Hotel Route Inn Higashi Hiroshima Saijo Ekimae

This hotel offers a highly convenient stay, particularly noted for its excellent location just a short walk from Saijo Station and adjacent to the famous sake brewery district. Its signature feature is the combination of free parking and a large public bath, providing a relaxing retreat after a day of exploring or business. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness, the quality of its complimentary breakfast, and the generally helpful demeanor of the staff. It is an ideal fit for business travelers seeking efficiency and comfort, sightseers keen to explore the local culture, and couples looking for a convenient and relaxing getaway. To enhance your experience, consider the timing for breakfast to avoid crowds and be mindful of the narrow parking ramp.

Facilities & Amenities
A significant draw for many guests is the hotel's large public bath, often referred to as an onsen, which provides a welcome opportunity to relax and unwind after a long day, with convenient operating hours extending late into the night and early morning. While generally appreciated, some isolated comments noted issues with the bath's water temperature or cleanliness in specific instances. The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi, though some guests experienced instability or slow speeds, particularly during peak usage times. Other convenient amenities include laundry facilities (though some found machines dirty or busy), ice machines, vending machines, and a free coffee machine in the lobby. Rooms are equipped with an air purifier, contributing to guest comfort.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, contributing to a comfortable stay. The beds are frequently described as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though a few guests found them to be on the harder side. In-room amenities such as a spacious table, a single-person sofa, and ample power outlets near the bed are appreciated for both work and relaxation. However, some reviews mentioned minor cleanliness issues, such as dust in corners, mold under the sofa, or water stains and dirt under the bathroom sink. The bathrooms are sometimes noted as being small or having low ceilings, which can be inconvenient for taller individuals. Noise from adjacent rooms or the hallway is occasionally reported, but overall, the rooms are considered conducive to rest.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast buffet receives widespread praise for its variety and quality. Guests appreciate the selection of both Japanese and Western dishes, with some highlighting local specialties like "gansu." The coffee available at breakfast and in the lobby is also well-regarded. While the food is consistently described as delicious and satisfying, some guests expressed a desire for even more variety or specific items like curry. The breakfast area can become quite crowded, especially during peak morning hours (around 6:45 AM), leading to queues and a busy atmosphere. Despite the crowds, staff are generally quick to replenish food, ensuring a continuous supply for all guests.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an exceptionally convenient location, situated just a two to three-minute walk from Saijo Station, making it ideal for travelers utilizing public transport. Its proximity to the famous sake brewery district allows guests easy access to local attractions, tasting opportunities, and traditional Japanese pubs. A convenience store is located right next door, adding to the convenience for quick purchases. For guests arriving by car, free multi-story parking is available on-site, which is a significant advantage. However, many guests noted that the parking ramps and spaces are quite narrow, making navigation challenging, especially for larger vehicles, and some opted for paid parking nearby due to this difficulty.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, politeness, and helpfulness. Guests frequently commend the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to assist with various requests, such as providing charging cables or accommodating room changes. Many reviews highlight the staff's attentive and professional demeanor, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. However, a few isolated incidents suggest that responsiveness to specific issues, such as problems with room cleanliness or public bath facilities, could sometimes be improved, with some guests feeling their concerns were not immediately addressed or followed up on. Despite these rare instances, the overall sentiment regarding staff service is overwhelmingly positive.

Additional Information
The hotel operates with an eco-cleaning policy, meaning full room cleaning is not performed daily for longer stays, with services limited to towel replacement and trash removal unless specifically requested. Guests sensitive to smoke should be aware that while non-smoking rooms are available, the smell from smoking rooms can sometimes permeate the floor, affecting the overall air quality. The Wi-Fi connectivity can be inconsistent, with some guests experiencing frequent disconnections or slow speeds, which might be a concern for those relying on it for work or streaming. The hotel offers rewards program benefits for loyal guests, which are appreciated by members. Some guests noted the absence of complimentary bottled water in the rooms, a common amenity in many hotels.