Unbelievable Shimizu Stay: Route Inn's Hidden Gem!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the rollercoaster that is the Unbelievable Shimizu Stay: Route Inn's Hidden Gem! – and I'm not just saying that because I have to write an SEO-friendly review, although, let's be honest, that's part of my job. ;) But seriously, this place… well, it's got some quirks, some definite wins, and a whole lotta "meh" sprinkled in.
First Impressions (and Where the SEO Starts Creepin' In):
Okay, so "Unbelievable Shimizu Stay" sounds a little… much, right? Route Inn is a hotel chain, so "hidden gem" might be a stretch. But let's go with it. For the search engines! Accessibility is HUGE, so let’s address that right off the bat. This place is actually pretty accessible, which is a big plus in Japan. Wheelchair accessible? Check! They definitely cater to guests with mobility issues, and I'd say they're doing a good job (and a lot better than other hotels I’ve stayed in lately). Elevator? Yup. (I've stayed in places without ONE! shudders).
The Room: My Humble Abode (and My Wi-Fi Woes)
Let's get down to brass tacks: the room. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone (seriously?), bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor (maybe, depending on your luck), in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available (handy for families), Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale (huh?), seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens. Now, the room was… functional. Clean, mostly. Nothing flashy, but it did have a free Wi-Fi which is always a win. The problem? The Wi-Fi kept cutting out. Like, seriously, I was trying to upload some amazing photos of Mount Fuji (which, incidentally, is amazing), and Internet services, well, they were more like “Internet… if you're lucky.” I’m not going to lie, there may have been some colorful language directed at the router at one point. Anyway, the free bottled water was a nice touch.
Cleanliness and Safety: Gotta Love the Sanitizing!
Okay, in the age of… you know… points vaguely at the pandemic, cleanliness is key. And Route Inn delivers here. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Room sanitization opt-out available? Nope, didn’t see that. Rooms sanitized between stays? YES! They seemed to be following all the protocols (which, honestly, is reassuring). They had hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were definitely trained in safety protocol; it was all pretty seamless. First aid kit? Hopefully, you don’t need to use it, but it's there.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Breakfast Buffet – A Love/Hate Affair
Right, let's talk food. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Breakfast [buffet], and Breakfast service were all there. The breakfast buffet was… well, let's just say it was an experience. The usual suspects: eggs, sausage (that tasted suspiciously like it was made of something other than meat, cough), rice, miso soup. They had a Coffee/tea in restaurant and a snack bar, which was good in a pinch. But, and this is where things got… messy, it was BUSY. Like, elbows-out, "I need that last sausage!" kind of busy. Alternative meal arrangement? I doubt, unless you are vegan. The Buffet in restaurant felt more like a feeding frenzy. The restaurants themselves were a bit… lacking in atmosphere. The food was okay, but I wouldn't say it was memorable. I’m a creature of habit, and after two days, I was desperately craving a decent cafe. The Coffee shop was okay. The Bottle of water was a godsend. Happy hour? Sadly, no. The Happy hour was missing.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: My Spa Day Dream
Okay, so here's where Route Inn could have really knocked it out of the park. And, well, they didn't quite. Pool with view? Nope. Swimming pool? Also, no. Sauna? Nope. Spa? Also, no. Spa/sauna? Obviously not. The Gym/fitness room was so small it was almost insulting. Fitness center? See gym. A foot bath would have been divine after a long day of exploring, but sadly the Foot bath was missing. It’s a pity because Shimizu is such a chilled out place.
Services and Conveniences: The Essentials (and the Not-So-Essentials)
Concierge service? Present, but slightly aloof. They can't help you locate a yokozuna (sumo champion, I was trying to find one!) Cash withdrawal? There was a cash machine, thankfully. Daily housekeeping? Spot on. Laundry service? Yes (thank goodness). Luggage storage? Yep… they were happy enough to look after my suitcase. Dry cleaning? More than welcome. The Elevator? Always welcome, so much easier to use after a few beers. Ironing service? Yes. Convenience store? The convenience store was a godsend. Curreny exchange? Was a good idea, and I appreciate the offer.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly-ish
Babysitting service? Unfortunatley, Family/child friendly? The place seemed to mostly be aimed at business people. Kids meal? Nope.
Getting Around: The Transit Tango
Airport transfer? Nope. Taxi service? Yeah, you could call a taxi, but the Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] was the better bet, so no worries, right? Good car park, I thought.
The Verdict:
Okay, so is the Unbelievable Shimizu Stay: Route Inn's Hidden Gem? Absolutely not. Is it a solid, reliable, clean, and convenient place to stay? Sure. Is it going to blow your mind? Probably not. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's a good choice for accessibility, cleanliness, and if you need a place to crash after a day of exploring. Plus, the free Wi-Fi (when it works!) is a bonus.
My Personal Recommendation (and How You Can Book!):
If you're looking for a budget-friendly, functional hotel in Shimizu, you could do worse than Route Inn. Just temper your expectations, pack your own Wi-Fi router (okay, maybe not…), and bring your sense of humor.
To Book:
Search for "Route Inn Shimizu" on your favourite hotel booking site and you’ll probably find it.
Now go forth and explore Shimizu! And let me know if you find a proper spa. Seriously, a spa. Maybe I missed it… ;)
Escape to Germany: Luxury Awaits at Apart-Hotel Heldt!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my utterly chaotic, probably-slightly-delusional itinerary for Hotel Route Inn Shimizu Inter in Japan. Prepare for a journey that's less "smooth-sailing travel brochure" and more "slightly-tipsy solo traveler loses their map on a rollercoaster." Here goes:
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Convenience Store Conquest (and Possible Impromptu Karaoke)
- 14:00 - Arrive at Hotel Route Inn Shimizu Inter. God, after that flight, all I want is a shower that lasts longer than two minutes and a bed that isn't trying to kill me with its tiny size. Pray for a good view - I'm not picky, just not the parking lot. (Okay, maybe slightly picky.)
- 14:30 - Unpack. Or rather, attempt to unpack. I swear, my suitcase is a sentient being that actively enjoys thwarting my every organizational effort. Clothes explode everywhere. Accept defeat, shove everything vaguely in a drawer. Victory! Sort of…
- 15:30 - The Great Convenience Store Conquest Begins! This is serious business. Seven-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart – I will conquer them all. Armed with my survival skills (and Google Translate), I'm on a mission. Target acquisitions: Onigiri (salmon, obviously - don't judge), weird and wonderful Japanese snacks (anything with a picture of a cute animal is a win), and at least two different types of instant ramen. Let the carb-loading begin!
- 17:00 - Reconnaissance Mission: Explore the area around the hotel. This is where things usually go sideways. I'll probably get lost, stumble upon something amazing I wasn't expecting, or end up in a park surrounded by giggling schoolkids pointing and my terrible attempts at Japanese. Win-win.
- 18:30 - Dinner. I'm thinking… maybe I should actually find a restaurant? Let's be honest: after raiding the convenience store, that's unlikely. Might just stick to the ramen. (Don’t judge!)
- 20:00 - Karaoke? The hotel website says there's karaoke. Now, this is where it gets interesting. My singing voice is best described as "aggressive cat gargling gravel." But hey… Japan loves karaoke, right? Maybe a little liquid courage (from the convenience store, naturally), and… you only live once! (And who knows what those hotel karaoke rooms are like!)
- 22:00 - Bedtime… or a frantic scramble to find the light switch that isn't hidden behind everything. Praying for a good night's sleep.
Day 2: Stinky Fish, Mount Fuji Dreams, and the Art of Mild Panic
- 08:00 - Breakfast at the hotel. Probably. Assuming I'm not still reeling from the karaoke incident (if it HAPPENED). Expecting a wild breakfast, maybe some questionable eggs in a strange sauce.
- 09:00 - Tsukiji Outer Market: The plan is to head to the market (or as close to it as I can get) to get my fill of seafood. Supposedly. Seriously, the fish market! I LOVE sushi, and I am ready to splurge on the freshest, most unreal sushi EVER.
- 11:00 - Mount Fuji Dreams. Okay, so this is the actual plan. I'm determined to see Mount Fuji. I've read the weather is unpredictable, so this could be a complete bust. I'm prepared for disappointment, but I'm hoping for an Instagram-worthy view. I'll hop a bus or take a train (or whatever the hell I have to do) for a good view of that iconic mountain. Praying for clear skies!
- 13:00 - Lunch (hopefully with a view of the mountain, or at least something edible.) Maybe some udon or maybe… more sushi?!?!
- 14:00 - The Great Train Station Dilemma. Getting back to the hotel. This will involve Google Maps, some panicked gesturing, and probably asking for help a few times. I'm hoping I don't end up in Osaka by mistake. Wish me luck. I swear, learning to read a Japanese train schedule is the most stressful thing I've ever done.
- 16:00 - Post-Train-Station Meltdown Decompression. A nice, strong cup of the complimentary green tea in my room is needed. And maybe a long lie-down, just to process everything.
- 18:00 - Dinner, and… (I'm starting to realize there is a pattern here) ramen at the convenience store, or I give in and order room service. Because, honestly, after that journey, I'm not moving from this bed.
- 20:00 - Attempt to watch Japanese TV (and try to understand some of the very fast talking).
- 22:00 - Bed. The familiar and wonderful bed.
Day 3: The Shimizu Port Adventure and Departure (Maybe… If I Ever Find My Passport)
- 09:00 - Actually, I'm gonna sleep in. That karaoke, the train station trauma, the fish market… I need a little more shuteye.
- 10:00 - Breakfast! And then. the Shimizu Port. Because I have to check it out, right?
- 12:00 - Seafood lunch. Gotta make the most of that fresh seafood! There's gotta be a good yakitori restaurant nearby where I can stuff myself before my journey home.
- 14:00 - Packing: The ultimate test of my organizational skills. This is where the reality of going home hits. Packing always seems like a monumental task. I'll probably end up sitting on my suitcase to close it.
- 16:00 - Relax. Maybe, I'm gonna chill and relax before the trip home.
- 18:00 - Dinner at the restaurant. Maybe a last hurrah for ramen.
- 20:00 - Final night. I will try and avoid the karaoke machine.
- 22:00 - Bed.
Day 4: Departure - The Final Chapter!
- 08:00 - Last breakfast.
- 09:00 - Check out, and a desperate scan for my passport.
- 10:00 - On the road again or on the train again!
So that's it. A beautiful mess of a plan, full of potential disasters, epic foodie moments, and the inevitable cultural misunderstandings. Wish me luck, guys. I have a feeling this trip will be one for the books. And if I don't get lost, I will eat all the sushi!
Indulge in Luxury: De'Qur Hotel Bandung's Unforgettable Experience
Unbelievable Shimizu Stay: Route Inn's Hidden Gem! (Or Is It?) - A Rambling FAQ for the Truly Curious
Okay, so what *is* this "Unbelievable Shimizu Stay" thing? Is it some kind of cult retreat? Because I'm kind of into that.
Alright, settle down, conspiracy theorist. No cults (as far as I know, and I *really* hope I'd know). It's basically Route Inn, the hotel chain. *But* in Shimizu, Japan. Shimizu's a port town, think fishing (and maybe a *few* hidden cults, who knows?), and the Route Inn there... well, they've somehow managed to become legendary amongst a *very* niche group of travel bloggers and people who, like me, just stumbled upon it. They call it "Route Inn's Hidden Gem." More like "Route Inn that just kind of *feels* different."
Why "Unbelievable"? Is it REALLY that good? Don't hype me up if it's just a decent hotel! I'm a jaded traveler!
Okay, *calm down*. The "unbelievable" part is... complicated. Look, it’s *not* the Ritz. Don't expect Michelin stars. But… there’s something. It's the little things. The inexplicable *vibe*. Maybe it’s the intensely efficient service (seriously, they move like ninjas). Maybe it’s the fact that the breakfast buffet, even though it's just a buffet, is *way* better than it has any right to be (shoutout to the curry rice). I'm a sucker for a good curry rice. Maybe it's because the view of the port is... well, it's a port. But there's something beautiful about it. Maybe it’s that feeling of being completely *away* from the usual tourist traps. Or, and hear me out, maybe it's just a meticulously crafted illusion designed to get me to write a whole blog post gushing about it.
Alright, alright, I'm intrigued. What's the *real* draw? Is it the fish? Because I love fish.
Okay, the fish *is* a strong contender. Shimizu's a fishing town, remember? The seafood at the local restaurants is absolutely, ridiculously good. We're talking *fresh*. I almost ate raw squid, which, let's be honest, sounds absolutely disgusting, but it was divine. But, it's not *just* the fish. It's the whole package. The location (close to the train station!), the cleanliness (immaculate, I tell you!), the consistently friendly staff (even if my Japanese is embarrassingly bad). It's… a *vibe*. A comfy, efficient, fish-filled vibe.
Is it expensive? I'm on a ramen budget.
Nah, it's Route Inn. It's not luxury, so you breathe a sigh of relief. It's definitely attainable if you're on a budget, especially compared to other hotels in Japan! I'm pretty sure I spent more on my train ticket there and back than I did on the hotel room for two nights. And the free breakfast buffet? That's pure gold for a budget traveler. You can seriously load up on curry rice and feel like you're winning at life.
What's the breakfast buffet *really* like? You keep bringing that up. Is it worth the hype?
Okay, FINE, I'll talk about the breakfast buffet. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it because this actually really matters to me. It's not just "breakfast." It's a *life experience*. I went into it expecting the usual continental fare. I was so wrong. First off, the coffee is actually decent. This is a HUGE win. Then there's the curry rice (did I mention the curry rice?), the little mini-omelets, the various Japanese breakfast staples, and that *amazing* miso soup. And, and, and... they have little mini-pancakes! I have a *weakness* for pancakes. And of course, there's a toaster for the bread, which is surprisingly tasty. This is not some sad, stale toast, no: this is the kind of toast you *want* to eat. Okay, okay, I need to stop talking about the breakfast, I'm going to book a room immediately.
Okay, what's a practical tip? How do I get there/what's the best room/etc.? Give me some usable insights!
Okay, fine. Practical tips. Arrive at Shimizu Station and it is a 5-minute walk. The Route Inn is very close to the station, which is fantastic. The rooms are all pretty standard-sized for Japan – compact, but efficient. Ask for a room with a port view. It's not the Eiffel Tower, okay? It's still a working port. But there's something kind of beautiful about watching the boats come and go. Be prepared for the Japanese efficiency – everything is clean, the staff are polite to a fault, and things just… work. Don't expect a late check-out. And for the love of all that is holy, *try the curry rice*. Seriously.
What if I don't speak Japanese? Will I be utterly lost?
Okay, this is what freaked me out originally. My Japanese? Barely exists. At least the concierge, in the hotel, speaks some English, and generally, the hotel staff is used to dealing with international travelers. They're exceptionally patient. You'll be fine. Even if all you can manage is "Sumimasen" (excuse me), a smile, and pointing at food, you'll be okay. I managed perfectly well. It's a friendly place.
Okay, you've convinced me. But what's the *worst* thing about it? Gotta have a downside, right?
Well, there's no real "nightlife" in Shimizu. Don't expect wild parties or fancy bars. The area is quiet. You're there for the experience, the fishing, and the zen of it all. Also, the internet… it wasn't exactly blazing fast. I think it was slow. And, sometimes, the walls are a little thin. I could hear my neighbors. But I am not sure if I should call that a fault, since I was sleeping, but I could swear I heard them. Aside from that, it's pretty darn good. The fact that it's not perfect is what makes it great. Nothing is truly perfect, especially not me.
