Unbelievable Kanazawa Luxury: Smile Hotel Nishiguchi-Ekimae Awaits!
Unbelievable Kanazawa Luxury: Smile Hotel Nishiguchi-Ekimae - Or, My Brain's Impression of a Hotel
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the green tea, because, Kanazawa) on the Smile Hotel Nishiguchi-Ekimae. This isn't your polished, PR-approved review. This is me, unfiltered, after a stay that was… well, let's just say it left a mark. And honestly? I’m still trying to figure out if it was a good mark or a “that-was-an-experience” kind of mark. Let's just dive in, yeah?
First, the Basics - Like, the "Getting There" Stuff (Accessibility, Because We Need to Talk About This)
Right off the bat, the accessibility is… mostly there. We're talking elevator, which is a HUGE win. Wheelchair accessible isn't screaming from the rooftops, but the website implies it. (Website implies things all the time, doesn't it? Like, "We're totally gonna be there on time!" And then… crickets.) I saw some mention of ramps, but honestly, I wasn't looking for them specifically, so I can't give you a definitive, "Yes, it’s a breeze!" or "Run far, far away!" You’d absolutely want to contact them directly to confirm if you need super-specific mobility accommodations. Let’s be real, accessibility is vital, and if a hotel doesn't nail that, it fails, period. Call ahead, people!
Internet - The Lifeline of the Modern Traveler (Plus, Ranting)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Praise the internet gods! I mean, what’s the point of being ANYWHERE in the 21st century without wifi? Internet [LAN] too? Score if you’re a retro-gamer or, you know, someone doing serious work and doesn’t trust the wifi. Wi-Fi in public areas, of course. My inner hermit is still annoyed at that, but I get needing connectivity. The Internet services in general seemed to work. Now, look, I'm not running a server farm, but give me Netflix and a stable connection and I’m happy. And it DIDN'T crash, even when I was frantically translating a sign about… well, let’s just say I needed the translation. My brain practically short-circuited from the stress of a potential travel issue. Thank god for the internet.
Cleanliness and Safety - Because No One Wants the Plague (Except, You Know, Historical Context)
Okay, so Cleanliness and safety? The hotel clearly cares. There's a whole laundry list of anti-germ measures. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere you look… it’s almost… too much? Look, I appreciate the effort, especially after everything the world’s been through. The daily housekeeping was also fantastic. The rooms were sparkling. The rooms sanitized between stays. I mean, they're basically nuking these rooms, and honestly, I'm here for it. It gives me peace of mind. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. First aid kit? Yep. They’re covering all the bases. Hygiene certification? Don't know specifically, but their commitment is super, super obvious.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Personal Struggle (and Triumphs)
Alright, so confession time: I’m a sucker for a good breakfast. And the Smile Hotel… the Breakfast [buffet] situation was a… rollercoaster. It was a buffet, so expectations were moderate. There was Asian breakfast, Western breakfast… all the things. The bacon looked okay, but I felt like I was constantly dodging these little old ladies, I swear they got there at 6 am to have the best spots and I had to fight my way for that last piece of toast, and I think one of them glared at me for taking too much. I’m still not entirely sure about the eggs. I’m sure it was all fine. But, you know…buffets. The coffee shop situation looked solid. Restaurants, plural—and the Asian cuisine in restaurant looked promising. They also have a bar! Happy hour? Don't mind if I do. Honestly? This is where the messy part of this review can come in. The buffet was "meh" but I’m still dreaming about this one little pastry, tucked away in a corner, and I went back for it every. single. day. It was like a tiny, flaky hug, and in that moment, all my buffet woes melted away. It was a total "eat-your-feelings-in-the-best-possible-way" moment. Room service [24-hour]? Bless. Because sometimes, you just need a snack, even if it means eating a bit… ahem… alone.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… and My (Brief) Foray into Relaxation (Or, My Terrible Spa Experience)
Okay, so, here's where things get interesting… or, let's say, less interesting. Gym/fitness? It's there, I am not going to talk about it. Pool with view? I think they have a swimming pool [outdoor]? No time. I actually went to the Spa, and that experience was… something else. There's a sauna, steamroom, the works. I booked a… a massage.
Here's what happened: I booked the massage, got there, and the therapist was super serious, and the room smelled… strangely pleasant, but I can’t quite place the scent. I got undressed, got on the table, and the next thing I knew? I was being… pummeled. Not a relaxing massage. No, this was more like a deep-tissue interrogation of my muscles. Now, fine, I can take a little pressure. But this was intense. I started to sweat. A LOT. I was sure my ribs were going to break! Eventually, I just… tapped out. It was only 30 minutes in, and I just couldn't take it anymore. The therapist was, I think, slightly baffled but gracious. So, my "relaxation" attempt? Fail. But hey, at least I can say I tried. Don't go for the massage unless you know you have muscles of steel. Or perhaps you actually enjoy that sort of thing? I’m sure the other services are more pleasant.
Services and Conveniences - The Stuff That Makes You Go "Ah, Right!"
Alright, so the hotel does the usual: Concierge, which is always helpful. Daily housekeeping. Elevator. Luggage storage. Laundry service. Dry cleaning. All the basics. Facilities for disabled guests, which I'm still unsure of, but the presence of the elevator is a good sign. Cash withdrawal? Check! Car park [free of charge]? Yes! Free parking is a godsend. Contactless check-in/out? Yep. Front desk [24-hour]? Awesome. The Smile Hotel has these things down. These small, easy conveniences really make a hotel stay easier and more pleasant.
The Room Itself - My Tiny, Cozy Bunker (and the Extra Toilet!)
The rooms are… fine. They're not palatial, but they’re clean, well-maintained, and, crucially, soundproof rooms. I NEED that. I also love the blackout curtains. My room had air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi obviously. Coffee/tea maker? Yes. Refrigerator? Also yes. The extra long bed was a godsend. Additional toilet? HOLY MOLY YES. That’s a huge score! Honestly though, the fact that it wasn't one of those tiny, cramped hotel rooms was great. It was small but usable, which is what matters to me.
For the Kids - Because (Maybe) You Have Them (and I Don't)
Family/child friendly? I saw kids, so yes. I didn’t see any playrooms or anything, but it seemed fine. Babysitting service? Probably, check when you book!
Getting Around - Because Travel Takes You Places
Airport transfer? Check their website, it's probably available unless you’re the last-minute traveler. Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge], and Bicycle parking? They got you covered when it comes to parking! So, you have options. Taxi service as well, but given Japan’s excellent public transport, you might not need them.
Things I Didn’t Really Experience (but They're Listed, So Here)
Okay, so I didn’t get to use the Fitness center, the bar, the banquet facilities, or the business facilities. And I definitely didn’t experience a body scrub or a body wrap. So, take that all with a grain
Jinan's BEST Hotel Near East Railway Station: Hanting Hotel Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's cookie-cutter itinerary. We're going to Kanazawa, we're staying at the Smile Hotel Kanazawanishiguchiekimae, and let me tell you, it's going to be a rollercoaster. Or, you know, maybe just a slightly bumpy train ride. Either way, here's the plan, such as it is, and my unfiltered thoughts on this whole adventure…
Day 1: Arrival, Confusion, and the Allure of the Convenience Store
- 14:00 - Arrival at Komatsu Airport (KMQ): Okay, I’m pretty sure I landed in the right place. The airport is… compact. Like, smaller than my local grocery store. Cue the immediate wave of jet lag – a delightful companion, I’m sure we’ll become fast friends.
- Anecdote: I was convinced I'd left my passport on the plane. Panic set in. I paced, I sweated, I considered bribing the airport security guard (who, thankfully, was too busy looking supremely unamused to notice me). Turns out, it was just in the backpack. So, rookie mistake already? Check.
- 15:00 - Train to Kanazawa Station: Found the train! Victory! Now, to navigate the ticket machines. Japanese public transport is… intimidating. But hey, I’m alive, I have a ticket (hopefully to the right place), and the scenery is already stunning.
- Quirky observation: The train is spotless. Like, surgically sanitized. I’m half-expecting a tiny robot to come along and check my fingernails. I'm pretty sure I saw one guy meticulously wiping a speck of dust off the window!
- 16:00 - Check in at Smile Hotel Kanazawanishiguchiekimae: Finding the Smile Hotel was easy - it's right by the station, which is a godsend after a flight. The room is… well, it's compact. Cozy, let's say. But hey, it's clean, it has a bed, and the air conditioning works. That's all I need, right?
- Emotional reaction: Pure relief. Just… relief. The journey, the language barrier, the initial disorientation… it all just melted away when I saw that bed. Thank you, Smile Hotel, for being a safe haven.
- 17:00 - Explore Kanazawa Station: This station is HUGE! An architectural marvel! Kind of intimidating tbh. Wandering around, soaking it all in… and desperately searching for Wi-Fi.
- Messy Structure: Okay, this is where my plans kind of… unravelled. I got distracted by the STATION. It's full of shops, restaurants, and… well, everything. Forget the pre-planned itinerary!
- 18:00 - Convenience Store Rapture: 7-Eleven, or Lawson, or Family Mart, whatever I can find first. Oh. My. GOD. The snacks! The drinks! The miniature everything! I’m not kidding, I spent a good hour in there, completely overwhelmed but utterly delighted. I walked out with a bag overflowing with things I couldn't identify but desperately wanted to try.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: This convenience store experience was life-altering. I ate a weird, cold, seafood-flavored onigiri and loved it. This is what travel is all about, right? Embracing the weirdness!
Day 2: Gardens, Gold, and the Reality of Walking
- 09:00 - Kenrokuen Garden: Okay, let's be serious. This garden is gorgeous. But after the overstimulation of the convenience store, I'm like, "Ugh, nature…" Still, it's undeniably beautiful.
- Anecdote: I got lost. Again. I swear, I followed the map! But somehow, I ended up at the back of the garden, staring at a very confused-looking koi pond. Turns out, the sun was in my eyes.
- 11:00 - Kanazawa Castle Park: More gardens! They're good. Really, they are.
- Opinionated Language: Honestly, after Kenrokuen, it’s fine. But the castle itself? Meh. Mostly rebuilt. Still, good for a stroll.
- 12:00 - Lunch near the Castle: Found a tiny, unassuming ramen place. The best ramen of my life. Seriously.
- Natural Pacing: Okay, so I got a little obsessed with ramen. It’s fine.
- 13:00 - Higashi Chaya District: Time to see the geisha district! It's beautiful, all wooden buildings and old-world charm.
- Minor Category: Walking. A lot of walking. My legs are starting to ache.
- 14:00 - Gold Leaf Experience (yes, the one): So, I decided to double down on the gold leaf experience. I did a little gold-leafing workshop. Glittering, shimmering gold. It makes you feel fancy!
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: Okay, I signed up for a gold leaf application course. I had a blast! I covered a small box in the stuff which now looks like a tiny treasure chest. It's maybe a little extra, and probably won't impress anyone, but I will say it made me feel a little richer, too.
- 16:00 - Rest at the Hotel: Legs are crying. Nap time.
Day 3: Markets, Museums, and the Flight Home (or, the "I Didn't Even See Half of It" Finale)
- 09:00 - Omicho Market: This place is a hive of activity! Seafood, produce, everything you could ever imagine.
- Quirky observation: The fishmongers are amazing! They can fillet a fish in seconds. I’m pretty sure I saw one performing a magic trick with a squid.
- 10:30 - 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa: This museum is… weird. But in a good way. They have a swimming pool you can actually go under (apparently).
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: The museum was not bad. Well, I really liked it! I’m not sure I understood half of it, but it was definitely thought-provoking.
- 13:00 - Last-Minute Snack Attack: Okay, one last convenience store run. Gotta stock up on those mystery snacks for the flight home!
- Messier Structure: I spent way too much time in the convenience store (surprise).
- 14:00 - Depart from Komatsu Airport (KMQ): Goodbye, Kanazawa! It was a blast. I'm pretty sure I missed half the things I wanted to see, but that's okay. Means I have to come back, right?
- Emotional Reaction: Sad to leave!
- 15:00 - The Longing for More from Japan:
- Natural Pacing: Now on the plane, looking out the window at the setting sun, starting to plan my next trip.
So there you have it. My chaotic, slightly messy, probably inaccurate but hopefully entertaining Kanazawa adventure. Hope you enjoyed it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a plane to catch and a bag full of weird snacks to devour.
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Unbelievable Kanazawa Luxury? Smile Hotel Nishiguchi-Ekimae - Let's Get Real! (and Slightly Over-Dramatic)
Okay, so...Is this "Luxury" thing just marketing hype, or...? Be honest, please!
Alright, deep breaths. "Luxury"? Let's... *adjusts imaginary monocle*... I wouldn't say diamonds-and-caviar luxury. Think more... *comfortably nice*. The kind of nice where you *don't* feel like you have to whisper and your shoulders can relax. The rooms are clean, the beds are actually comfy (important!), and the staff is genuinely helpful (and they speak English, bless their hearts!).
But "luxury" compared to what? A cramped hostel dorm? Then YES! Luxury. Compared to the Ritz? Well, put away your tiara, darling. It’s more like... a very well-cared-for, friendly cat. Purrs with comfort. Doesn't judge your questionable fashion choices. Does that make sense?
My Verdict: It's SOLID. Reliable. You won't be *disappointed*. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised, not utterly gobsmacked. (Unless you've been living under a rock, in which case, maybe. Go see the light!)
The Location: Is it actually convenient, or just... near the station? Because "near" can mean a lot of things.
Okay, this is where they actually *nail* it. Nishiguchi-Ekimae? That's *literally* RIGHT outside the West Exit of Kanazawa Station. Like, drag-your-suitcase-across-the-pavement close. I’m talking you could probably roll out of the station, sneeze, and be in the lobby if the wind *wasn’t* against you.
I messed up, and was exhausted after the train. I had this thought of it being a long trek with luggage in tow to the hotel. Then, I exited station and there it was! It was a feeling of absolute *relief*. I really appreciated the location after the train. Especially after that ridiculous experience of me trying to navigate Tokyo's subway system – which, by the way, is a *nightmare*.
My Story: I arrived in Kanazawa after a *grueling* 14-hour train ride (long story, involves missed connections and a very, very hungry stomach). The thought of a long walk... I nearly cried. *Literally*. Being able to stumble out of the station and collapse into the hotel was... bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
So, yes. Convenient. Extremely Convenient. Almost *too* convenient. You'll be spoiled.
The Rooms: Cozy? Cramped? Do I need to be a contortionist to navigate?
Alright, real talk: This is Japan. So, *yes*, the rooms are on the smaller side. Don't expect a ballroom. However, they're cleverly designed. Everything has a purpose. You're not tripping over things, which is always a bonus. They're clean, the furniture's functional, and the AC works (thank the heavens!).
Confession Time: I'm a bit of a space hog. I’m that person whose suitcase EXPLODES onto the bed and claims the entire room as their own. But I managed! I didn't feel claustrophobic. The bathroom was… predictably compact, but perfectly functional. Good water pressure, which is essential for a happy human, right?
Verdict: Not the Taj Mahal, but definitely comfortable enough. Think “functional chic” with a dash of “efficiently designed.” If you're expecting a villa, well, you're in the wrong place. But for a base of operations to explore Kanazawa? Totally fine. And honestly, you’ll be out exploring most of the time anyway.
The Breakfast: Worth waking up for, or just grab a convenience store pastry?
Okay, my opinion here is *highly* subjective, because I am a huge breakfast person! And honestly? It's pretty good for the price! It's not a gourmet experience, but it has the Japanese staples you expect: rice, miso soup, maybe some grilled fish. Plus some bread, cereal, and often, a small selection of Western-style options.
My Struggle: I once took a bus ride. The bus I took arrived at 6:00 AM. I'd had to get up very early, and it was a long day. And breakfast was my savior. I looked forward to it every morning. The coffee was decent (essential!), and the staff were always friendly. It provided a much-needed energy boost before starting my days of exploring the city.
The Real Talk: If you're a breakfast *snob*, you might be disappointed. If you're happy with a solid, filling breakfast that fuels your day? Go for it. Saves you the hassle of finding something else. I always went. Breakfast is served until a reasonable time. And after some jetlag, you can sleep in, no issues!
The Staff: Are they friendly? Do they speak English? Because sometimes communication is a barrier...
The staff were genuinely lovely! I'm not sure about all of them, but all the ones I interacted with spoke English. That's a *huge* relief when you're navigating a foreign country. From check-in to requesting extra towels, they were always helpful and patient.
My Moment of Humanity: I tried my best with some basic Japanese phrases, and they always seemed to appreciate the effort – even if my pronunciation was atrocious. I was stressed about the trains. The reception helped me figure out the train schedules for a day trip. They also gave me some helpful tips!
The Verdict: Excellence! Always friendly and helpful. A smile goes a long way, but their willingness to help actually *solve* problems is invaluable. Huge props to them.
Anything I should be REALLY aware of before booking? Any hidden catches?
Hmm... Okay, let's see. It's a popular hotel, so book in advance, especially during peak season. You *will* want to be close to the station. Consider, you might have a room near the elevator. The elevators are pretty quick and quiet, but you can still be wary.
My One Nag: The windows. Some of the windows opened *slightly*. Not ideal for fresh air, you know? A bit claustrophobic at times. But, hey, that’s pretty much the only downside I can think of.
The Real Deal: It’s a solid, reliable choice. It's not the *most* exciting hotel experience you will ever have, but the convenience of the location and the generally pleasant experience outweighs any minor drawbacks. Just book it! You'Infinity Inns
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