Escape to Japan: APA Hotel Takamatsu Airport - Your Perfect Stay Awaits!
Escape to Japan: APA Hotel Takamatsu Airport - My (Mostly) Smooth Landing! (A Rambling Review)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to take you on a rollercoaster ride… of an APA Hotel! Specifically, the one right by Takamatsu Airport. This review isn't going to be all perfectly polished travel blogger prose. This is real – the good, the slightly awkward, and the utterly delightful. Prepare for a few tangents. Let's do this!
First Impressions: Accessibility & Getting There
Landing after a long flight is always a bit of a blur. And the first thing I noticed? Accessibility was surprisingly good. The hotel had elevator access (thank GOODNESS!), and the main areas seemed pretty smooth sailing for anyone with mobility concerns. Now, I'm not a wheelchair user, so I can't give a complete verdict, but the ramps, elevators, and overall layout suggested a genuine effort. 👍
Airport Transfer: Bonus points for the super-convenient airport transfer! After that soul-crushing travel day, being whisked away to a cozy hotel is the best feeling. A quick ride, and I was there.
The Room: My Little Japanese Fortress
Stepping into my room was… well, it's an APA Hotel. You know what you're getting: clean, compact, and efficient. My room had a window that opens (huge win!). The air conditioning was a lifesaver, especially after a humid day out. Thankfully, I snagged a non-smoking room, which is essential for this smoker, also, I couldn't resist using the complimentary tea they offered!
Room Specifics, And The Things That Matter:
- Internet Access (the most important thing for this review!): Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and it actually worked! 🙌
- Comfort Factor: Blackout curtains (needed them after a long flight) and a comfy if moderately sized bed. My interconnecting room(s) available came in handy by allowing me to sleep in the next room.
- Amenities: Hair dryer, coffee/tea maker, mini bar, refrigerator – all the essentials were there. Yes, the room was slightly cramped, but it was clean, well-lit, and equipped with the basics.
My Room's Quirks:
- The Toilet: Let's be honest, the Japanese toilet (with all its buttons and whistles) is a level of technology I'm not sure I'll ever truly master.
- The Size: It's a Japanese hotel room - it's compact! I did more than a few careful dance steps to get around.
- The View: I didn't have a particularly spectacular view, but hey, I wasn't there for the scenery… I was there for the sleep.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:
Alright, food! This is where things got interesting (to a point)
- Restaurant Reality: I loved the Asian breakfast, with the buffet option. It was a great start to the day! There was also a vegetarian restaurant (score!), but I also loved the options I had with the buffet in the restaurant.
- 24 Hour Room Service: After a long flight, I wanted a late-night snack. They had it, and it was perfect!
- Coffee shop: Coffee… so very crucial!
- Additional Details: The hotel had a bar and poolside bar (though the pool wasn’t open, I’ll later explain) and a snack bar. I wasn't there for a party, but more options would've been nice.
The Spa/Relaxation Zone (Or, Dear Diary, I Needed This)
- The Pool: The photos looked amazing! But, sadly, it was closed during my stay. 🙁
- The Spa: This was the saving grace. The Sauna, Spa, Steamroom offerings were everything I needed to de-stress after my flight. If you are looking to relax, this is for you.
- The Gym or Fitness center: There was a fitness center, but I wasn't quite in the mood to hit the gym. Maybe next time.
- Massage: Yes. Just… yes. Totally needed after the flight.
Cleanliness and Safety: What To Expect
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays: This was very reassuring. I felt the hotel was taking things seriously.
- Hand sanitizer was easily available as well.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I did notice the staff wearing masks and seem to be following the guidelines quite efficiently.
- Hygiene certification: I'm not sure if they had a certificate, but I felt safe and clean.
Services and Conveniences that made a difference
- Services and Conveniences: They have Cash withdrawal, a Concierge service, a Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and plenty more that I didn't even have to use, which is still great.
- Airport Transfer: Convenient and reliable.
- Business Facilities/Meeting/Banquet Facilities: They offer projector/LED Display, but as I mentioned, I was there to relax.
Things to Do Nearby (or Not):
- Shrine: I noticed a nearby shrine and quickly visited! A cool and peaceful place to be!
- Things to do: It depends what you want to do but the place has car park [free of charge], I went to the Taxi service instead!
For the Kids and Family:
Okay, I didn't have any kids with me, but the hotel seemed like a good place for kids. There was no babysitting service but there's a good chance it's family friendly
Getting Around
- Taxi Service: Airport and city transfers were quick and easy.
- Car Park: While they offered a "car park [free of charge]", I opted for the seamless Taxi.
The Verdict: Would I Return?
Yes, absolutely. This is not five-star luxury, but it's reliable, clean, and convenient. Would I recommend this hotel? If you just want a place to relax, and sleep, then for sure.
In Conclusion:
This APA Hotel near Takamatsu Airport isn't perfect, but I can wholeheartedly recommend it.
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- Title: Escape to Japan: APA Hotel Takamatsu Airport - My Honest Review!
APA Hotel Takamatsu Airport: A Love Letter (and Some Mild Grievances)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly polished travel brochure. This is REAL LIFE in Takamatsu, Japan, with a healthy dose of jet lag and questionable coffee choices. We're talking APA Hotel Takamatsu Airport, a place that feels both sterile and strangely comforting, like a well-organized hospital (minus the needles, hopefully). Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival & The Airport Shuffle - Jet Lag is a Real Bitch
Morning (ish): Arrive at Takamatsu Airport (TAK). The first thing that hits you? The sheer, unadulterated cleanliness. I mean, you could eat off the floor (though I wouldn't recommend it, even if the floor does sparkle). The airport is small, efficient, and surprisingly quiet. Finding a luggage trolley? Easy peasy. Navigating the customs? Even easier. I felt like a seasoned traveler, even though I was pretty sure I left my brain back in… where WAS I again? Oh, right, jet lag. It’s a monster, people. A fuzzy, forgetful, slightly nauseous monster.
Afternoon: Taxi ride to the APA Hotel Takamatsu Airport. The drive is a blur of rice paddies, perfectly manicured hedges, and vending machines… everywhere. Seriously, Japan's vending machine game is legendary. I'm already plotting my strategy to try every single weird and wonderful beverage.
Check-in & Hotel Impressions: The APA Hotel. It’s… APA. Efficient, minimalist, and with a distinct lack of character. Think IKEA meets a space station. The rooms are famously compact. I swear, I could touch both walls simultaneously. But hey, the bed is comfortable, the air conditioning is blasting (a lifesaver after a humid Japanese afternoon), and the toilet knows how to clean. The sheer power of the bidet here is something you need to experience to believe. I spent a solid five minutes marveling at the water pressure. My inner neat-freak felt giddy. My outer, travel-weary shell just wanted a nap.
Late Afternoon/Evening: The Vending Machine Revelation & Instant Ramen Redemption: Pro-tip: don't underestimate the power of a vending machine in a foreign land. After my initial jet-lag haze, I needed sustenance and the hotel lobby was a blaze of glory with choices. I grabbed a weird, possibly fermented, yogurt drink. My expectations were low, but I liked it. I then bought a can of something that promised energy. It tasted like radioactive lime. I’m still debating if I like it. The sheer variety of the vending machine is insane. One vending machine sold mostly coffee, another, soda, and another, I’m almost positive, had a small selection of underwear. My sanity was already starting to crumble after 24 hours of travel. Dinner? Instant ramen, naturally. It was… okay. Better than nothing, and the communal area in the hotel felt pretty friendly.
Night: Collapse. Sleep. (Or at least, attempt sleep). Jet lag, I curse you!
Day 2: Ritsurin Garden & The Power of Matcha (and Maybe a Little Panic)
- Morning: Ritsurin Garden. Oh. My. God. This place is breathtaking. I'm not even a "garden person," usually. But this is something else. Perfectly manicured ponds, bridges, and hills – I was actually speechless, which is a rare occurrence, believe me. It's so carefully designed, it feels… unreal. I wandered around for ages, taking a million photos. (Don't judge me! The light was perfect!)
- Mid-morning: Matcha time! Every travel blog, every Instagram post, everyone raves about matcha in Japan. I was ready. I had my camera poised, ready to capture the perfect, frothy moment. The matcha was…fine. It was undeniably matcha. But a bit…bitter? Perhaps I needed to acquire the taste. Definitely need to try again so I can tell others how I like matcha more than people because I just need someone to tell me if I'm getting it right. I think I am. Whatever, I’m on a mission to find the perfect matcha.
- Afternoon: Takamatsu Port & The Ferry Fiasco (or, how I almost missed a boat) Okay, this is where things got a little… frantic. I decided to take a ferry from Takamatsu port to one of the islands (more on that in a bit). I had gotten my tickets a couple of hours earlier, thinking I was so organized. Then, of course, I promptly got lost in the cute shops near the port. Found a store selling cat-themed everything (my weakness!), and time slipped away. Suddenly, I looked at my watch. 2:58 PM. My ferry boarded at 3:00 PM. Panic mode activated. I ran. I sprinted. I may or may not have accidentally knocked someone over. (Sorry, kind Japanese lady!) I MADE IT. Barely. The ferry was already pulling away. I scrambled aboard, breathless, clutching my ticket, feeling like I'd just starred in my own action movie.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Ferry to… (I'll tell you later). Island vibes. Fresh air. A sense of accomplishment for not dying in the port. Dinner, likely Japanese curry, which I’ve learned, is one of life’s great joys.
Day 3: (This is where I went to the islands. More later…)
Okay, I'm leaving this blank for now because I need to process my island adventures. It was a whole… thing. Full of art, delicious food, and a surprising amount of sunburn. Details to follow, once I've recovered and can string together coherent sentences, possibly after another round of matcha. Or maybe I should just find some green tea. Yes, I think I, too, need a bidet.
Overall APA Hotel Takamatsu Airport Musings:
- The Good: Clean, efficient, convenient for the airport, surprisingly comfortable beds. Great for a quick stopover. Surprisingly, the hotel is better than I expected.
- The Bad: No character. Rooms are tiny. Can be like a place for zombies.
- The Ugly (Maybe): The lack of English on EVERYTHING. (Or maybe my Japanese is simply non-existent.) I'm half-expecting to accidentally order a plate of sea urchin eyeballs because I can't read the menu. Also, the fact that you’re not supposed to tip in Japan is absolutely mind-blowing. The service is impeccable! I almost dropped a bill, and then remembered I was on the up-and-up.
In Conclusion:
The APA Hotel Takamatsu Airport is… fine. It’s not the Ritz, but it gets the job done. It's a functional, albeit personality-free, basecamp for exploring Takamatsu and its surroundings. Would I stay here again? Probably. Would I write home about it? Maybe not. But hey, it's a clean bed, and a powerful bidet. And sometimes, that's all you need. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find the PERFECT matcha. And maybe a good nap.
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Escape to Japan: APA Hotel Takamatsu Airport - Let's Be Real, Folks!
Alright, listen, Takamatsu might not be Tokyo, but it's got its charms. Think smaller, friendlier, and way less overwhelming. It's the gateway to Shikoku, people! (And yes, I had to Google that before I went. Don't judge.) So, if you're picturing yourself exploring the stunning Ritsurin Garden, devouring some seriously legit Sanuki udon (more on that later), or maybe even tackling the 88 Temple Pilgrimage… BAM! Takamatsu Airport APA Hotel is your landing pad.
Plus, let's be honest, sometimes you just want a comfy bed after a long flight. And if your flight gets delayed? Well, you're practically *in* the airport. Genius!
Okay, so the APA Hotel... it's... compact. Let's just say that. Like, your suitcase might have a better view than you do. Seriously, the rooms are known for being on the snug side. But hey, Japanese efficiency is a thing, right? Everything is there, and it's clean (mostly). And honestly, after a day of sightseeing, you're just collapsing in bed anyway. Space isn't the priority. Sleep is. And that bed? Surprisingly comfy. (I actually slept better there than I do at home sometimes! Which is saying something, trust me.)
The amenities? Standard APA fare. Tiny bathroom (prepare for the knee-to-wall experience!), decent Wi-Fi, and the all-important vending machines on every other floor. And a TV. Always a TV! (Okay, the TV *was* a bit confusing, with all the Japanese channels... I got hooked on a cooking show once, though, and I don't even *like* cooking. Don't ask.)
Short answer? Practically. Long answer? You are *super* close. The APA Hotel Takamatsu Airport is basically attached to the airport. Like, a five-minute walk, tops. No shuttle buses, no scrambling with luggage in crowded streets. It's the ultimate convenience for early flights or late arrivals. I was so happy I could sleep a couple more hours and not spend too much time worrying about missing my flight. It was a huge relief!
Okay, this is where it gets interesting. Inside the airport? You've got some options. Decent ramen shops, a curry place… The usual suspects. But get this: RIGHT outside the airport, across the road, there's a little place that serves… *drumroll*… Sanuki udon. (I'm talking the real deal, folks. Not the pre-packaged stuff. This stuff will change your life! Or at least, your breakfast.)
Seriously, the udon was phenomenal. Chewy, flavorful, and cheap! I went there *every single morning*. Even skipped the hotel breakfast (which, to be fair, looked a bit sad). It was the perfect fuel for exploring. I still dream about that udon. (Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration. But I will definitely return for the udon!)
Okay, Udon Pro-Tip time! Find the tiny place across the road from the airport. It's probably packed with locals. That's a good sign! Don't be intimidated. (Yes, I was. My Japanese is… well, let's just say "non-existent.") But the staff are usually friendly, and pointing and smiling works wonders. Get the *kake udon* (noodles in broth). Simple, perfect. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try something with tempura. (I had shrimp tempura one morning. *Chef's kiss*.) And slurp loudly! It's considered polite in Japan.
Also! Learn a few basic Japanese phrases. "Arigato" (thank you) and "oishii" (delicious) will go a long way. Trust me. You'll be slurping with confidence in no time.
Hmm. "Instagrammable"? It depends on your definition. The hotel itself isn't exactly the Four Seasons. It's functional. Clean. But not particularly photogenic. The rooms are a bit… utilitarian. (My photo of the bathroom was… underwhelming. Like, white walls and a small sink. Not exactly aspirational content.)
However! The *food* is. That udon? Definitely Instagram-worthy. The Ritsurin Garden? Epic photo opportunities. Takamatsu itself? Loads of beautiful spots. So, yes, you can definitely get some good shots while *using* the hotel, but don't expect it to be the star of your Instagram feed. Focus on the *experience*. The food. The culture. The udon! (Okay, I have a problem.)
Okay, okay, let's get real. The rooms are small. We covered that. The air conditioning can be a bit… aggressive. Bring a sweater or extra blanket to be prepared. And the soundproofing? Well, let’s just say if your neighbor snores REALLY loud, you might hear them. (Luckily, my neighbor was quiet. Phew!) Also, the hotel felt a little bit detached from the rest of Takamatsu. While convenient for the airport, it requires a bit of effort to get into the heart of the city.
And honestly, the hotel breakfast wasn’t my favorite. I think it was the same food every day, including a weirdly dry piece of toast. But hey, there’s always the udon!
Yes! Absolutely. (And yes, I have friends! Just… mostly the ones who tolerate my travel rants.) If youTop Places To Stay
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