Hotel Jodai

This hotel offers a nostalgic atmosphere, with an exterior that suggests an older establishment, yet many rooms have been renovated to provide a more modern and clean experience. Its location is often highlighted as convenient, particularly for those traveling by car, with easy access to nearby shops and major roads, making it a practical choice for various needs. The hotel is well-suited for business travelers seeking a functional stay, as well as sightseers interested in exploring the local area, including nearby hot springs, retro stations, and local restaurants. While some aspects reflect its age, the hotel aims to provide a basic yet comfortable base for guests. To enhance your stay, consider confirming specific room amenities like bidets upon booking, as availability can vary, and be prepared for a walk if relying on public transport from the nearest station, as it is not directly adjacent.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides several practical facilities for guests, including readily available parking, though some guests noted the primary lot might be restricted, requiring use of a slightly more distant second lot. For convenience, a microwave is accessible on each floor, and Wi-Fi is generally available in rooms. While a coin laundry is present, many guests found the washing machine and dryer to be inefficient and notably expensive, suggesting they might be more akin to household appliances rather than commercial ones. Some guests appreciated the provision of detergent and drying racks at the laundry area. However, there were reports of various broken items within the facilities, including issues with the washing machine itself, and some found the overall equipment to feel outdated.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed. Many rooms are described as renovated and generally clean, with some guests specifically praising the cleanliness around the unit bath. The beds are often found to be comfortable with just the right firmness, and some rooms offer spacious layouts and pleasant views. In-room amenities like bidets, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, hangers, slippers, and pots are typically provided. However, a significant number of reviews mention issues such as dusty rooms, a noticeable room smell, and mold on items like the in-room pot, unit bath curtains, and even inside the air conditioning units. Some guests also reported narrow unit baths, flickering lights, dark rooms, high pillows, and concerning issues like brown bath water or a sewer smell from the bathroom drain, impacting overall comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options generally receive positive feedback from guests. Many appreciate the availability of breakfast, which is often described as delicious and offering a good variety of Japanese-style dishes. Guests who opted for the Japanese breakfast were particularly satisfied with its volume and taste, noting it provided a great start to their day. The on-site restaurant is also frequently mentioned for serving tasty meals, with some guests specifically enjoying lunch or special event meals like those for funeral gatherings, praising the quality and selection of food. The convenience of having a restaurant within the hotel, offering good quality food, is a recurring positive point for many visitors.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant advantage for many guests, especially those with a car. It is situated on a main street with easy access to a national road and is conveniently close to an interchange (IC), making it simple to reach by vehicle. Guests appreciate the proximity to various amenities, including a convenience store and drug store within walking distance, and a supermarket and other commercial facilities (like restaurants and electronics stores) a short drive away. While the hotel offers parking, some guests found the designated parking area to be a bit distant from the main entrance. For those relying on public transport, the hotel is approximately a 30-minute walk from the nearest train station, and some noted that public transport access in general can be challenging, making a car highly recommended for exploring the wider area.

Staff & Service
Feedback regarding the staff and service is notably mixed. Many guests commend the staff for being helpful, kind, and providing quick responses to requests, such as accommodating late-night bookings or placing luggage in rooms before check-in. Some specific interactions, like the positive greetings from cleaning staff, were highlighted. However, a considerable number of reviews express dissatisfaction with the front desk attitude, describing it as unfriendly or having poor phone manners. A recurring and significant concern involves the handling of car keys, with guests reporting being pressured to hand over their keys and, in some instances, finding their vehicles had been moved or driven without permission, leading to a sense of distrust. Instances of staff being absent from the counter or failing to apologize for delays also contributed to negative experiences for some visitors.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel's accommodation fee is sometimes perceived as high, particularly given its rural location and the limited availability of other hotels in the immediate vicinity. This pricing is often attributed to a lack of alternative options, though some guests felt the hotel provided a minimum quality that justified the cost for a basic stay. The hotel offers a smooth booking process, even for urgent, late-night reservations, which is a significant convenience for travelers. There are also mentions of a planned new hotel (Dormy Inn) in the area, which some guests are anticipating as a potential alternative for future stays. Furthermore, the hotel provides complimentary detergent for its coin laundry facilities, a thoughtful touch despite the high cost of using the machines themselves.