Hotel Okura Niigata

Best buffet breakfast and very helpful and attentive staff

Yes. It certainly felt and looked, inside and on the outside, like it was something from the late 80s; but that was primetime Showa era Japan, and it shows: from the shopping arcade within the hotel’s wider premises, the space dedicated to the lobby, the adroit guest relations officer with the slick back hair waiting patiently to receive/seeing off guests by the doors to the lobby, the gilded elevators, plush high pile carpets, to the amount of space in the twin bedder I had occupied that made my stay at APA feel almost unreasonably small (but again, that APA was in Tokyo, so…; but, I definitely did not need to to squeeze past the dresser while staying at the Okaru). While the interiors can feel dated, the hotel has very good bones that have been, and continues to be, very well maintained by the wonderful staff bringing a level of service on par with any brand name 5-star international hotel (as far as it relates to my experience, which had been the most minimal, e.g., I haven’t tried the concierge; but yet, it had been impactful enough to feel that my comfort was not compromised at all despite the hotel’s age). The room I occupied was clean (the furnishings were dated, but remains looking good for their age; basically, everything functioned as they should without any issue at all, except the bed of which the coils could be felt through a thin cushion - just don’t go expecting something more than what you may likely experience at your usual business hotel), and thoughtfully prepared with notices made available in the English language. It was a no fuss and relatively superior (by today’s Japanese business hotel standards) experience. I had even thought of extending my stay, but…I could always come back. The river view could only be partially seen from my window, but, it’s just there, right by the hotel, accessible by way of a flight of stairs, so that, if you want, you could just stare at it till you had your fill. In short, quality accommodations, quality service, and a legacy that continues to stand firm on the shoulders of its dutiful and diligent staff, which more than makes up for the age of the hotel. That said, it’s just my two cents; also, look out for seasonal promotions (I do regret some for not dining at one of the hotel’s restaurants; but, there is always next time). Also, since the hotel is located between Bandai City and Furumachi, and with the abundance of bus stops all over town, I found it easy to access both sides of the Bandai Bridge.

stay during fireworks season, so it was expensive and old hotel but the service was truly Exceptional. location a bit far from train station but there is a bus stop at the hotel.

The staff are all friendly and helpful, just the hotel is dated and limited facilities.