Yamagata Kokusai Hotel

This hotel offers a memorable stay, particularly highlighted by its exceptional breakfast, which consistently receives high praise for its variety and local delicacies. While the building possesses a classic, established charm, guests find it to be well-maintained and clean, providing a comfortable environment. Its convenient location makes it an excellent choice for sightseers looking to explore the city, business travelers seeking a quiet yet accessible base, and families who appreciate the spacious rooms and convenient amenities. To enhance your experience, consider taking advantage of the hotel's underground parking, especially beneficial during winter, and explore the local specialties offered at breakfast for an authentic taste of the region.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel’s facilities to be functional and well-maintained, despite the building's classic style. The Wi-Fi connectivity is reliable, allowing guests to stay connected during their stay. A convenient coin laundry facility is available on certain floors, which is particularly appreciated by those on longer trips, with both older and newer machines. The lobby area provides comfortable sofas and tables, serving as a pleasant waiting area for guests or for informal meetings. While there is no dedicated fitness center or pool, the presence of vending machines on the first floor, offering juice and ice cream, adds to guest convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The rooms are generally described as spacious and clean, with many guests praising the comfortable beds and quality mattresses that ensure a restful sleep. However, some guests noted minor issues such as carpet stains, occasional dust accumulation, or cobwebs in less visible areas, indicating a need for more detailed cleaning. The bathrooms are frequently mentioned as being small and dated, with some featuring narrow bathtubs, high steps at the entrance, and older two-handle faucets or shower heads that are not adjustable. Noise can occasionally be an issue, with some guests reporting sounds from neighboring rooms or the corridor, and the air conditioning system, being older, can sometimes be noisy, produce dry air, or lack individual temperature control, leading to rooms feeling too warm. The absence of bedside power outlets is also a common inconvenience.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is a standout feature, consistently receiving rave reviews for its extensive variety and high quality. Guests particularly enjoy the local specialties, such as the delicious Imoni soup, and the freshly prepared omelets cooked on-site by a chef. The buffet also offers a selection of local vegetables, fruits like Shine Muscat, yogurt, and other regional dishes such as beef curry and cold ramen. Many appreciate the attentive staff who assist with serving items like rice, Imoni soup, and curry. The overall dining experience is described as a luxurious start to the day, with a wide array of carefully prepared and flavorful options that highlight local cuisine.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, situated within a 5 to 10-minute walk from Yamagata Station, making it easily accessible for train travelers. Its proximity to the Yamako Bus Terminal, located right next door, is a significant advantage for guests planning to travel to other prefectures or local attractions. The hotel is also well-placed near the downtown area, offering easy access to numerous restaurants, izakayas, and shopping options. The underground parking facility is a major plus, providing convenient and secure parking, especially beneficial during winter to protect vehicles from snow. While some guests noted that nearby convenience stores require a 5 to 10-minute walk, a larger supermarket is conveniently located in the bus terminal building.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the polite and professional demeanor of the team, from the front desk to the breakfast venue. The check-in and check-out processes are described as quick and smooth. Staff members are noted for their willingness to accommodate requests, such as providing extra pillows, assisting with luggage storage, or helping with specific room preferences. Their dedication to providing excellent customer service is a recurring theme, with many guests feeling well-cared for and appreciating the staff's proactive approach to ensuring a comfortable stay.

Additional Information
The hotel, while possessing a classic and established feel, is generally well-maintained. Some guests noted that the room keys are traditional stick keys rather than modern card keys, which might feel a bit outdated. There were occasional mentions of noise from other guests in the corridors or adjacent rooms, particularly from groups. The hotel features event facilities, including banquet halls, which are frequently utilized for weddings, conferences, and sports team accommodations, contributing to a lively atmosphere in the common areas. Some guests found the air in the rooms to be dry, and a few noted the absence of a humidifier, safety box, drinking water, or a dedicated lounge/cafe within the hotel.