Unbelievable Asahikawa Hotel Deal: Route Inn Grand Ekimae!
Unbelievable Asahikawa Hotel Deal: Route Inn Grand Ekimae! - The Honest, Rambling Review (With a Few Surprises!)
Okay, so, Unbelievable Asahikawa Hotel Deal: Route Inn Grand Ekimae! Let's dive in, shall we? I'm not gonna lie, I went in expecting your standard, slightly bland Japanese business hotel. Boy, was I wrong. And let me tell you, I need a little caffeine after that journey…
First, the Bones: Accessibility, Safety & Peace of Mind
Right, first things first: accessibility. This is HUGE for me, and Route Inn gets a solid thumbs up. They've got facilities for disabled guests, an elevator, and I think I spotted accessible rooms (though I’d always RECOMMEND calling ahead to CHECK). This is fantastic! I'm getting older myself you see! Speaking of older, CCTV in common areas and outside the property made me feel safe, along with 24-hour security, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and a doctor/nurse on call. Phew! I like feeling safe, okay? Also, there’s a safe deposit box - very handy.
Now, the COVID stuff… they're taking it seriously. Hygiene certification, staff trained in safety protocol, hand sanitizer everywhere, daily disinfection in common areas, and they have room sanitization opt-out available. They also have anti-viral cleaning products and sanitized kitchen and tableware items. That's a LOT, but it's comforting. They even have individually-wrapped food options. So, not perfect, but a good effort.
Getting There & Around (The Boring But Crucial Bits!)
Accessibility to and from is spotty. There's airport transfer (thank god!), car park [free of charge] and on-site so that's good for a travel! Also, there's taxi service available. That's all folks!.
The Rooms: My Little Castle… or Cubicle?
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. First off, non-smoking rooms? YES! Air conditioning, air conditioning in public area, all rooms have windows that open, blackout curtains (essential for battling jet lag), bathrobes, hairdryer, complimentary tea and coffee, free bottled water (vital for hydration), fridge, safe, satellite/cable channels, Wi-Fi [free] … it's the usual suspects, but done well.
My room… hmm. It was compact. Let's call it "efficient." The bed was comfy, though, and I actually got a decent night's sleep. The Internet [LAN] was there, which is good, but I stuck to the Wi-Fi [free]. Plus, there was a desk – essential for those last-minute emails (don’t judge). There was a closet for storage and also interconnecting rooms available if you're travelling with a big group. I never used any of these things, but good to know.
The bathroom was… well, Japanese. Small. Functional. The separate shower/bathtub was a nice touch. The toiletries were decent, though I always bring my own.
The Food! (And How I Learned to Love the "Breakfast Buffet")
This is where Route Inn really surprised me. I'm talking about that breakfast buffet. Yes, I know, buffets. But hear me out! This was… good! There was an Asian breakfast with all the usual Japanese staples (think miso soup, rice, pickles), plus Western breakfast options like eggs, bacon, and toast. Breakfast [buffet] is key. It was also a buffet in restaurant, so that's key. They also have coffee/tea in restaurant and desserts in restaurant.
I also had dinner in the restaurant, and it was surprisingly decent. There's Asian cuisine in restaurant, and international cuisine too. There's a bar, so you can get your fix. And sometimes, that's all you need, you see? They have A la carte in restaurant, soup in restaurant and salad in restaurant. It's pretty good!
A major detail: the breakfast takeaway service! I have to get up early sometimes. It was a godsend.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (Or Find a Quiet Corner)
Right, let's be honest, this isn't a resort. But there are some options. Fitness center (which I didn't use, I’m too busy eating), Pool with view… hmm, looks good! Sauna and spa/sauna… very good! Steamroom… excellent! And massage is also available.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Daily housekeeping? A must. Laundry service and dry cleaning? Lifesavers! Luggage storage? Needed it! Cash withdrawal? Thank goodness! Convenience store? Always grabbing a quick snack. Like it's got it right.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and The Honest Truth
Alright, let's be real. This isn't the Ritz. But that’s perfectly fine. The room might be a tad small, and the decor is… functional. But the staff is friendly, helpful. This place works. It’s not perfect, but it’s honest.
The Unbelievable Offer: Book Now and Discover the Heart of Asahikawa (Without Breaking the Bank!)
Okay, here's the deal.
For anyone who's looking for a comfortable, clean, and convenient base to explore Asahikawa AND save a bit of money, AND who appreciates good value and a surprisingly decent breakfast… this is your hotel.
Why book the Unbelievable Asahikawa Hotel Deal: Route Inn Grand Ekimae? Here's the hard sell:
- Prime Location: Super close to the station makes travel a breeze. No faffing about!
- Clean & Safe: Peace of mind is priceless. They're taking safety seriously!
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected, plan your adventures, or just stream cat videos (no judgment).
- Free Parking: Ditch the car fees!
- Amazing Breakfast Buffet: Fuel up for the day and save money on meals.
- Great Value: Where else can you get this much for this price?
Book now because this deal won't last forever! Don't miss out on exploring the beauty of Asahikawa while enjoying the comfort and convenience of Route Inn Grand Ekimae!
P.S. Don't skip the ramen in town. Seriously, it’s amazing. And try one of those melon pan things. Thank me later.
Uncover the Night13 Home Taiwan Secret: You Won't Believe This!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary thing? It's less "meticulously planned adventure" and more "survival guide with a sprinkle of chaos." This is the real, unfiltered version of my trip to Hotel Route Inn Grand Asahikawa Ekimae, Japan. Get ready for the beautiful, the awkward, and the "did I really just do that?" moments.
Day 1: Arrival and a Questionable Ramen Revelation
- 14:00 - Arrival at New Chitose Airport (CTS) - Hysterical Hugs and Jet Lag Jitters: Okay, first off, the airport is HUGE. Absolutely massive. Found my way to the domestic terminal (with a lot of pointing and "すみません" - sumimasen - sorry, in Japanese). The flight to Asahikawa was smooth, thankfully, because I was already running on fumes and pure adrenaline. Upon arrival, the train to Asahikawa was easy to navigate. Seriously, Japan's public transport is a work of art.
- 16:00 - Check-in at Hotel Route Inn Grand Asahikawa Ekimae: The hotel itself is… well, it's a Route Inn. Clean, efficient, the free breakfast is supposedly legendary. I'll get back to you on that. The lobby’s all business, but the staff were genuinely helpful. I think. I was still battling the time difference and needed a nap.
- 17:00-19:00 - Naptime (or, the Great Wall of Pillow): I collapsed on the bed. Seriously, I think I aged a decade in those two hours.
- 19:00 - Dinner: Ramen Adventure!! Okay, here's where things get interesting. Armed with Google Translate and a healthy dose of "winging it," I ventured out. Found a little ramen place a few blocks away. It looked authentic, the kind with the old grandpa hunched over the noodles. I pointed at a picture, added extra noodles (because carbs), and waited. The ramen arrived. It looked amazing. It smelled… well, it smelled of something I couldn’t quite put my finger on, some sort of fish. So, I took a bite. The broth…it had a deep, complex flavor. Not in a good way. It felt like a slap in the face for my taste buds. It was a bit underwhelming. It wasn't bad, per se, but I don't think I'll be craving that particular bowl again. I ate most of it anyway. Gotta respect the chef, right?
- 20:00 - Grocery store: I stumbled in and just wandered around, looking. It was an assault on the senses. Things I didn't know existed. Things I desperately needed. I bought some snacks I couldn't pronounce, and a bottle of water.
- 21:00 - Collapse and Netflix. That's it. Good night, world.
Day 2: Zoo Day and a Karaoke Catastrophe
- 07:00 - Breakfast at the Hotel (The Legend Begins): Ok, the free breakfast. Let the legend begin. There was a dizzying array of options. The curry was surprisingly good. The coffee? Drinkable. The rice? Perfect! But, the experience was ruined by the fact that I was still so tired from the flight and my nap.
- 09:00 - Asahiyama Zoo - The Penguins! The Polar Bears! The Cuteness!: This zoo is famous, and for good reason. The penguins waddling in their natural environment was the cutest thing I've ever seen. The polar bears were majestic and then, suddenly, they were swimming right in front of me. I spent hours there, completely lost in animal cuteness. I could have stayed there forever. I would have, if I wasn't starving.
- 13:00 - Lunch: Convenience Store Savior: Picked up some onigiri (rice balls) from a convenience store. SO. GOOD. Seriously, I could live on those things. Simple, perfect, and a lifesaver when you're lost and hungry.
- 14:00 - Asahikawa City Art Museum. I popped in. It was a good way to relax.
- 17:00 - Karaoke Night (Oh, the Horror): So, a group of us decided to go karaoke. I can't sing. I am that person who clears the bar. But, karaoke in Japan is an experience. It's a rite of passage. You get a private room, a mountain of snacks, and a microphone. I think. What ensued was a delightful disaster.
- 20:00 - Karaoke Aftermath and Meltdown: I stumbled back to the hotel, defeated, with a sore throat and a burning sense of shame.
- 21:00 - Back to the grocery store. Needing to fix the disaster that was Karaoke.
- 22:00 - Sleep or Attempting to sleep.
Day 3: A Deep Dive into the Local Culture (And a Minor Breakdown)
- 07:00 - Breakfast at the Hotel (The Saga Continues): More curry, more coffee, more existential dread about the karaoke.
- 09:00 - Asahikawa Winter Festival. So. Cold. But, the snow sculptures were GIGANTIC and breathtaking. I took approximately 10,000 photos that all looked the same. But still worth it
- 13:00 - Lunch: I ended up at a cute little tempura place. The tempura was fresh and delicious. I tried to be brave and order on my own.
- 14:00 - Otokoyama Sake Brewery. I'm starting to enjoy the local stuff. The sake was smooth, the tour was educational and I may or may not have bought a bottle. (I did). The shop was nice.
- 17:00 - Trying to eat at a local restaurant: I tried to translate the menu, but I just gave up and pointed at something that looked interesting. It was.
- 19:00 - Mental Breakdown: It all hit me at once. The language barrier, the cultural differences, the fact that I was utterly alone in a country where I didn't know anyone. Tears. Lots of them. In front of my hotel room. I had to pull myself together.
- 20:00 - Comfort Food and Resolution: Had the only thing that sounded good to me, a store-bought sandwich. Then, I decided to embrace the chaos.
- 21:00 - Start planning the next day.
Day 4: Farewell Asahikawa (and a Few More Mishaps)
- 07:00 - Breakfast at the Hotel (The Finale!): Okay, final breakfast. I perfected my curry and coffee routine. I had a few bites.
- 09:00 - Packing, Panic, and the Laundry Disaster: Packing is never fun, especially when you're trying to cram everything into a suitcase that's clearly too small. Then. I tried to do laundry in the hotel. I completely wrecked a shirt. It shrunk. Then I got the wrong coin for the machine. Then I just gave up, and started throwing things away.
- 11:00 - Final walk around Asahikawa:
- 12:00 - Check-Out and Transportation to the airport: I was ready to go, and ready to go home.
- *13:00 - The airport. Food. *I was tired, I was happy. I can't wait to go back.
The Takeaway: This trip was messy. It was imperfect. It was hard. But, it was also exhilarating and beautiful. It's a reminder that travel isn't about pristine itineraries or perfect experiences. It's about embracing the chaos, laughing at your mistakes, and finding the beauty in the unexpected. And, maybe, just maybe, trying that ramen again.
This itinerary is a work in progress, a blend of pre-planned activities and impulsive decisions. Feel free to adjust it to your own rhythm. Embrace the adventure, don't be afraid to get lost, and, most importantly, have fun! (And maybe learn some basic Japanese before you go.)
Escape to Paradise: Thailand's Arak Bed Bar & Hostel Awaits!
Unbelievable Asahikawa Hotel Deal: Route Inn Grand Ekimae - The Unfiltered Truth (and Maybe Some Regret)
Okay, spill it – is this "Unbelievable Deal" actually believable? Route Inn Grand Ekimae, Asahikawa... what's the catch?
Alright, alright, settle down. Believable? Mostly. The price... yeah, it's often *shockingly* good. Like, "I-need-to-triple-check-the-currency-exchange" good. The catch? Well, it’s *Asahikawa*, not exactly flashing lights Tokyo. Think… more functional than fabulous. And the "Grand" part? Let's just say they're not exactly throwing diamonds on the pillows. But seriously, for the price, it's a steal. I once saw a deal for like, $50 a night, including breakfast! I probably slept on it for about 30 seconds and then booked it. No regrets… yet.
The location… what is it ACTUALLY like being "Ekimae" (literally "In Front of the Station")? Convenient or claustrophobic?
Oh, the location. *Ekimae*. It's… fine. Seriously, it *is* in front of the station. Like, practically you-can-roll-out-of-bed-and-into-the-train-station kind of close. Perfect if you're hauling luggage the size of a small car (been there, done that, regretted it). The flip side? It can be a *touch* noisy. Trains, announcements, the occasional overly-enthusiastic salaryman having a late-night singalong… You get used to it, or you use earplugs. Trust me, the earplugs are your friends. And the constant stream of people... well, it's a great people-watching spot from the breakfast buffet, I'll say that much. I once saw a guy trip over a suitcase. Peak entertainment at 7 am.
Let's talk rooms. What’s the vibe? Are we talking sterile business hotel or… something more?
Alright, the rooms. They’re… functional. Think clean, compact, and designed with efficiency in mind. It’s not a palace, okay? Picture a slightly-upgraded business hotel room. You got your bed (comfortable enough), your tiny desk (barely big enough for a laptop and a pot noodle), your own bathroom (clean, blessedly clean). Don't expect sprawling space to dance in. I once tried to do a quick yoga routine in the morning. Let's just say I got *intimate* with the wall. But honestly? It's perfectly acceptable. I value clean more than space, and Route Inn delivers on that front. Plus, the free Wi-Fi usually works. Which is a huge win when you're trying to plan the next day's adventures (or just doomscroll on your phone).
The onsen (hot spring)... is it as glorious as the photos suggest? Or is it a sweaty, chlorine-smelling disappointment of reality?
The onsen. *Sigh*. Right, the onsen. Those photos? They're… optimistic. Let's put it that way. It’s not a *disappointment*, but it's not a majestic mountain spring experience either. The water’s warm, which is the most important thing. Feels good after a long day of wandering around Asahikawa. There's an indoor pool and sometimes an outdoor one, which is nice. The chlorine smell? Present, but not overwhelming. My advice? Lower your expectations a *tiny* bit. The experience is alright. I once spent a good hour just sitting in the onsen, watching the steam and letting my worries melt away, it was wonderful. Just... don't expect a Michelin-star onsen experience. Maybe a solid 7/10. The post-onsen feeling, on the other hand? Always a 10/10.
Breakfast. Buffet or bust? What's the fuel situation like?
Breakfast. The make-or-break for any hotel stay, right? At Route Inn Grand Ekimae, it's… a buffet. A solid, dependable buffet. Don't expect gourmet, but you'll find the usual suspects: scrambled eggs (maybe a little… *yellow*), rice, miso soup, some sad-looking sausages, definitely some pickled something-or-others. And the *bread*. The bread is generally quite good! My strategy? Carb-load. I make it my life's mission to try a little bit of everything, and then strategically load up on rice. Fueled up with food? YES. Fueled up with excitement? Mmmm, maybe not. But it *does* keep you going until lunch, and hey, the price of the deal usually includes it. I once saw a guy pile his plate so high, I genuinely thought it was going to topple over. It was a masterpiece (or a disaster). Honestly, I just admire the commitment.
Any hidden costs or sneaky fees we should watch out for?
Hidden costs? Not that I've encountered, but always double-check! The price you see is generally the price you pay. But be aware of things like parking (if driving) and any optional services. They *might* have a small convenience store, and those things can quickly drain your wallet. The internet rate is likely to be lower than a "walk in" rate, but always check if there are any booking fees, or cancellation fees, especially if you're booking through a third party. And remember, those late-night vending machine impulses… those *add up*. I once spent like, $15 on Pocky and green tea at 2 in the morning. Pure regret. So, yeah, be mindful of the little things.
This hotel's in Asahikawa - what's there to actually *do* around there? Besides... you know... sleeping.
Ah, Asahikawa. Beyond the hotel, yes! There's stuff! The Asahiyama Zoo is amazing (seriously, the penguins!), the Asahikawa Ramen Village is obligatory (I'm a sucker for ramen), and the local markets are fun to explore. The location is a good jumping-off point to explore the surrounding areas of Hokkaido, too. I’d say be honest with yourself, you’re unlikely to be spending a week sitting around. There are loads of places to hike and explore! I'll be going back. Remember, it's not a bustling metropolis, but it has its own quiet charm. It's not a vibrant city like Tokyo, but you will find yourself loving the peace. It's a good base. And don't expect a wild nightlife. Prepare to be asleep by 10 pm, unless you're still debating whether or not to buy another vending machine drink.
