Hotel Ekimae

The hotel stands out for its exceptional proximity to Hakodate Station, making it incredibly convenient for travelers arriving by train and providing seamless access to local transportation. Its signature feature is the integration of essential amenities directly within the building, including a convenience store and various dining options, ensuring guests have everything they need at their fingertips. The hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and tourists due to its central location near major attractions like the morning market, and for business travelers seeking efficiency and comfort. Couples and families will also appreciate the spacious rooms and the relaxing public bath. To enhance your stay, consider arriving early for breakfast to enjoy limited-edition items, and if you are sensitive to noise, it might be wise to bring earplugs, as some guests have noted occasional disturbances from neighboring rooms or public areas.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of convenient facilities that significantly enhance the guest experience. A major highlight is the public bath, which includes a sauna, cold water bath, and a main hot bath, providing a relaxing retreat after a day of travel or exploration. Guests appreciate that the bath is accessible for extended hours, though some note it can become crowded, especially during peak times, and some wish for better maintenance regarding hair. While the public bath is shared with a neighboring gym, it remains a popular amenity. The presence of a convenience store directly accessible from the lobby is consistently praised for its convenience. Additionally, the hotel provides laundry machines, though guests report they can be heavily used and difficult to access during busy periods. Some guests experienced issues with the Wi-Fi, finding it unreliable or non-functional.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently commend the hotel for its overall cleanliness and the comfort of its rooms. Many reviews highlight the rooms as spacious and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant stay. The bathrooms are often described as clean and well-appointed, with some rooms featuring a deep bathtub, while others are equipped with a shower only. However, some guests noted minor issues, such as hair found in various areas of the room or public bath, and one instance of a dirty humidifier tank. A recurring concern for some guests is noise, with reports of thin walls allowing sounds like snoring from adjacent rooms to be heard. Additionally, a few guests mentioned an unpleasant cigarette smell in common areas like the elevator and public bath dressing room, which detracted from their experience.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options, particularly the breakfast buffet, receive widespread acclaim from guests. Many praise the variety and deliciousness of the food, with a notable highlight being the fresh seafood selections, including ingredients for making custom mini seafood bowls. Guests appreciate the quality of the offerings, often mentioning the availability of unique items like limited-edition milk. While the breakfast is highly recommended, some guests suggest that the atmosphere in the restaurant can be affected by the presence of large groups, leading to a less serene experience. Despite this, the overall consensus is that the breakfast provides excellent value and a satisfying start to the day. Some guests, however, felt that visiting the local morning market might offer a more authentic or varied experience than the hotel's breakfast.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, offering unparalleled accessibility. Situated directly adjacent to Hakodate Station, it provides immediate access to train services and local transportation, including buses and trams, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the city. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of popular attractions such as the morning market and various shops and restaurants. While the location is ideal for public transport users, parking is not available on-site, and guests needing to park a car will need to use nearby coin parking facilities, which can incur significant costs. Despite this, the convenience of being so close to the station and key points of interest makes it a preferred choice for many visitors.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive positive feedback for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay. Many guests commend the team for their attentive service and willingness to assist with inquiries, from providing local sightseeing advice to handling luggage. The check-in and check-out processes are often described as smooth and efficient, with staff providing clear explanations and ensuring a quick transition. However, some guests reported mixed experiences, with a few finding the staff to be less helpful, describing the hotel as a "DIY" experience where guests largely manage themselves. Despite these isolated comments, the prevailing sentiment is that the staff are dedicated to providing a good experience, from the front desk to the cleaning crew, who are noted for their smiles and positive interactions, ensuring a positive impression on most visitors.

Additional Information
The hotel incorporates several unique details and policies that guests have noted, contributing to the overall experience. For those with tattoos, the hotel offers tattoo stickers as a thoughtful solution, allowing guests to comfortably use the public bath, which is a significant amenity. A minor but frequently mentioned point of feedback is that the television automatically turns on when the room key card is inserted, which some guests found inconvenient and wished could be changed. While the hotel is generally well-equipped, some guests expressed a desire for additional complimentary services, such as a free coffee service in the lobby or restaurant area, to further enhance convenience. The hotel also has a pet-friendly policy for dogs, though guests should be aware of potential noise from barking from neighboring rooms. Furthermore, the laundry facilities can be heavily utilized, leading to wait times, especially during busy periods, which is an important consideration for longer stays.