Kanazawa Manten Hotel Ekimae

This hotel is highly regarded for its excellent public bath facilities, which serve as a signature feature, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for guests. Its convenient location near the train station, coupled with attentive staff and a popular free nightly ramen service, contributes to a memorable stay. The hotel is particularly well-suited for business travelers seeking easy access to transport and amenities, solo travelers who appreciate safety and convenience, and sightseers looking for a comfortable base after exploring the city. While many aspects receive praise, some guests note that room comfort, particularly regarding air conditioning and bedding, could be improved. To enhance your visit, consider utilizing the hotel's public bath to unwind after a day of activities, and be prepared for potential queues during the popular free ramen service.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's public bath, or onsen, is a major highlight, consistently praised for being spacious, well-equipped, and offering both indoor and outdoor bathing areas, a sauna, and a steam room. Guests appreciate the availability of a jacuzzi and the thoughtful provision of toiletries and pajamas. For added convenience, the hotel offers free luggage storage lockers and a coin laundry facility with complimentary detergent, making longer stays more practical. A pillow bar near the onsen allows guests to choose their preferred pillow for a comfortable night's sleep. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests found it to be unreliable or slow, particularly during peak hours. Complimentary coffee is available all day in the lobby, and vending machines are conveniently located throughout the property.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally maintains a high standard of cleanliness throughout its premises and guest rooms. However, feedback on room comfort is mixed, with many guests noting that the rooms are small and the building itself feels dated. A recurring concern is the air conditioning, which is centrally managed and often described as weak or ineffective, leading to rooms being uncomfortably warm, with some guests unable to open windows for fresh air. Bedding also receives varied comments; while some find the beds comfortable, others describe the comforters as plasticky and noisy, and the pillows as firm or uncomfortable. Noise from nearby trains and adjacent rooms can also be noticeable, impacting the overall tranquility of the stay.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast receives widespread positive feedback, with guests appreciating the choice between a Japanese or Western style meal. The Japanese breakfast is particularly lauded for its variety and quality, often featuring fresh fish and other local delicacies, while the Western breakfast provides standard options. Many guests find the breakfast to be a good value, despite some noting that the Western selection could be more diverse. A highly popular service is the complimentary nightly ramen, served in the evening, which is described as tasty, satisfying, and generous in portion, often feeling like a full meal rather than just a snack. However, guests should be aware that this service can attract long queues.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, situated just a five to ten-minute walk from Kanazawa Station, making it easily accessible for travelers arriving by train and for those with luggage. Its proximity to the station also provides excellent access to various bus lines, including those for popular tourist destinations. While the immediate surroundings are described as quiet, guests note that the hotel is within walking distance of restaurants and a shopping center. Parking facilities are available on-site for a fee, though spaces can become limited during peak evening hours. Some guests mention that while the station is close, the main tourist attractions require a slightly longer walk or a short bus ride.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff are consistently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and patience, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many guests highlight the smooth and efficient check-in process, with staff providing clear explanations. While most interactions are positive, some guests experienced minor issues with staff prioritizing loyalty program members during busy periods or a perceived lack of warmth during check-out. The staff are generally able to communicate in English, though some guests found their proficiency to be basic, occasionally requiring translation tools. The hotel also offers thoughtful services such as luggage storage lockers, a policy allowing guests to opt out of daily room cleaning in exchange for a complimentary water bottle, and the provision of umbrellas or rain boots for guest use.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that a city hotel tax of 200 yen per night is typically collected upon arrival. A significant policy to note for some travelers is the tattoo restriction in the public bath, which may affect those wishing to use the onsen facilities. While the hotel provides complimentary shampoo and soap, some guests have expressed a preference for different scents or higher quality products. The hotel operates with an older key system rather than modern key cards, which some guests find less convenient. Due to its popularity and convenient location, the hotel can become quite crowded, particularly during breakfast, the nightly ramen service, and at the public bath, especially when large tour groups are present.