Daiwa Roynet Hotel Okayama Ekimae

This hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional location, offering direct underground access to Okayama Station, making it a prime choice for sightseers and business travelers alike who prioritize convenience and connectivity. Guests frequently highlight the spacious rooms as a significant advantage, providing ample space for comfort and luggage, which is particularly beneficial for families traveling with children. While many appreciate the generally attentive staff and their willingness to assist with various requests, some guests have encountered issues with room cleanliness and persistent smoke odors, even in non-smoking accommodations, which can detract from the overall comfort. The hotel's proximity to major transport links and shopping areas ensures a highly convenient stay. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to explicitly confirm a non-smoking room upon booking and take full advantage of the direct underground connection to the station, especially during inclement weather or when carrying heavy bags.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers several practical facilities designed to enhance guest convenience during their stay. A coin laundry is available, which is a significant benefit for longer stays or for travelers needing to refresh their wardrobe, though many guests note that the machines are frequently occupied, leading to considerable wait times, especially during peak hours in the evenings. Wi-Fi connectivity receives mixed reviews, with some finding it reliable for their needs while others report inconsistent performance, which can be a point of frustration for those relying on a strong connection. Guests should be aware that basic amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are not provided directly in the rooms but must be collected from a self-service corner in the lobby area upon check-in. The hotel is also conveniently located above a Bic Camera store, providing easy access to electronics and other goods, adding another layer of convenience for shoppers.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed. While some guests describe their rooms as spotless and well-maintained, others report significant issues, including dirty walls, stained sofas, dust accumulation, and even hair on bed sheets, which can detract from a pleasant stay. The beds receive varied comments; some find them comfortable, but many describe them as notably firm or hard, impacting sleep quality. The bathroom design, often a unit bath, includes a high step that some guests find hazardous, and a lack of towel racks is a common complaint. Reports of mold in the bathroom are also present. Noise levels are inconsistent; some rooms are well soundproofed, but others, particularly those facing the street or station, experience considerable disturbance from train announcements, tram sounds, and road traffic. Views from windows are also varied, with some rooms offering no external view or appearing "prison-like."

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback regarding dining and food quality, primarily focusing on breakfast, is quite mixed among guests. Most guests find the breakfast to be satisfactory, describing it as delicious with good options, including a main dish selection complemented by a salad buffet, and offering good value. However, a significant number of reviews indicate that the breakfast is modest or average, with some finding the food lukewarm or the options limited. The dining area itself is sometimes described as shabby or dirty, which can impact the overall experience. The breakfast system, which often involves purchasing coupons at a separate machine and then waiting for a table, is noted by some as being complicated and leading to long wait times, particularly during busy periods.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, offering unparalleled convenience. It is situated directly across from Okayama Station, typically a mere three to five-minute walk, making it exceptionally easy for guests arriving by train. A significant advantage is the direct underground access to the station and the Aeon Mall, allowing guests to navigate comfortably regardless of weather conditions. A tram stop is conveniently located right outside the hotel, providing easy access to local attractions like the castle and gardens. The surrounding area is bustling with restaurants, shopping centers, and a Bic Camera store, ensuring all immediate needs are met. While the location is superb, parking is not available on-site; guests must use affiliated lots that are a short walk away and may incur additional charges, especially if checking out later than 10 AM.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel generally receive positive feedback, with many guests praising their courteous, helpful, and friendly demeanor. Staff members are often described as attentive and accommodating, particularly in assisting with requests such as room changes or luggage storage, which significantly enhances the guest experience. However, the check-in process receives mixed reviews; while some find it easy and fast, others describe it as complicated, involving interaction with an agent followed by a machine, or finding the associated app annoying. Some guests have reported less positive interactions, noting instances of unhelpful attitudes or a lack of eye contact from certain staff members, particularly when addressing room issues or upgrade requests. Despite these isolated concerns, the overall impression of the service is one of general satisfaction.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that while the hotel is generally well-maintained, it is described by many as an older or dated property that could benefit from a substantial upgrade to its interiors, as some areas show signs of wear. A recurring issue highlighted by guests is the pervasive smoke smell, even in rooms designated as non-smoking, or the inconvenience of being assigned a smoking room despite a non-smoking booking, which can significantly impact comfort. The hotel's unique setup, being located on the upper floors of a Bic Camera store, means that finding the correct elevator and entrance can sometimes be confusing for first-time visitors. Additionally, the hotel's layout is occasionally described as a labyrinth, making navigation to rooms somewhat challenging.