Gifu Washington Hotel Plaza

The hotel is often highlighted for its excellent breakfast, featuring a wide array of local specialties that consistently receive high praise from guests, making it a memorable culinary experience. While some aspects of the building show their age, the hotel is generally well-maintained and offers good value, providing a comfortable base for various travelers. Its convenient location near major train stations and the entertainment district makes it an ideal choice for business travelers seeking efficiency and easy access to appointments, sightseers eager to explore the city's attractions, and families looking for accessible accommodations with accommodating staff. Guests consistently appreciate the overall cleanliness and the helpfulness of the staff. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to inquire about the air conditioning settings upon arrival, as it is centrally controlled, and be aware of the off-site parking arrangements, which may involve one-way streets.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the hotel's amenities practical, though some are dated. The presence of a coin laundry with two machines is a significant convenience for longer stays. Rooms are equipped with modern touches like USB Type-A ports and additional power outlets near the beds, enhancing connectivity. An air purifier/humidifier is also provided in rooms. However, the refrigerator in the room is noted for not cooling sufficiently or turning off when guests leave the room, as it is linked to the main power. The air conditioning system is centrally controlled, allowing only fan speed adjustment, which can be an issue during temperature fluctuations. Some guests also noted that the two elevators can be slow and feel old. The hotel uses a traditional physical key system rather than modern key cards.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests report that rooms are clean and well-maintained, despite the hotel's age. The beds are generally found to be comfortable, though some guests found them too soft or too hard, suggesting varied preferences. While some rooms are described as spacious, others are noted as being small or cramped, particularly when accommodating luggage. The bathrooms are often praised for their functionality, with some guests appreciating the ease of hot water adjustment. However, recurring concerns include mold on bathroom unit doors, shower heads, and corners, as well as an unpleasant smell in some rooms, occasionally attributed to tobacco or general staleness. Thin walls are a common complaint, leading to noise from adjacent rooms or the hallway, impacting sleep quality. Additionally, the toilet seats are sometimes described as small, and towels are noted for being worn.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast is a major highlight for many guests, consistently described as delicious and a significant draw. While some found the buffet variety to be limited, many praised the inclusion of numerous local specialties, such as Hida beef croquettes, Meiho ham, Keichan-yaki, and Hida beef curry, which were particularly popular. Guests also enjoyed other items like motsuni and shrimp chili. The breakfast service starts early, which is convenient for those with morning plans. The hotel also features a restaurant on the tenth floor, where some guests enjoyed delicious dinner options and beer. An interesting feature at breakfast is the automated rice dispenser. However, a few guests noted that buffet replenishment could be slow during peak times, and one review mentioned a less-than-ideal attitude from restaurant staff.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, making it a significant advantage for guests. It is situated within easy walking distance of both the JR Gifu Station and the Meitetsu Gifu Station, typically a short 2-8 minute stroll depending on individual pace. The Kinpocho bus station is also just a minute away, providing excellent public transport access. Its proximity to the entertainment district ensures a wide array of restaurants and convenience stores are readily available. A notable benefit is the covered arcade leading to the station, which allows guests to walk without concern for rain. While the hotel's signage can be a bit hard to spot initially, its central position is widely appreciated. Parking is available off-site, typically costing around 1000 yen per night, and guests are advised to be aware of one-way streets in the vicinity.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, politeness, and helpfulness. Many guests highlighted their attentiveness and willingness to go the extra mile, such as assisting with luggage storage before check-in, accommodating room change requests, and providing extra amenities like slippers and toothbrushes for children. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as quick and smooth, even for large groups, contributing to a hassle-free arrival and departure. Some staff members are noted for their ability to communicate in simple English, which is a significant advantage for international visitors, ensuring clear understanding and assistance. Overall, the staff's commitment to providing excellent service contributes significantly to a positive guest experience, making guests feel well-cared for and supported throughout their stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several practical aspects for their stay. The hotel operates on a system where the room's power, including the refrigerator and air conditioning, turns off when the physical key is removed from its slot, which can be inconvenient for keeping items cool or maintaining room temperature. While smoking rooms can be requested, their availability is not guaranteed and is on a first-come, first-served basis. The hotel offers a paid Video On Demand (VOD) service for 1000 yen, though some guests found the content old or the system difficult to use. For those needing a later departure, late check-out options are available for an additional fee, such as 1000 yen for two extra hours. Payment is typically required upfront, whether by cash or card. The hotel provides room wear which some guests found to have a unique smell.