Green Rich Hotel Matsue Ekimae

This hotel is a popular choice for its convenient location near the station and its unique offering of a large public bath with a sauna, which many guests appreciate, especially given the reasonable price point. It caters well to business travelers seeking practical amenities and easy access to the city, as well as sightseers who value proximity to dining and transportation. While the building shows its age, the hotel's commitment to providing a public bath and friendly service stands out. To enhance your stay, consider bringing an extension cord for charging devices and be aware that some rooms may experience noise from the corridor or adjacent spaces.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's most notable feature is its large public bath, which includes a sauna and a cold plunge pool, highly valued by guests for relaxation after a long day. While some found the bath area to be small or showing signs of age, many appreciated its presence and cleanliness, noting improvements in shower hoses and other fixtures. Guests also found massage chairs available, though some reported them to be in disrepair. Free Wi-Fi is provided, though some guests experienced slow speeds, making it challenging for work. Other amenities include a DVD player in rooms and a coin laundry facility, although the latter was noted to be relatively expensive.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed. While some guests found their rooms adequately clean for the price, a significant number reported concerns, particularly regarding the bathroom cleanliness, citing issues like mold, cracks in sinks, and unpleasant odors. Some also noted dust on surfaces and stained wallpaper. Rooms are generally described as compact or small, and the beds received varied comments, with some finding them comfortable and others describing them as hard, leading to discomfort. Noise levels are a recurring issue, with thin walls allowing sounds from the corridor, neighboring rooms (including alarms and snoring), and elevators to be easily heard. The availability of in-room amenities like slippers and toiletries was inconsistent, often requiring guests to collect them from the front desk.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a breakfast buffet that receives generally positive feedback for its value and variety, especially considering the price. Guests enjoyed a selection of Japanese-style dishes, with specific mentions of clam soup, hash beef, and curry. While many found the food tasty and satisfying, some noted that the menu options could be limited or that the quality was inconsistent, with occasional issues like eggshells in the omelets or watery lettuce. The breakfast area is located in a section of the lobby, which some guests found to be a somewhat unconventional or less private setting compared to a dedicated restaurant.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, situated just a short walk (approximately 3-5 minutes) from the main station, making it highly convenient for travelers. Its proximity to numerous restaurants, bars, and a convenience store right next door is a significant advantage, allowing guests easy access to dining and daily necessities. Parking is available, though its location can be confusing for first-time visitors, and some found the fees to be expensive, especially for early check-ins. A notable point of access is the front desk being located on the second floor, which requires guests with heavy luggage to use a somewhat hidden elevator at the back of the building, as the main entrance features a long staircase.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives high praise for their friendliness, politeness, and helpfulness. Many guests highlighted the quick check-in and check-out processes and the staff's willingness to assist with inquiries, such as providing local dining recommendations or storing luggage. There were instances where staff promptly addressed guest concerns, such as room cleanliness issues or requests for amenities. However, a few isolated comments mentioned a lack of clear communication regarding hotel policies or amenities, and some found the attitude of certain cleaning staff members to be less than ideal. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing good service is a consistent positive theme.

Additional Information
Guests booking smoking rooms should be aware that reviews frequently mention a very strong and persistent tobacco odor throughout the room and on the floor, which can be overwhelming even for smokers and particularly unpleasant for non-smokers. The hotel uses traditional keys rather than card keys, which some guests found less convenient or raised minor security concerns. The power outlets in rooms were often noted as being limited in number or inconveniently located, making it difficult to charge multiple devices. While the building has undergone some renovation, its overall age is still apparent in various areas, contributing to issues like noise transfer between rooms and general wear and tear.