Hotel Metropolitan Akita

This hotel is highly regarded for its direct station access, making it an exceptionally convenient choice for train travelers and commuters. Its signature feature is its seamless connection to the main train station and adjacent shopping complex, providing easy access to various amenities and dining options. Guests consistently highlight the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, often noting their surprising spaciousness for Japanese standards. The friendly and helpful staff also contribute significantly to a positive guest experience, ensuring a smooth stay. The hotel is an excellent fit for sightseers and business travelers due to its central location and quiet environment, while families and solo travelers appreciate the comfortable accommodations and accessibility. For an enhanced stay, consider exploring the diverse breakfast offerings that feature local specialties, and be aware that while parking is available, it can be limited.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the range of facilities available, enhancing their convenience and comfort. The hotel offers a fitness center or gym, though reservations may be required for use. For those needing to do laundry, coin laundry machines are provided, although some guests have reported issues with the dryers not functioning optimally. Rooms are generally well-equipped with amenities such as a mini-refrigerator, a humidifier, and a TV that supports YouTube viewing, though some have experienced difficulties with screen mirroring. While most find the power outlets sufficient, a few guests noted issues with some not working. The hotel also provides thoughtful in-room amenities like bottled water, coffee, tea, and sometimes even bath salts and unique ceramic mugs, adding a touch of local charm. A designated smoking area is available on the first floor of the North Wing for convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its spotlessly clean rooms and overall comfort. Guests frequently describe the accommodations as modern, well-maintained, and surprisingly spacious, particularly the twin rooms and those in the newer North Wing. The beds are comfortable, with many guests appreciating the quality linens and the option of different pillow types for varied firmness preferences, though some found the traditional Japanese firm beds a bit hard. A significant highlight for many is the spacious bathroom, especially in the North Wing, which often features a separate bath and toilet area, allowing for a more relaxing bathing experience with a large tub and a dedicated washing space. While the hotel is generally very quiet, with excellent soundproofing that blocks out train noise, a few guests have noted occasional disturbances from neighboring rooms or found the room temperature to be too warm, even with heating turned off.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives excellent reviews, with guests frequently describing it as wonderful, hearty, and a highlight of their stay. The breakfast variety is extensive, offering a wide spread of both Japanese and Western dishes. A particular favorite among guests is the inclusion of local specialties from Akita, such as kiritanpo, iburigakko, junsai, and edamame gohan. Many guests especially enjoy the made-to-order onigiri service, where they can choose their fillings. The breakfast venue is spacious and generally not crowded, contributing to a pleasant dining atmosphere, sometimes enhanced by local folk songs. While the breakfast is highly recommended, feedback on the hotel's main restaurant for dinner has been mixed, with some guests expressing significant disappointment regarding the food quality and service, citing issues with authenticity and preparation.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, directly connected to the main Akita Station, making it incredibly convenient for all travelers. This direct connection allows guests to access the station, its associated shopping mall (Topico and Arus), and various restaurants and cafes without needing to go outside, which is particularly beneficial during rainy or snowy weather. A 7-Eleven and a Starbucks are also conveniently located adjacent to the hotel. For those arriving by air, the airport limousine bus stop is right outside the hotel, providing seamless airport access. The hotel is also well-situated for exploring the city, with the west bus station nearby connecting to most of Akita City and prefecture, and many tourist attractions like Senshu Park, the Art Museum, and Arts Theatre within easy walking distance. Parking is available, though guests note it can be limited and sometimes requires using nearby shopping mall parking, which can be more expensive if not aware of the hotel's options.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff are consistently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professional demeanor. Guests frequently highlight their attentive service and willingness to go beyond expectations to assist with requests, such as accommodating room changes or providing information. The check-in process is generally described as smooth, quick, and efficient, with staff often proactively moving stored luggage to guests' rooms before their arrival. Many guests appreciate the staff's ability to communicate effectively, with some noting that certain staff members are proficient in English, which is particularly helpful for international visitors. Daily room cleaning service is also a consistent positive. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few guests have reported minor communication challenges or isolated instances of staff appearing less friendly or attentive, particularly during busy periods or late evenings.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several specific details that enhance or impact their stay. The North Wing is a newer section of the hotel, offering very modern and clean rooms, often featuring the highly desired separate bath and toilet layout. However, access to the North Wing requires a card key in the elevator for security. A recurring point of feedback, particularly for rooms in the North Wing, is the shower water pressure, which some guests found to be surprisingly weak. While rooms are generally well-appointed, some guests noted that the refrigerator size is small and lacks a freezer compartment, which can be inconvenient for storing certain items. The coin laundry machines have been reported to have issues with the dryer function. Additionally, while the hotel aims for comfort, some guests found the room temperature control challenging, with rooms occasionally feeling too warm even with heating off.