APA Hotel Hikoneminami

This hotel is noted for its spacious rooms, offering a comfortable and quiet retreat that often exceeds expectations for its category. Its affordability and convenient parking make it a practical choice for many travelers. The hotel is particularly well-suited for business travelers seeking a peaceful environment after work, families who appreciate the larger room sizes and nearby amenities, and those traveling by car due to the ample parking availability. Guests frequently commend the attentive staff who contribute to a pleasant stay. To enhance your visit, consider taking advantage of the hotel's complimentary bicycle rentals for exploring the local area, and be aware that while the hotel is generally quiet, some rooms may experience minor noise from external sources.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of amenities designed for guest convenience. While some guests expressed disappointment that the video on demand (VOD) system is paid, unlike many other hotels in the same chain, it still offers a selection of entertainment. The air conditioning system is centrally controlled, which some guests found problematic as it prevented individual temperature adjustments, leading to rooms being too warm or cold at times. However, the hotel is well-equipped with power outlets, including multiple bedside charging points, ensuring guests can easily power their devices. Vending machines are available on-site, offering a quick option for snacks and drinks. Overall, guests found the general amenities provided in the rooms to be comprehensive and well-stocked, with daily replenishment available upon request.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the spaciousness and cleanliness of the rooms, often finding them larger than anticipated for a single occupancy. The beds and linens are generally described as comfortable, though some guests found the pillows to be too thin or firm, impacting their sleep quality. A recurring theme in reviews concerns the bathroom areas, with some guests noting signs of age such as scratches on the washbasin or peeling mirror plating, and occasional reports of mold or damp smells. Additionally, some found the toilet seats to be cold or mismatched with the bowl. Despite these minor issues, many guests appreciated the large televisions in the rooms and the provision of bottled water, contributing to a relaxing atmosphere. Noise levels are generally low, with most guests experiencing a quiet stay, though a few reported disturbances from external sources or other rooms' air conditioning units.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast service receives mixed but generally positive feedback. Most guests appreciate the variety of options, typically offering a choice between Japanese, Western, or a combination set menu, rather than a buffet. Many highlight the all-you-can-eat raw eggs and natto as particularly enjoyable features, along with free refills of rice, miso soup, and some beverages. The quality of the food, such as grilled mackerel and omelets, is often commended, with guests noting that it is not frozen. However, some guests found the portions for Western breakfast options to be small, or the soup to be too thin. Despite these minor criticisms, the breakfast is often seen as a good value, providing a satisfying start to the day, and the breakfast area is consistently noted for its cleanliness.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally convenient for those traveling by car, offering easy access to tourist attractions and a large parking lot with a reasonable daily fee and re-entry privileges. However, its distance from the train station makes it less ideal for guests relying on public transport, as walking to the station is not feasible. While the immediate vicinity is quiet, guests appreciate the abundance of restaurants, drugstores, and other dining options within a short walk, including some directly opposite the hotel. Conversely, the convenience stores are often described as being a bit further away, requiring a short drive or a slightly longer walk. The hotel's entrance can be somewhat challenging to locate initially, as it is set back from the main road.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive high praise for their friendliness, politeness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlighted the helpfulness of the front desk, cleaning, and restaurant staff, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The check-in and check-out process is frequently described as speedy and efficient, though a few guests reported waiting due to limited staff or experiencing issues with early check-in fees. Housekeeping is noted for its daily amenity replenishment, though some reviews mentioned inconsistencies in room cleaning, with dust accumulation in certain areas. A particularly positive aspect of the service is the staff's proactive approach to lost and found items, with multiple guests commending their efforts in locating and returning forgotten belongings, even going as far as tracking down guests at their next destination.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that, unlike many other hotels within the same brand, this property does not feature a large public bath or hot spring facilities, which some travelers found disappointing. The hotel is described as an older property that has been rebranded, and while it is generally well-maintained, some facilities show signs of age. A notable policy is the paid video on demand (VOD) system, which contrasts with the free VOD typically offered by other hotels in the chain, causing some confusion among guests despite a selection of free titles. The hotel offers a flexible early check-in and late check-out policy, with options to extend stays for an additional fee, clearly communicated via in-room television. Furthermore, guests utilizing national travel support programs have reported receiving local coupons, enhancing the value of their stay.