How to choose hotel accommodation in Japan ?

Which hotel accommodation to choose ?


Indeed, what are our criteria ?
     Based on our experiences :

1. Free parking on-site, whenever possible in city area or otherwise.

2. Availability of Free WIFI

3. Location

If you have to choose a location in the city, because of the proximity to the attractions you are visiting, then choose one : 

• within walking distance if possible
• pay if necessary for the hotel parking. Otherwise, you would spend more money paying for parking at the attraction premises and for fuel.

     Budget of course will still play a part in your choice of the hotel accommodation.

Where to book hotels ?

Booking of hotels

1. Tripadvisor for reviews of hotels
2. www.jalan.net : The Japanese website for booking of hotels. It’s good to look at the reviews by Japanese, to see its ranking. The English version exists but the repertoire of hotels is incomplete as compared to the Japanese website.
3. Rakuten travel for booking. Usually for Rakuten, your money is deducted first.
4. Booking.com for booking. You usually pay only upon arrival at hotel.
5. www.japanican.com : Tried/Not Tried

Hotel Accommodation in Kochi City

Period of stay : 27-28 Jun 2016


Name of Accommodation : Bright Park Hotel ブライト パークホテル
Tripadvisor Name : Bright Park Hotel
Address (住所) : 〒780-0842 高知市追手筋1-5-13
TEL : 0888-23-4351
Checkin/out : 1500 hrs/1100hrs
Area : Kochi 高知市
Website : http://www.brightparkhotel.co.jp/


Booking method : via Rakuten Travel, credit card transaction immediate upon booking Room type : semi-double room, non-smoking
Cost : 6500¥ per night
Parking (駐車場) : limited lots available, nearby parking at 700¥
WIFI : available, free

1. Good location, right close within walking distance to the Shopping Street behind, to Hirome Market, Sunday Market and Kochi Castle.
2. We only stayed 1 night but for a business hotel, the double room is bigger than most in the same category...despite the nondescript and decrepit hotel facade.
3. The check in was quick. Fortunately, I could still park for free. The WIFI was good. The bathtub was big enough and soothing for a tired soul.
4. Finally for the price we paid, it's really a steal for such value.

Attractions/Activities from Kochi

1. Hirome Market
2. Kochi Castle garden early in the morning

Hotel Accommodation at Matsuyama

Period of stay : 28-29 Jun 2016


Name of Accommodation : APA HOTEL MATSUYAMAJYO-NISHI アパホテル 松山城西
Tripadvisor Name : APA HOTEL MATSUYAMAJYO NISHI
Address (住所) : 〒790-0811 愛媛県松山市本町2-5-5
TEL : 0899-43-1011
Checkin/out : 1500 hrs/1100hrs
Area : Matsuyama 松山市
Website : http://www.apahotel.com/hotel/shikoku/04_matsuyamajyo-nishi/

Booking method : via Booking.com, pay directly to hotel
Room type : double room, non-smoking
Cost : 5800¥ per night
Parking (駐車場) : 600¥, car elevator parking
WIFI : available, free

1. I chose this hotel due to its proximity to the airport (about 20 mins), as it was our last night, and its location overlooking the Shiroyama park, and also close to Matsuyama castle. 
2. We only stayed 1 night and had driven, raining practically the whole way, from Kochi. We were therefore quite happy to reach the hotel, to be greeted efficiently by the hotel staff, and to reach our room, which is alright by business hotel standards.

Attractions/Activities from Matsuyama

1. AEON Mall Matsuyama
2. Wonderful sushi dinner at Sushiro スシロー 松山衣山店.