APA Hotel Okayama Ekimae

This hotel is highly regarded for its convenient location near the station and a large shopping mall, making it an excellent choice for business travelers and sightseers alike. Its signature feature is the large public bath, which many guests find to be a relaxing and refreshing amenity after a day of travel or exploration. The hotel is consistently praised for its cleanliness and the attentive service provided by its staff. Solo travelers appreciate the compact yet well-equipped rooms, while families can benefit from the proximity to dining and shopping options. To enhance your stay, consider utilizing the adjacent mall for meals and supplies, and be aware that the hotel comprises two buildings, with the public bath located in the newer North Tower.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of practical facilities that enhance the guest experience. A standout feature is the large public bath, which many guests enjoy for its relaxing atmosphere and artificial hot spring water, often equipped with micro-bubble shower heads. This bath is available until late, providing a perfect way to unwind. For convenience, guests have access to a well-maintained coin laundry, vending machines, and ice machines. The Wi-Fi connection is consistently reported as fast and reliable, supporting both leisure and business needs. Rooms are equipped with a large television offering free video-on-demand and screen mirroring capabilities. While some guests note the beds can be quite high, they are generally found to be comfortable. Parking is available, though some guests find it expensive or inconveniently located.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. The beds are frequently praised for their comfort and softness, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most. Rooms are typically compact, which is common for hotels in the region, but are efficiently designed to maximize space, often allowing for two medium-sized suitcases to be opened. The bathrooms are kept clean, and many appreciate the micro-bubble shower heads for a refreshing experience, though some find the overall bathroom space, particularly around the toilet, to be quite tight. In-room amenities like coffee makers and complimentary mineral water are appreciated. However, some guests report issues with noise levels from adjacent rooms, hallways, or street traffic, and a few mention occasional odors or minor maintenance issues like dust or unemptied trash.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast receives mixed but generally positive feedback. Most guests appreciate the buffet-style spread, which includes a variety of Japanese and Western options. A highlight for many is the inclusion of local specialties such as "mamakari" and "ebimeshi," along with the popular APA curry. The food quality is often described as delicious and satisfying, providing good value for the cost. However, some guests note that the breakfast area can become quite crowded, leading to waiting times, especially during peak hours. A few reviews mention that the rice quality could be improved, and some find the overall selection, while varied, to be somewhat repetitive for longer stays.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly advantageous central location, situated just a short walk, typically five to ten minutes, from Okayama Station. This proximity makes it exceptionally convenient for travelers utilizing public transportation. A significant advantage is its direct adjacency to a large Aeon Mall, offering extensive options for dining, shopping, and groceries, which guests find incredibly convenient. While the immediate surrounding area is generally quiet, some guests note that the nearest convenience stores require a slightly longer walk. Parking is available, though some guests find the options limited or costly. Overall, the hotel's position is a major draw, providing easy access to both transit hubs and urban amenities.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently highlight their polite demeanor and willingness to assist with various requests, contributing significantly to a positive stay. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as fast and smooth, often facilitated by self-service machines, though some international guests occasionally encounter minor language barriers or complexities with the automated system. Housekeeping services are efficient, with daily towel and amenity replenishment, and full room cleaning available upon request for longer stays. Guests appreciate the staff's attentiveness, from assisting with luggage storage to promptly addressing any in-room issues, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

Additional Information
The hotel is notably structured into two distinct buildings, the older South Tower and the newer North Tower, which are connected by a walkway, with the large public bath located in the North Tower. Guests should be aware that while the public bath is a popular amenity, its "outdoor" section is not a true open-air bath but rather a semi-enclosed space. Some guests have reported specific room features, such as the bed height being unusually high, and the toilet placement being very close to the wall, which might be a consideration for some. In rare instances, guests have experienced unusual events, such as a false fire alarm in the early morning, which, while quickly resolved, caused temporary disruption. The hotel also has a policy of copying residency cards for non-Japanese citizens, which some guests found unexpected.