Down to the rubber ducks floating in the rooftop outdoor public pool, this Dormy Inn was identical to others in which I have stayed, including the television in the sauna, the rubber ducks, the free bowl of soba at bedtime, the mediocre breakfast, the tiny room (there's barely space to leave your shoes by the door) with very small window and useless closet, the pajamas, hairdryer, available washing machine and clothes dryer. Convenient location, a step up from many business hotels, but certainly nothing luxurious.
When traveling as a family we often stay at business hotels for the value they provide and this one rose above others in this class. We had a great deal of just under ¥15000 total for two rooms—one for the kids and one for the parents. The hotel is only about a 10 minute walk from the station and across from a large city park—Senshukoen.
Business hotels don’t include meals but we found a great restaurant—Umihiko—across the street. Interesting shops were and the art museum are all within a couple blocks. The hotel does have late-night complimentary ramen.
Rooms were very clean with plenty of plugs to charge everyone’s electronics, free wi-fi that was easy to logon and dependable, toiletries provided, hot water pot, mini refrigerator, pajamas and slippers, phone charger, and light switches at the bed that let you control all the lights in the room.
The real highlight of this hotel is the grand bath on the top floor. It is exceptionally clean and features both indoor and outdoor bath as well as a sauna. Massage service is also available but can get busy in the evening.
While we are a Japanese and English speaking family, this hotel appears to cater to guests of many nationalities. Signs throughout the are in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
If you are traveling to Akita and looking for good value, this is a great option.
Locating at less than 10min on foot from Akita station.
The point I praise is its large public bath. It is well maintenanced (cleaned) and a open air bath is attached, so if you are staying in winter, you can take a bath in falling snow.
This hotel is a so called “bussiness hotel”, but the room is not so narrow.
Free coffee is available at the lobby, but the breakfast is a little bit costful. There are some small markets (“Convenience stores”) around the hotel, so you can purchase some foods and drinks anytime.
Good location well within amenities and walking distance to Akita Station. Within the hotel, the room is new, clean and of a good size. As in all Dormy Inn chains, there is free onsen and free ramen (in the evening). Breakfast spread is good. Highly recommended.
On this leg of my Japan trip, I’ve been staying at a lot of budget business class hotels but this has been the nicest thus far. Pleasant trip!
Perks:
Good location: about 5-10 minute walk (depending on walking speed and amount of luggage you are carrying) from train station. Near Senshu Park and Art Museum.
Staff: very nice and helpful. I don’t know if anyone on staff spoke English. I tried to muddle my way through Japanese and the staff were so patient, kind and forgiving! Perfect for practicing my language skills!
Onsen: The 11th floor has onsen! I’m a woman so can’t speak to the men’s facilities but the women’s has an indoor onsen and cold bath, as well as rotemboro! Women need the pin to enter which changes everyday.
Free food: evening ramen service (21:30-23:00) and breakfast buffet.
Room layout: slightly bigger than most hotels. The bathroom sink is separate from the toilet and shower. Also, light switches near the bed let you control all lighting zones in the room.