Hotel Royal Morioka

The hotel offers a memorable stay, primarily distinguished by its spacious, renovated rooms and its prime central location, making it an excellent value for guests. Its unique feature is the Starbucks located directly within the lobby, providing convenient access to coffee and a lively atmosphere. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's exceptional cleanliness, the comfort of its accommodations, and the highly attentive and friendly service from the staff. This hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and business travelers due to its proximity to key attractions and commercial areas, while couples and families will appreciate the generous room sizes. To enhance your experience, be aware that some rooms feature a raised bed area with a step, and it's advisable to confirm Wi-Fi stability upon arrival, as experiences can vary.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a convenient Starbucks located directly in the lobby, which, while popular, can make the lobby feel somewhat small with limited common seating areas for hotel guests. Most guests appreciate the free Wi-Fi, though some have reported issues with unstable or slow connections. A notable point for longer stays is the absence of a coin laundry facility, and the hotel's laundry service explicitly states it does not handle undergarments, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, there is no microwave or coffee maker provided in the rooms, and mineral water bottles are not standard. For smokers, designated smoking rooms are available on some floors. While the elevator may appear dated, it functions efficiently. Rooms are generally well-equipped with a spacious desk, large TV with streaming capabilities, and abundant electrical outlets and USB ports.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness and the overall comfort of the rooms, which are frequently described as spacious and beautifully renovated, especially by Japanese standards. The beds are highlighted for their comfort, often featuring nice toppers and multiple pillows for a restful sleep. The bathrooms are generally clean and well-appointed with washlet toilets and deep bathtubs, though some guests have noted signs of aging or minor deterioration in certain areas, along with occasional reports of mold or unpleasant drain smells. A recurring comment is the presence of a step leading to the bed area, which some guests found to be a safety concern. While rooms are mostly quiet, some reviews mention thin walls leading to audible neighbor noise or street noise. Amenities provided are generally good, including Laura Ashley products.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast buffet consistently receives high praise for its quality and variety, making it a highly recommended experience. Guests particularly rave about the French toast, which is freshly prepared to order and considered a must-try. The buffet offers a diverse selection, including delicious Japanese, Western, and even authentic Chinese dishes, along with tasty rice and a unique yogurt drink. While the overall selection is satisfying, some guests noted a limited presence of specific local specialties. The breakfast venue itself is clean and well-organized, though it is located underground without natural light. In addition to breakfast, the hotel houses a highly-rated yakinku restaurant and an authentic bar on the second floor, providing convenient dining and entertainment options within the premises.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous restaurants, bars, and convenience stores, making dining and shopping highly convenient. It is ideally situated near popular attractions such as the Morioka Castle ruins, major shopping streets, and the cinema street, perfect for sightseeing. While the hotel is approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk from the main train station, some guests with heavy luggage found this distance a bit challenging due to uneven sidewalks; a taxi ride is an affordable and quick alternative. Public transport is also accessible, with a bus stop conveniently located nearby. For those arriving by car, contracted parking is available close by, though navigating the surrounding one-way streets can be tricky, and parking incurs a fee.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high commendation for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to provide excellent local recommendations for dining and sightseeing, and their efficiency during the check-in process. Many appreciate the staff's accommodating nature, especially when assisting with booking issues or unexpected situations like injuries. However, some isolated comments mention specific concerns, such as certain front desk staff speaking loudly or announcing room numbers aloud, which raised privacy concerns. There were also a few reports regarding housekeeping, including instances of missed cleaning details or staff walking on raised bed areas with outdoor shoes. Despite these minor points, the overwhelming majority of guests praise the staff's dedication to providing a positive and welcoming experience.

Additional Information
A significant point for guests to note is the hotel's lack of a coin laundry facility, which can be a considerable inconvenience for longer stays, especially since the hotel's laundry service has a policy against washing undergarments. Furthermore, rooms are not equipped with a microwave, which some travelers find essential. While the building itself is older, it has undergone extensive renovations, resulting in modern and clean interiors. The unique setup of the lobby being shared with Starbucks is a distinctive feature, though it can lead to a smaller dedicated hotel reception area. Guests should also be aware of a step within the room leading to the bed area, which requires attention to avoid tripping. The hotel provides smoking rooms on certain floors, which may be a consideration for some guests.