Richmond Hotel Premier Sendai Ekimae

This hotel offers an exceptional stay, distinguished by its complimentary lounge services that provide outstanding value and comfort. Guests consistently highlight the availability of free duck soba in the evenings, along with unlimited soft drinks and soft serve ice cream, and a complimentary alcoholic beverage per stay. Its prime central location near the station and shopping districts makes it an ideal choice for business travelers seeking convenience, sightseers exploring the city, and families looking for a comfortable base with kid-friendly amenities. Couples also appreciate the hotel's welcoming atmosphere and excellent dining options. To maximize your experience, be sure to take full advantage of the generous lounge offerings and consider requesting a room on a higher floor for a quieter stay.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests highly value the hotel's comprehensive lounge area, which serves as a comfortable space for relaxation and work. This area provides free Wi-Fi, unlimited soft drinks, coffee, and soft serve ice cream throughout the day, enhancing the overall guest experience. In the evenings, a complimentary alcoholic drink is offered, alongside a popular free duck soba service. The hotel also provides a well-stocked self-service amenity bar featuring a wide array of items such as face masks, bath salts, hair oil, and high-quality hair dryers like Salonia and ReFa. For convenience, a coin laundry is available, though some guests noted occasional issues with machine availability or detergent. The lounge also thoughtfully provides kids' books and origami to keep younger guests entertained.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high praise for its cleanliness and the comfort of its rooms. Most guests find the rooms spacious by Japanese standards, featuring comfortable beds with soft pillows and quality linens that ensure a restful sleep. In-room amenities like multiple power outlets, USB ports, and air purifiers/humidifiers are appreciated. While many rooms are described as quiet, some guests occasionally report street noise or sounds from the corridor, though this does not significantly detract from the overall comfort for most. Some isolated comments mentioned minor cleaning oversights or issues with bathroom fixtures, but these were not widespread. The unit bathrooms are often noted for their adequate size, and the provision of popular hair dryers adds to the comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience is a significant highlight for many guests, particularly the breakfast buffet, which is consistently described as excellent and offering a wide variety of dishes. Guests rave about the inclusion of local specialties such as harako-meshi, zunda-mochi, sasa-kamaboko, gyutan curry, and imoni, alongside a diverse selection of Western and Asian options, including a popular pho station. The quality of the food is frequently compared favorably to that of higher-end hotels. In addition to breakfast, the nightly duck soba service is a major draw, praised for its delicious taste and generous portions, providing a satisfying late-night meal. The availability of a complimentary alcoholic drink in the lounge further enhances the evening dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an outstanding location, making it incredibly convenient for all types of travelers. It is situated just a five to ten-minute walk from Sendai Station, providing easy access to JR lines, the subway, and the shinkansen, as well as local bus stops. This central location places guests within immediate proximity to major shopping areas, including the covered mall, Ichibancho shopping street, and Don Quixote, as well as numerous restaurants and convenience stores. For those arriving by car, parking is available, with some guests mentioning contract parking options, though it can be expensive or challenging to find nearby. The hotel's proximity to an underground passage also offers a convenient and sheltered route to the station during inclement weather.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight the quick check-in and check-out processes, often facilitated by efficient QR code options. The team is noted for being highly accommodating, assisting with requests such as early check-in, room changes, and luggage handling, including providing trolleys for larger bags. Families particularly appreciate the support for children, with staff going out of their way to ensure a comfortable stay. While housekeeping is generally efficient, some guests noted minor misunderstandings regarding the eco-cleaning policy. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service significantly enhances the guest experience, making visitors feel welcomed and well-cared for.

Additional Information
The hotel offers several unique features that enhance the guest experience beyond standard amenities. Guests should be aware of the eco-cleaning policy, which means rooms are not automatically cleaned daily unless specifically requested, contributing to environmental sustainability. The hotel provides study spaces, with conference rooms occasionally opened for students during exam periods, offering a quiet environment for focused work. While not explicitly a pet policy, the hotel is notably family-friendly, providing amenities and support for guests traveling with children. The Wi-Fi speed is generally reliable throughout the property. The coin laundry facilities are a convenient addition for longer stays, though some guests have noted occasional issues with machine functionality or detergent availability.