Hotel Route Inn Grand Asahikawa Ekimae

This hotel offers a memorable stay, particularly noted for its rooftop hot spring bath which provides stunning city views and a relaxing experience. Its prime location directly opposite the train station makes it exceptionally convenient for travelers relying on public transport and those looking to explore the city's attractions. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's excellent breakfast, comfortable accommodations, and the generally helpful demeanor of the staff. For sightseers and business travelers, the hotel's accessibility to key areas and its comprehensive amenities make it a highly suitable choice. To enhance your stay, consider inquiring about the air conditioning settings upon arrival, as some guests noted challenges with temperature control, and be prepared for potential waits for elevators during peak hours.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a spacious public bath on the top floor, offering panoramic city views and a sauna, providing a relaxing retreat after a day of activities. While the bath is generally praised, some guests noted that the water temperature could be quite hot, and there is no cold plunge pool. There were also isolated instances of the hot spring pump being out of order, resulting in regular heated water instead of natural spring water. Guests appreciate the convenience of a convenience store located on the ground floor, though its operating hours are limited. Free Wi-Fi is available, though some guests found the signal weak in their rooms. The hotel also provides vending machines and a coin-operated laundry facility, adding to guest convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Rooms are consistently described as clean and well-maintained, contributing to a comfortable stay. Most guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. While the bathrooms are generally clean, some guests found them to be on the smaller side. Noise levels can be a concern for some, with mentions of street noise or sounds from neighboring rooms, though many found the rooms quiet overall. A recurring point of feedback is the centralized air conditioning system, which some guests found difficult to adjust to their preferred temperature, leading to rooms feeling too warm or too cold. Basic amenities are provided, and guests appreciate the availability of items like mouthwash in the lobby.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is a significant highlight for many guests, consistently receiving high praise for its quality and extensive variety. Guests particularly enjoy the freshly prepared omelets made to order and local specialties such as soup curry and salmon roe, which some guests noted were available in generous quantities. The selection includes both Japanese and Western options, ensuring diverse choices. While the food quality is excellent, the breakfast area can become quite crowded, especially during peak times, leading to a bustling atmosphere. Some guests noted that popular items might run out quickly, though staff generally replenish them efficiently.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, situated directly in front of the train station and within a short walk of bus stops, making it highly convenient for public transportation users. Its proximity to the Aeon Mall and various restaurants and shopping areas means guests have easy access to dining and entertainment options. Parking is available in a multi-story tower system, which is generally efficient, though some guests found the process of retrieving their vehicles cumbersome. Motorcycle parking was a specific point of frustration for some, as it required parking off-site at a higher cost. Despite being in a busy area, the hotel's location is generally considered safe and accessible.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel are largely commended for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently mention positive interactions with front desk personnel, who are described as welcoming and efficient during the check-in and check-out processes. Housekeeping staff are also noted for their thoroughness and responsiveness to requests, such as providing fresh towels daily. While most experiences are positive, some guests encountered minor communication challenges due to language barriers, and a few reported isolated instances of less accommodating behavior from specific staff members. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing a pleasant experience is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
Guests receive a welcome drink token upon arrival, which can be exchanged for a beverage from a designated vending machine, a thoughtful touch. The hotel also offers umbrella lending, which is appreciated during inclement weather. A unique aspect of the hotel is its elevator system, which some guests found confusing or slow, as certain elevators only serve the lower floors, requiring transfers. There were also observations regarding international guests' understanding of public bath etiquette, with some instances of guests not adhering to local customs, which could impact the experience for others. The hotel provides newspapers for guests, adding to the amenities.