Unbelievable Nagoya Hotel Deal: Fushimi Ekikita's Hidden Gem!
Unbelievable Nagoya Hotel Deal: Fushimi Ekikita's Hidden Gem! - A Review That's Actually Useful (and a Little Crazy)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to take you on a wild ride through the Unbelievable Nagoya Hotel Deal: Fushimi Ekikita's Hidden Gem! Now, I'm not one for flowery prose, and "hidden gem" gets tossed around like a bad sushi roll, but honestly? This place… it’s pretty damn good, maybe even… unbelievable. Let's dive in, shall we? And trust me, this isn't your typical hotel review. I'm going to tell you EVERYTHING, good, bad, and the downright weird moments that made this trip memorable.
First Impressions (and the Elevator Situation):
Okay, so, Accessibility. This is important, so let's get it out of the way. Elevator: Check. It's modern, thankfully, because lugging my suitcase (seriously, I pack like I'm moving) up stairs is NOT my idea of fun, especially after a whole-day of train travel. And speaking of that traveling, Car park [on-site] and Car park [free of charge] is a huge plus for those driving. Facilities for disabled guests: I didn't personally use them, but they're listed as being available. Always a good sign, and I hope they really are accessible, not just “technically” accessible.
The Exterior corridor had me a little nervous at first – I'm used to the enclosed, air-conditioned bliss of hotel hallways. But honestly, the exterior here felt safe and well-lit, with a surprisingly pleasant view of… well, Nagoya! And speaking of pleasant… I'd say the overall vibe is more modern simplicity than lavish luxury, but sometimes that's exactly what you need.
Cleanliness and Safety: This is the Stuff That Matters Now
Okay, let's get REAL. We're still living in a world of germs, and I'm a bit of a neat freak. Anti-viral cleaning products: Check! Daily disinfection in common areas: Check! Hand sanitizer: EVERYWHERE. Yes! This gave me a HUGE peace of mind. Rooms sanitized between stays: Thank goodness! I might even have breathed a little better knowing this.
And the biggie? Staff trained in safety protocol. I didn't see any overt signs of it, but everyone wore masks, and things felt… clean. Seriously, after a day of exploring temples and train stations, coming back to a place that felt safe was a huge relief. They also have Rooms sanitized between stays.
I did notice CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, which wasn't something I was actively seeking, but hey, if it keeps everyone safe, I'm all for it.
The Room: My Mini-Apartment of Delicious Sleep
Okay, let's talk about the room, because I've spent more time in it than I'd like to admit. First off, Air conditioning: (thank God). Blackout curtains: My saviour! Slept like a baby. Actually, like a very well-rested adult. Complimentary tea and coffee in the room (always a win). A Mini bar - a must after a long day of sightseeing but… don't go crazy with the prices like I did the first night.
Wi-Fi [free], Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN - Okay, I’m a digital nomad, so this matters. The Wi-Fi was solid. And the Internet access – LAN… well, I didn’t need it, but it's comforting to know it’s there, right?
A few quirks:
- The Window that opens, I really loved this. Breathing some fresh air in the morning before the day started was a simple joy.
- Additional toilet - I was travelling alone, but for couples or families, it could be a game changer.
- The bathroom was small, but efficient, with Toiletries.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Time to Get Feisty
Okay, food. My FAVORITE. Restaurants: Yes, several, they have a Bar and a Coffee shop. And more importantly? Room service [24-hour]. I might have abused that a bit the first night, after a long day on a train and not wanting to go out again! The menu was pretty extensive, with both Western cuisine and Asian cuisine.
Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, here’s the tea (pun intended). The breakfast was…fine. Honestly, I've had better, and I've had worse. It was a Breakfast [buffet] style, with what you'd expect: scrambled eggs, some sad-looking bacon, and some seriously delicious pastries. Asian breakfast, was there, but I'm more of a western breakfast kind of gal. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, nothing to write home about.
Here's a big deal for me, they have a Vegetarian restaurant and alternative meal arrangement. They are also listed as having Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar and Snack bar - just wish I had tried more!
Things to Do / Ways to Relax: Spa Day!
Alright, here's where this place shines. Spa/sauna: YES! I’m all about some self-care, and the spa was AMAZING. They have a Pool with view, and even a Swimming pool [outdoor]. After a day of pounding the pavement, the Sauna felt like heaven. And the Massage? Worth every single Yen.
Amenities and Services: The Little Things That Matter
Cash withdrawal: A lifesaver. Currency exchange: Convenient, but check the rates first! Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless every single day. Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Ironing service: Didn't use any of these, but good to know they're there. The Concierge was super helpful with directions and recommendations.
The “Unbelievable” Offer (and Why You Should Book NOW)
Okay, so the “unbelievable” part. They were REALLY emphasizing the Cashless payment service, which felt smart, especially since I usually only carry cash.
But here’s the deal: I’m going to guess, and this is a hunch, they may be struggling to get bookings. So that's why they are focusing so much on the online booking deal.
My (Unsolicited) Advice:
- Book directly through them. Skip the third-party sites – you might get a better deal (like I did!) and maybe get a better room.
- Take advantage of the spa! Seriously, do it.
- Don't be afraid to explore. Fushimi Ekikita is a GREAT base for exploring Nagoya and the surrounding areas.
- Pack light (unlike me).
- Enjoy yourself! You’ve earned it.
Target Audience:
- Anyone seeking a clean, safe, and well-equipped hotel.
- Travelers who value convenience and a central location.
- Those looking for a relaxing escape with spa facilities.
- Value conscious travellers who would appreciate the deals
SEO Keywords (Because I have to):
- Nagoya Hotel Deals
- Fushimi Ekikita Hotel
- Nagoya Spa Hotel
- Wheelchair Accessible Nagoya Hotel
- Free Wi-Fi Nagoya Hotel
- Nagoya Accommodation
- Hotel Near Nagoya Station
- Nagoya City Center Hotel
- Spa Nagoya
- Onsen Nagoya
Final Verdict:
Look, this isn't the Four Seasons. It’s not perfect. Did I have a minor issue with the air conditioning at one point? Sure. Did I get lost trying to find the gym? Absolutely. But for the price, the location, the cleanliness, and the spa? Unbelievable Nagoya Hotel Deal: Fushimi Ekikita's Hidden Gem! is a winner. Go book it. You won't regret it. And tell them I sent you. Maybe they’ll give me a discount on my next stay.
Uncover Hidden Luxury: Zaoonsen Hotel Oakhill's Yamagata Escape
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted itinerary. This is the real story of my (potentially ill-advised) trip to Nagoya, Japan, specifically the hallowed halls of the APA Hotel Nagoya Fushimi Ekikita. Prepare for a logistical disaster zone, a whirlwind of deliciousness, and the potential for serious jet lag-induced existential crises.
Project: Nagoya - Operation: Ramen & Regret (Maybe?)
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Shock (aka The Hotel That Ate My Soul)
- 1:00 PM (Local Time): Land at Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO). The flight was… well, let's just say I befriended the in-flight entertainment system. My emotional state? Somewhere between "optimistic" and "slightly terrified of customs."
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Airport shenanigans – navigating the crowds, deciphering kanji signs that apparently aren't universal symbols for "bathroom," and praying my luggage arrived with me. Success! (Small victory!)
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Train to Nagoya Station. Oh. My. God. The public transport in Japan is insane. In a good way! Efficient, clean, and I think I saw a robot once. Almost got trampled by a salaryman. Worth it.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Taxi to the APA Hotel Nagoya Fushimi Ekikita. Okay, time to be honest. I chose this hotel because it was affordable. And, let's be real, the building is quite… imposing. It has the vibe of a corporate HQ crossed with a very well-maintained prison. Don't get me wrong, the lobby is clean, but the sheer number of automated check-in machines makes me feel like I’m in a sci-fi movie. I also suspect they haven't fully embraced English language signage… or English-speaking employees. Luckily, the "machine" eventually spat out my key card.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance (aka The Microscopic Hotel Room Experience). Seriously, where's the room? I’m pretty sure my suitcase takes up half the space. The bathroom is… efficient. Very, very efficient. Finding a tiny sink and a tub with just enough room for a toddler (maybe) seems quite… minimalist. Is this going to be a three-night stay or a test in claustrophobia? Only time will tell. But hey, the view of a less-than-glamorous Nagoya street is charming… in a 'welcome to reality' kind of way.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Panic nap. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. Woke up feeling like I'd swallowed a small, grumpy panda.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Ramen Adventure! God, I love ramen. Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place near the hotel. It was called "Menya Ichiryu". The smell hit me hard when I opened the door. A good hard. The place was tiny, maybe ten seats. No English menu, just a vending machine with pictures (thank god!). The ramen itself, however, was pure, unadulterated bliss. Rich, savory broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and a soft-boiled egg that practically wept with deliciousness. This is why I came to Japan. This single bowl justified the entire trip. Absolutely divine. I think I embarrassed myself with the loud slurping. Didn’t care.
- 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Wandering & Mild Panic. Walked around the Fushimi area, got lost, nearly ran into a businessman (again!), and realized I hadn't eaten anything besides ramen. Bought a convenience store onigiri, which tasted like the future (and rice). Trying to remember my Japanese phrasebook basics. Failed. Utterly.
- 10:00 PM: Collapse into bed. Preemptive apology to future-me who has to deal with the mess I've undoubtedly created.
Day 2: Culture Shock & Culinary Challenges (And a Bit of a Breakdown)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Involuntarily. The jet lag is a relentless enemy. The tiny hotel room is surprisingly bright at this hour. The prospect of a vending machine breakfast seems… unappealing.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Attempt to eat breakfast at the hotel. Ended up with some kind of bread, some suspect-looking jelly, and coffee that tasted faintly of sadness. Considered staging a protest. Decided against it because I'm too tired.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Nagoya Castle! Took the subway (managed to figure it out, yay!). The castle is impressive, all imposing walls and shining gold. Got completely lost in the surrounding park. Managed to take a few great pictures of the Shachihoko (golden fish on the roof) but also somehow missed half of the important attractions. There was a historical exhibit; I understood about 10% of what I read. Felt a pang of inadequacy.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Tried to find a "traditional" Nagoya lunch. Ended up in a place serving "tebasaki" (chicken wings). Delicious, but messy. The sauce got everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Regretted wearing a white shirt.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Decided to visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. I’m not a car person. At all. Or a techie. It was… long. And largely incomprehensible. Lots of whirring machines and Japanese explanations which was enough to put me in a coma (or at least close to it). Briefly considered faking an illness to escape. Stuck it out. Got intrigued by some of the weaving looms (surprisingly beautiful!). I'm probably losing it.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Shopping. (Needed a break. Couldn't find the right place.) Wandered around some department stores. Everything is so… stylish. And expensive. Found a very cute, though quite overpriced, anime figure. Resisted the urge to buy it. Managed to buy some green tea Kit Kats. Small victories.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Return to the hotel for a shower. The tiny bathroom felt like a luxury spa this time.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Repeat Ramen Adventure (with a twist!). Went back to Menya Ichiryu. This time I figured out how to order extra chashu pork. It was a revelation. Also, tried some gyoza. Even better than the ramen. The chef (a lovely, grumpy man) gave me a small, knowing smile. I think he knew I was falling in love with his humble kitchen.
- 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Attempted to watch Japanese TV. Failed. Watched a dubbed American movie. Felt slightly homesick. Considered calling my mom, but remembered the time difference. Instead, I ate some (slightly stale) rice crackers and stared blankly at the ceiling. Existential crisis rearing its ugly head again.
- 11:00 PM: Sleep. Or, attempted sleep. The jet lag whispers in my ear again.
Day 3: The Farewell, the Ramen, The Realization?
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Feeling slightly less miserable than yesterday. Small win!
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Skipped the hotel offering altogether. Went in search of a decent bakery instead. Found a tiny, charming bakery, smelling of fresh bread and butter. Got a croissant. Felt happy.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: A last-minute exploration of the Osu Kannon temple. Peaceful, beautiful, and just what I needed. The temple market offered a kaleidoscope of bizarre, beautiful food and trinkets. I bought a little daruma doll and decided to paint one eye on it later, wishing for… well, for this trip to not end.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Last Ramen Hurrah! Yes, you guessed it. Back to Menya Ichiryu. This time, I went for the spicy ramen. It was glorious. I think I actually shed a tear. The chef, I swear, winked at me.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM:
Unbelievable Nagoya Hotel Deal: Fushimi Ekikita's Hidden Gem! (Or Is It?) - The Unofficial FAQ
Okay, seriously, what's the *deal*? Is this hotel actually good? Everyone's saying 'hidden gem,' but I've seen some... questionable reviews online.
Alright, so the "hidden gem" label? Let's just say it’s been *overplayed*. I booked this place (Fushimi Ekikita, right?) because I'm a sucker for a bargain. Nagoya is expensive! The pictures looked…okay. You know, the usual hotel marketing glamour shots, clean lines, smiling photoshopped faces. The reality? Well, let's just say my first impression was... *underwhelming*. Think slightly dated décor – like, early 2000s beige, but with the faint scent of... well, let's just say "hotel." Honestly, it's a bit of a lottery. Some rooms are surprisingly spacious, others feel like you're sharing a closet with your suitcase. My advice? Temper your expectations. Then, maybe, you won't feel *too* disappointed. Though, honestly, for the price, it’s hard to complain *too* much… Right?
What about the location? Is Fushimi Ekikita actually convenient, or am I going to spend half my trip on the train? (Because, honestly, time is precious, people!)
Okay, *this* is where things get interesting. Fushimi station itself? Super convenient. Boom. Done. Easy access to everything. But here's the thing… the hotel? It's *near* Fushimi station. Like, a five-minute walk. Except that five-minute walk is through a sometimes-bustling, sometimes-deserted, sometimes slightly sketchy-looking street, depending on the time of day. I remember this one time, walking back late, and I SWEAR I saw a cat with a tiny monocle. Okay, maybe it was just sleep deprivation. But the point is… the *area* around it isn't precisely “charming.” Think more… functional. It's not *inconvenient*, but it's not winning any awards for ambiance. Still, getting to everywhere you actually *want* to go is pretty easy. So, yeah, convenient. But not picturesque. Got it? Good.
The photos showed a nice breakfast buffet. Any truth to that promise? Or is it just sad little pastries and instant coffee? (Because I can make THAT at home, people!)
Oh, the breakfast. *Deep breath*. The breakfast. It's…an experience. They *do* have a buffet. And yes, it does include pastries. And yes, there *is* instant coffee. But hey, there's also… some other stuff. Seriously. There's always, like, rice. And miso soup, which is always welcome. Sometimes a weird, gloopy scrambled egg situation. And, on a good day, a surprisingly decent little sausage. Honestly? It's perfectly acceptable. It's not going to blow your mind. It's not going to make you Instagram-famous. But it will fill your stomach. And, let’s be honest, when you're jet-lagged and grumpy, anything that’s vaguely edible is a win. The one time I went, I forgot my phone. *PANIC*. Grabbed a bun, ate it on the way back. Disaster averted. Breakfast, the unsung hero of the budget traveller.
What's the Wi-Fi situation like? Because, you know, gotta stay connected, gotta upload those pics, gotta tell everyone how amazing my trip is... (even if it's not).
Ah, the Wi-Fi. The bane of every modern traveller's existence. It's there. It's… mostly functional. Sometimes. Okay, I’m being dramatic. It's generally okay. I wouldn't rely on it for super-demanding tasks, like, say, live-streaming a concert. But for basic browsing, messaging, and that all-important Instagram story update? You'll probably be fine. Though, one time, I swear it was buffering more than my life’s worth. I was trying to download a map and it was like watching paint dry! Okay, maybe not *that* bad, but close. Don't go expecting blazing speeds. Expect… acceptable speeds. And pray. Pray it works when you REALLY need it to.
Are the staff friendly? Because a grumpy concierge can ruin a trip faster than a delayed flight.
The staff? This varies. Some are lovely, genuinely helpful, and will bend over backward to assist you. Others… are less so. They're courteous, but, let's just say, they're not exactly overflowing with warmth. It’s a mixed bag, really. I had one encounter where the front desk guy – bless his heart – spoke barely any English. We communicated mostly through awkward hand gestures and Google Translate. It was… memorable. And he still helped me! I was trying to figure out the train schedule, and he went above and beyond to find it for me. Another time, I asked about a restaurant recommendation and got a blank stare. So, yeah, depends on who you get. But generally, they're polite and professional. Just don't expect them to become your best friend. Although, maybe if they gave more restaurant recommendations... Just saying.
Okay, fine, I’m intrigued. But are there any *actual* downsides besides the slightly dodgy décor? (Hit me with the truth!)
Ooh, the downsides! Okay, buckle up. Firstly, room sizes can vary wildly. You might luck out and get a spacious one. Or you might get a shoebox. Secondly, the noise. Depending on your room, you might hear traffic, or the trains, or the guy next door snoring. Bring earplugs. Trust me, bring EARPLUGS. Third, the… well, it’s just not the Hilton. Okay? Let’s be honest, it's not going to impress your friends. Forget about the sparkling lobby. Forget about the fluffy robes. This is *functional* accommodation. It's about practicality over pizzazz. My biggest gripe? That dang air conditioning! It's either freezing cold, or stifling hot, with no in-between. It's a constant battle. I once spent an entire night bundled up in my t-shirt and the blanket, shivering as I tried to sleep. It was like a scene from a survival movie - me versus the thermostat. That’s the biggest downside, probably. The lack of climate control. Okay, and the slightly suspicious stains on the carpet. But hey, for the price...you’re getting a deal!
So, would you recommend it? Be honest! (And no fence-sitting!)
Alright, here's the bottom line. Would *I* recommend it? For *some* people... yes. If you're on a tight budget, if you prioritize location and convenience over luxury, and if you're not fussy about decor, then absolutely. Go for it. It’s fine. It’ll do. It’s not going to be a romantic getaway, it’s not going to be a luxurious treat, but it will get you through. However, if you're expecting a five-star experience, or if you'reHotelish
