellite/cable channels - Good for a lazy afternoon.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Bliss.
- Smoke detector and Soundproofing? Crucial.
- Wi-Fi [free] - Yes!
- Wake-up service.
- Additional toilet? Not in my room, but might be in a suite.
- Alarm clock - Old-school but effective.
- Bathtub - Yes, with provided bath salts, so luxurious.
- Carpeting: It felt plush and clean.
- Closet - Plenty of space for my (overpacked) suitcase.
- Extra-long beds.
- Interconnecting room(s) available - Perfect if you're travelling with family.
- Laptop workspace.
- Linens: Top-notch.
- Mini bar - Temptation City!
- Mirror: Vanity essential.
- Non-smoking: Thank goodness.
- On-demand movies.
- Socket near the bed - I love that!
- Soundproofing.
- Telephone.
- Toiletries: Decent quality, nothing to write home about.
- Towels.
- Umbrella.
- Visual alarm.
- Window that opens - Love this for fresh air!
My Quirky Observation: I loved the little details, like the perfectly placed reading light and the incredibly soft slippers… they also gave me plenty of pillows, and the beds! Oh my god, the beds! I was worried I'd be jet-lagged for a week but woke up feeling like a super-human. Pure bliss.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food Coma is Real:
Ok, let's talk food, because, you know, I love eating.
- Restaurants – Several to choose from, so yes!
- Breakfast [buffet] - HUGE selection. They had everything, from the traditional Asian breakfast to Western breakfast fare.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant - A must-have.
- Desserts in restaurant.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant.
- Bar, Poolside bar, Snack bar, Coffee shop, and Room service [24-hour] - options upon options!
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant,
- Alternative meal arrangement - Important for dietary restrictions.
- Bottle of water
- Happy hour.
- Salad in restaurant.
- Soup in restaurant.
My Verdict: The breakfast buffet was a beast of culinary options. The sushi, the fresh fruit, the pastries… I could have (and maybe did) eaten my weight in miniature pancakes. I also ordered room service that was fabulous, and the bar was a great place to unwind after a long day of exploring.
Things to Do (Or, How to Actually Relax):
Okay, now we get to the good stuff: relaxation.
- Fitness center and Gym/fitness – I actually used this! It was well-equipped.
- Foot bath – Ah, this was perfect after a long day of walking.
- Massage, and Spa.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom – The sauna was a nice touch.
- Swimming pool [outdoor], and Pool with view – Lovely, though I didn't get a chance to take a dip.
- Body scrub, and Body wrap - Not my thing but available.
Anecdote: One afternoon, I stumbled into the spa. Honestly, I was a bit skeptical. I'm not typically a "spa person." But I was sore from exploring Matsuyama Castle, and I figured, why not? I got a massage. The masseuse was a woman of few words, but expert hands. I fell completely asleep, and when I woke up, I felt like a new person. Worth. Every. Penny.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference:
Okay, here’s the laundry list of helpful things.
- Air conditioning in public area - Crucial.
- Business facilities (including Meeting/banquet facilities, and Meetings, Meeting stationery)
- Cash withdrawal - Very useful.
- Concierge - Helpful for booking tours or getting restaurant recommendations.
- Contactless check-in/out - Super convenient.
- Convenience store.
- Currency exchange.
- Daily housekeeping - Keeping that room clean and tidy.
- Doorman.
- Dry cleaning, and Ironing service - Convenient if you're on a business trip.
- Elevator.
- Essential condiments in the rooms.
- Food delivery.
- Gift/souvenir shop.
- Indoor venue for special events.
- Invoice provided.
- Laundry service.
- Luggage storage.
- On-site event hosting.
- Outdoor venue for special events.
- Safety deposit boxes.
- **Smoking area
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this itinerary is less "polished travel brochure" and more "diary of a slightly-caffeinated human stumbling through Japan." We're talking Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama, which, let's be honest, probably sounds more exciting than it actually is. But hey, it's a place to sleep!
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious Struggle Against Jet Lag
- 1:00 PM (or whenever the heck I finally escape the airport): Landed in Matsuyama. Already sweating. Why is it ALWAYS humid in Japan? Seriously, someone needs to invent air conditioning that also cures the existential dread that accompanies long-haul flights. Found the hotel… eventually. Daiwa Roynet. Clean, functional, and the lobby smells suspiciously like lemon-scented Pledge. Probably not a bad sign.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. The front desk lady, bless her heart, spoke English, which was a major win. My Japanese is… well, let's just say I'm fluent in "arigato" and the universal language of pointing. Got up to my room, and promptly collapsed on the surprisingly comfortable bed. A real bed. Not the concrete slab I was expecting. Small victories.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The real challenge begins: battling jet lag. This is where the itinerary goes to hell, because I'm basically a zombie. I'm going to try to do something, but I'm not promising anything beyond a blurry walk around the block. Maybe. Okay, definitely need coffee. First, I try to explore the surrounding neighborhoods, only to find myself wandering around an alleyway, completely disoriented, looking like a bewildered deer caught in headlights.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: I'm starting to think the coffee was a mistake. Found a vending machine (miracle of modern engineering!) and tried to buy a bottle of water, but ended up accidentally purchasing something that looked like fermented… something. The label was entirely in Japanese, and my "arigato" skills failed spectacularly. Took a sip, and my face contorted into a grimace that could curdle milk.
- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner. Found (ish) a restaurant, probably a tourist trap, given my current navigational abilities. Ordered katsu curry. It was… edible. Okay, it was pretty good. Comfort food is my language barrier escape.
- 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Attempted a walk to Matsuyama Castle. Failed. The jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks. I made it maybe two blocks before my eyelids felt like they were held together with superglue. Decided sleep was more important than historical significance.
- 9:00 PM: Passed out. Probably drooled. Let the jet lag win.
Day 2: Dogo Onsen and the Quest for Relaxation (Kind Of)
- 8:00 AM: Woke up! Hallelujah! Survived the night (and the mysterious vending machine beverage). Coffee is crucial.
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Buffet. It was a buffet! I was in heaven. The highlight? Mini-omelets perfectly cooked.
- 9:30 AM: Head to Dogo Onsen! This is the star, the one thing I really wanted to do. The iconic, wood-built bathhouse from Spirited Away? Okay, it doesn't seem that way.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Made my way over to Dogo Onsen. Oh, the place! Beautiful! Stepping inside, I felt a rush of relief, but the anticipation was real. I was there! I was in the heart of the action!
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Took a bath! I’m no expert. I'm more used to a quick shower. But the whole soaking experience was oddly soothing. And the air was filled with the scent of wood and steam. I felt my shoulders drop a notch. The water was hot (but not scalding, thankfully). It was just… peaceful. Definitely a good experience! My skin felt like a baby's butt.
- 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Lunch. Tried a local udon noodle place. The food was amazing. I ordered something with beef that I didn't know what it was. The broth warmed me from the inside out.
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore… or, rather, wander. The narrow streets are filled with shops selling everything from local crafts to tourist trinkets. I ended up buying a fan with a drawing of a cat. It was the only purchase I felt okay with. I may have gotten slightly lost (again), but at least the cat on my fan helped me retain some semblance of sanity.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Coffee break. Seriously, I need coffee. Found a little cafĂ©. I was too tired to even try ordering in Japanese, so I just pointed at a picture of something brown and hopeful. It was… acceptable.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Head back to the hotel to rest. The onsen was so good, but still, exhausted.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. Some other delicious food. This is my life now. I got the place named and recommend by the hotel receptionist.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel, crashed.
Day 3: Leaving! And Maybe Regrets?
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast and check out. The hotel staff were all so nice and helpful that it almost brings a tear to my eye.
- 9:00 AM: Walk around the hotel and buy some souvenirs.
- 10:00 AM: Travel to the airport.
- 11:00 AM: Bye bye, Matsuyama. I have not the time to do anything else.
Final Thoughts (and Ramblings):
- This wasn't a flawless trip. I got lost. I ate some questionable fermented beverages. But, in the end, I survived.
- The Dogo Onsen was worth it, every single second. Soak! You won't regret it.
- Japanese food is amazing. Eat everything. Don't be afraid to point and pray.
- I'm still not entirely sure what I saw or did, but that's okay. The important thing is, I experienced it.
So, there you have it. My Daiwa Roynet Matsuyama adventure. It wasn't perfect, but it was mine. And honestly, that's good enough. Now, where's my next coffee?
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