Nagano Plaza Hotel

The hotel's most notable feature is its exceptional proximity to Nagano Station, making it an incredibly convenient base for exploring the city and surrounding areas. This prime location, combined with its budget-friendly rates and complimentary breakfast, positions it as an excellent choice for business travelers seeking efficiency, solo travelers looking for convenience, and couples prioritizing accessibility. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and accommodating staff as a significant positive, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere despite the hotel's age. While the hotel offers a practical stay, potential guests should be aware of the dated facilities and often dim lighting in rooms. To enhance your experience, it's advisable to clarify parking options in advance, as dedicated on-site parking is not available, and be prepared for a more traditional hotel experience.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently note that the hotel's facilities are somewhat dated, reflecting its older construction. Despite this, many find them functional for a budget stay. Wi-Fi connectivity receives mixed reviews, with some guests reporting excellent service while others experienced issues. The elevator is often described as small and occasionally slow, with some guests noting it can be occupied by cleaning staff, causing delays. Unlike modern key card systems, the hotel utilizes traditional physical keys for room access, which some find charmingly old-fashioned. While the hotel does not offer laundry facilities on-site, guests appreciate that staff can direct them to nearby coin laundries. There is also no dedicated parking, requiring guests to use paid options in the vicinity, which can add to the overall cost. Some rooms feature televisions with streaming capabilities, a pleasant surprise for many.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied. Many guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep, though some report them to be worn or too small for two people. A recurring theme is the dim lighting in the rooms, with several guests wishing for brighter illumination, especially near the entrance or for working. The bathroom condition is frequently mentioned as being old and small, with some reports of hair, musty smells, and issues like leaking showerheads or slow hot water. Noise levels can be a concern due to thin walls, allowing sounds from neighboring rooms, corridors, and even vending machines to be heard. While overall room cleanliness is generally acceptable, some specific issues like dust in vents or unpleasant odors from cigarette smoke in designated rooms are noted. The heating system is sometimes described as ineffective, leading to cold rooms during winter.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast that is a significant draw for many guests, contributing to its overall value. However, expectations for breakfast variety should be managed, as the options are quite basic and limited. The main offerings typically include curry and rice, various types of bread (such as croissants), miso soup, and beverages like coffee and orange juice. While the curry is often praised for being tasty and a unique breakfast item, some guests find the rice to be too soft or mushy. The serving style, using paper plates and cups, is noted by several reviewers. Most guests appreciate the convenience and cost-saving aspect of the free breakfast, despite its simplicity, considering it sufficient for a quick start to the day.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly its strongest asset, situated just a few minutes' walk from Nagano Station. This prime position provides exceptional convenience for guests utilizing public transport, including trains and buses, to explore the city and beyond. Its proximity to the station also means easy access to a wide array of shops, restaurants, and local attractions, including department stores and convenience stores like Family Mart and Don Quixote. Despite being in a bustling area, many guests find the hotel surprisingly quiet. A common point of discussion is parking, as the hotel does not have its own dedicated facilities, requiring guests to use nearby paid parking lots, which can be an additional expense to consider.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. Guests frequently highlight their positive interactions, noting that the team is courteous and attentive to their needs. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient. Many reviewers appreciate that the staff are multilingual, with several mentioning their ability to communicate effectively in both English and Japanese, which greatly assists international travelers. The hotel also offers convenient luggage storage services, allowing guests to leave their bags before check-in and after check-out, a much-appreciated amenity. While most feedback is positive, a few isolated comments mention less satisfactory interactions, but these are exceptions to the generally high standard of service.

Additional Information
For guests seeking budget-friendly accommodation, this hotel is frequently cited as offering good value, especially given its prime location. It's important to note that the hotel offers smoking rooms, which some guests appreciate, though others in non-smoking rooms occasionally report residual odors. The televisions in some rooms are equipped with streaming capabilities, allowing guests to enjoy platforms like YouTube, which is a modern touch in an otherwise older property. While there are no on-site laundry facilities, the hotel provides information for nearby options, and some guests mention the availability of bicycle rental, offering an alternative way to explore the area. The hotel's traditional physical key system is a unique feature that adds to its classic charm.