Smile Hotel Shonan Fujisawa

This hotel offers a highly convenient urban stay, distinguished by its direct connection to a 24-hour convenience store on the ground floor, providing immediate access to essentials and snacks. Its prime location near a major transportation hub makes it an excellent choice for various travelers, including solo travelers seeking simplicity and efficiency, business travelers needing easy access to work and transport, and sightseers looking to explore nearby attractions like Kamakura and Enoshima. The hotel consistently receives praise for its overall cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and the attentive service provided by its staff, all while offering good value. For those planning a visit, consider requesting a room on a higher floor, as many guests have enjoyed unexpected views of Mount Fuji or Enoshima, enhancing their stay.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the practical facilities available, which significantly enhance their stay. The presence of coin laundry machines on several floors is particularly appreciated by those on longer trips, offering a convenient way to refresh clothing. While the hotel shares its elevators with other businesses in the building, which can sometimes lead to busy periods, they generally serve their purpose. Rooms are well-equipped with a working area and ample outlets and USB ports, catering well to guests needing to work or charge multiple devices. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally reliable throughout the property. Additionally, many rooms come with an air purifier or humidifier, contributing to a more comfortable environment. Most guests note that essential amenities like toiletries and nightgowns are conveniently available for collection at the front desk, rather than being placed directly in the rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally earns high marks for its cleanliness, with many guests describing their rooms as spotless and well-maintained. However, feedback on room size is mixed; while some find them spacious for Japanese standards, particularly for solo travelers, others, especially families or those traveling in pairs, consider them quite compact. The beds are frequently described as comfortable, though some guests found the pillows to be on the firmer side, which might not suit everyone. While the hotel is often noted for being quiet, some reviews mention occasional noise levels from neighboring rooms or corridors. The bathroom facilities are generally clean, but some guests have noted issues with slow drainage in showers or a slight step down into the unit, and a few reported minor dust accumulation or concerns about the carpet condition in older areas. Despite these minor points, the overall comfort and cleanliness contribute positively to the guest experience.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback regarding dining options and food quality is varied. The hotel offers a breakfast buffet with a selection of both Japanese and Western items, which many guests find to be good value and satisfying, particularly praising the ability to customize dishes like a "shirasu-don." However, some guests felt the breakfast lacked variety or that the food was not consistently warm, and a few expressed disappointment with the overall quality compared to other hotels. Conveniently, the hotel building houses several restaurants, including a Gusto family restaurant and a Shabu Shabu eatery, providing easy on-site dining options for guests who prefer not to venture far. The immediate vicinity also boasts a wide array of external dining choices, ensuring guests have plenty of alternatives for meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, making it exceptionally convenient for guests. It is situated just a few minutes' walk from Fujisawa Station, providing excellent connectivity to various train lines, including the Enoden, which offers direct access to popular tourist destinations like Kamakura and Enoshima. The immediate surroundings are bustling with activity, featuring a large 7-Eleven directly connected to the hotel on the ground floor, a Don Quijote store right next door, and an abundance of restaurants and shops. This vibrant area ensures guests have easy access to food, shopping, and entertainment. While the hotel does not offer dedicated on-site parking, numerous paid coin parking lots are available nearby, though guests arriving by car might need to search for an available spot.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience. Many guests commend their polite demeanor and willingness to assist with inquiries and requests. The check-in process is frequently described as quick and efficient, allowing guests to settle in smoothly. While most interactions are positive, some guests noted minor language barrier challenges, particularly with English, though staff generally made efforts to communicate effectively and resolve any issues. Overall, the attentive and welcoming service provided by the team is a recurring theme in guest reviews, making guests feel well-cared for throughout their stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is part of a shared building that also houses other businesses, including restaurants and shops. This multi-use structure means that the hotel lobby is located on the fourth floor, which might be an unexpected layout for some upon arrival. While this setup offers the convenience of integrated dining and retail options, it can occasionally lead to busier elevators shared with other patrons of the building. Despite this, the hotel maintains a distinct and comfortable atmosphere within its dedicated floors, ensuring a pleasant stay for its guests.