Route Inn Grantia Akita Spa Resort

This hotel is widely celebrated for its natural hot spring facilities, offering guests a truly relaxing and memorable experience. Its prime location near the city's entertainment district makes it an excellent choice for leisure travelers and couples seeking vibrant nightlife and dining options. Business travelers also find the hotel convenient due to its amenities and accessibility. Guests consistently highlight the value provided by the complimentary onsen access and the convenience of on-site dining. For an enhanced stay, guests are advised to explore the various bath types within the hot spring complex and to be mindful of the hotel's distance from the main train station when planning transportation.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's standout feature is its extensive natural hot spring (onsen) facility, which guests can access free of charge. This complex boasts a wide variety of baths, including indoor and outdoor pools, jet baths, saunas (both low and high temperature), and unique options like pot baths and cave baths, though some specific baths may be temporarily unavailable. The water quality is frequently praised for its tea-like color and skin-softening properties. While the onsen can become crowded, especially during peak hours or with day-use visitors, guests appreciate the extended operating hours. The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi, though some guests have noted inconsistent speeds, particularly in the East Wing. A well-stocked manga corner offers a unique relaxation option, and coin laundry facilities are available, albeit with some reported confusion regarding their location. Covered multi-story parking is a significant convenience, offered free to guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is generally positive, though some aspects vary depending on the room's location within the hotel's different wings. Many rooms are described as spacious, providing ample room for relaxation. The beds are typically found to be comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, some guests have noted that certain rooms, particularly in the older sections, show signs of age, with occasional mentions of dated fixtures or minor cleanliness issues like dust or mold in bathrooms. Bathroom amenities like showers have received mixed reviews regarding water pressure and temperature consistency. Noise levels can be a concern for some, with reports of elevator noise in adjacent rooms or loud ventilation fans. In-room conveniences such as USB charging ports and multiple power outlets are appreciated, as are provided tea and coffee options.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a satisfying dining experience, with particular praise for its breakfast and on-site restaurant. The breakfast buffet is consistently rated highly for its variety, featuring both standard Japanese fare and local Akita specialties like Inaniwa Udon and Iburigakko. Guests appreciate the quality and freshness of the food, though some have mentioned that dishes can be cold or that the dining area can become crowded during peak times, despite efforts to manage guest flow. The adjacent Maguroya seafood restaurant provides a convenient and well-regarded option for dinner, with guests commending its fresh offerings and efficient ordering system. The presence of an izakaya within the hotel complex further enhances the dining choices, allowing guests to enjoy meals and drinks without needing to venture far.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage for many guests, particularly its close proximity to the Kawabata entertainment district, which is just a short walk away. This makes it ideal for those looking to explore local restaurants and nightlife. While the hotel is relatively far from Akita Station (approximately a 15-minute walk), it is conveniently located near an airport limousine bus stop, making arrivals and departures from Akita Airport straightforward. Free multi-story parking is a major draw for guests traveling by car, though some have noted that the parking area can become crowded, especially when shared with day-use onsen visitors. Despite being close to the bustling entertainment area, many guests find the hotel's immediate surroundings to be surprisingly quiet, offering a peaceful retreat.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives positive feedback for their helpfulness and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend the friendly staff at the front desk and in the restaurants, noting their willingness to assist with inquiries and requests. The check-in process is typically described as efficient, though some guests have reported minor communication issues, particularly regarding English proficiency. Housekeeping is often praised for maintaining clean rooms. While most interactions are positive, a few guests have experienced isolated instances of less-than-ideal service, such as perceived indifference or confusion regarding hotel policies. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing a pleasant stay is a recurring theme, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere for most visitors.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's tattoo policy, which requires tattoos to be covered when using the onsen facilities, with no refunds for non-compliance. For guests staying multiple nights, the hotel offers an eco-cleaning service, providing a complimentary drink (water, beer, or canned chuhai) as an incentive for opting out of daily room cleaning. The hotel features distinct East and Main wings, with the East Wing often noted for having only one elevator, which can lead to significant wait times during busy periods. While the hotel provides pajamas suitable for use within the onsen area, guests are reminded to bring their own towels back to their rooms after bathing. The hotel also offers a wide selection of manga for guest enjoyment, adding a unique leisure option.