HOTEL La fontaine

This hotel offers a unique and memorable stay, primarily distinguished by its in-room hot spring baths, allowing guests to enjoy a private soak at their leisure. Many visitors are impressed by the spacious rooms and the exceptional value for money provided. The hotel consistently receives praise for its overall cleanliness and its convenient lakefront location, which is ideal for leisurely strolls. It caters well to solo travelers seeking comfort and privacy, couples looking for an affordable yet unique getaway, and car travelers who appreciate the available parking. The polite and helpful staff, despite the largely self-service model, contribute positively to the guest experience. To ensure a smooth arrival, guests should familiarize themselves with the auto-lock check-in process, and those sensitive to light may wish to bring an eye mask due to external lighting.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the convenience of the hotel's facilities and amenities. A standout feature is the in-room hot spring bath, providing a private and relaxing experience. The hotel offers a generous free drinks station in the corridor, providing unlimited coffee, tea, and soft drinks. For quick meals, vending machines are available, offering bento, snacks, and cup ramen. Rooms are well-equipped with a microwave and electric kettle, adding to guest convenience. Entertainment is readily available with a large TV that supports YouTube. While the Wi-Fi generally works, some guests reported inconsistent connectivity, particularly on higher floors. The air conditioning system received mixed feedback, with some finding rooms colder than desired. Parking is available and often roofed, though some guests noted it can be narrow for larger vehicles. The auto-lock system for room entry is convenient once understood, but the absence of an elevator means guests with heavy luggage must navigate steep stairs.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives positive remarks for its clean rooms and the overall comfort provided. Guests often commend the comfortable beds and the surprisingly spacious rooms, which offer ample relaxation space. Despite the building's age, the rooms are well-maintained. However, some guests reported a persistent smoking smell in certain rooms, which was a significant discomfort for non-smokers. A few reviews also mentioned a dirty air conditioner filter and a pipe smell in the bathroom. Toilet issues, such as weak water pressure or a non-functioning bidet, were noted by some. A recurring concern is the lack of effective blackout blinds, leading to a bright light from outside streetlights or signboards illuminating the room throughout the night, making it difficult for light sleepers. Additionally, the shower water pressure was frequently described as very weak, making temperature adjustment challenging. Some rooms also lacked a proper window or offered a poor view, and a few guests found the luggage space limited in the bathroom area.

Dining & Food Quality
Guest feedback on dining and food quality is generally positive, especially concerning the breakfast options. Most guests found the breakfast to be delicious, simple, and satisfying, offering good value for its price. Typical offerings include a hearty bacon and egg on toast, complemented by an endless supply of coffee, tea, and soft drinks from a machine. While some found the portions to be on the smaller side, many appreciated the convenience and taste. Beyond breakfast, the hotel provides additional food options through a bento vending machine and offers pizza delivery and other restaurant delivery services directly to the rooms, allowing guests to enjoy meals without leaving the premises. These convenient in-room dining solutions are a welcome feature for many visitors, providing flexibility and variety during their stay.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's lakefront location is a significant advantage, placing guests directly by the lake and making it easy to access both the north and south sides for scenic walks. It is generally considered easy to find, with several shops and restaurants in the immediate vicinity, although some guests noted a lack of appealing dining options nearby. While the hotel offers good access for those traveling by car, its proximity to public transportation is limited. Many guests found the hotel to be quite far from the train station, requiring a 20-minute walk, which can be challenging with heavy luggage or during inclement weather. Furthermore, the building features steep stairs and has no elevator, posing difficulties for guests with mobility issues or large bags. Despite these challenges, the availability of parking is a definite plus for drivers.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel generally receive high praise, with guests frequently commending the helpful staff for their politeness, kindness, and attentive approach. Despite the largely self-service model, the staff are noted for being professional and responsive, particularly through phone communication from the rooms and quick email responses. The self-check-in process, while initially confusing for some, is appreciated by many for its speed and convenience, allowing for a smooth and independent arrival. The hotel's unmanned front desk contributes to a sense of privacy and ease for guests who prefer minimal interaction. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing assistance, even remotely, ensures a positive and comfortable experience for visitors, making their stay as hassle-free as possible.

Additional Information
A notable aspect of this hotel, frequently mentioned by guests, is its past as a former love hotel, which influences its unique layout and design. While some guests found this aspect initially surprising or even awkward, many ultimately found their stay comfortable and appreciated the spaciousness it afforded. The hotel operates with a largely unmanned operations model, relying on an auto-lock check-in system that requires a passcode for room entry. This system, while efficient for independent travelers, means there is no staff readily available for immediate assistance, which some guests found challenging. Soundproofing received mixed reviews; some found the rooms quiet, while others noted thin walls and could hear voices from adjacent rooms or the corridor. Guests should also be aware that room cleaning for consecutive nights is typically only provided upon request.