Yokohama's Hidden Gem: Route Inn Bashamichi Hotel Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Yokohama's Route Inn Bashamichi Hotel: My Love-Hate Affair with a Hidden Gem (and Why You Should Seriously Consider It)
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your average hotel review. This is a confession, a love letter, a rant, and a survival guide all rolled into one. Route Inn Bashamichi in Yokohama? Prepare for a rollercoaster. You've been warned.
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- Title: Yokohama's Hidden Gem: Route Inn Bashamichi Hotel Review (You Won't Believe This!) - A Messy, Honest Take
First Impressions (The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Weird)
Finding this place was like stumbling upon a secret code in a bustling city. It's tucked away from the main drag, a little oasis amidst the urban sprawl. Accessibility, right off the bat, gets a HUGE thumbs up. Seriously, this hotel gets it. Wheelchair accessible is legit. Ramps, elevators, everything. They seem to have thought of everything, and that's a massive win in Japan, where accessibility can sometimes be… a challenge.
The lobby? Clean, efficient, and frankly, a little… sterile. I mean, perfectly clean, spotless, almost too perfect. I’m a bit of a chaos person. It makes me a little suspicious. But hey, I’d take sterile over squalid any day!
And the staff? Impeccably polite. Too polite, perhaps? Like they're all robots programmed to be helpful. Still, they were genuinely helpful when I, in a moment of pure brain malfunction, managed to lock myself out of my room (more on that later).
(Accessibility Details: They Actually Care!)
Let's circle back to accessibility because it's a BIG deal. This hotel wins. The hallways are wide, the elevators are spacious, and the rooms themselves are designed with accessibility in mind. I saw several rooms specifically designed for guests with mobility issues. This is a massive point in its favor. Finding a truly accessible hotel in Japan can feel like searching for the Holy Grail. I can finally say: They nailed it!
(Room Rundown: Clean, Functional, and… Cozy?)
My room was… well, it was a room! Air conditioning that actually worked (a small miracle!), a comfy bed (extra long bed, even!), and all the expected amenities. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms—huge win, especially with the Internet access – LAN option if you're old-school (or have a specific need). The bathroom was clean (again, bordering on obsessive levels of clean), with a separate shower/bathtub, which is a nice touch. The complimentary toiletries were the usual Japanese hotel fare-- perfectly serviceable, if a little… bland.
The soundproofing was excellent. Despite being in a busy area, I barely heard a peep from the outside world. The blackout curtains were perfect for slaying that jet lag.
(The Breakfast Buffet - A Culinary Adventure (Mostly in a Good Way))
Ah, the breakfast buffet. This is where things get interesting. It wasn’t quite the Michelin experience, but it was an experience, and honestly, I sort of loved it.
There's a Breakfast [buffet], there's also Asian breakfast, and Western breakfast. You can choose.
First of all, the organized chaos of a Japanese breakfast buffet is a sight to behold. Plates are small, everything is meticulously arranged, and there's a dizzying array of options. I found some Asian cuisine in restaurant options such as a miso soup bar, and some of the sushi rolls were pretty good, which wasn't bad. There was a coffee/tea in restaurant, of course, and I needed it.
There was also the usual suspects: Western cuisine in restaurant, eggs, bacon (not terribly exciting, admittedly), and a selection of pastries.
The quality was decent - nothing fancy, but perfectly edible with the breakfast takeaway service. It's a real cultural experience, and even if you don’t love everything, you’ll find something to fill you up.
(The Spa/Sauna and Relaxation Zone: My Happy Place (Mostly))
Okay, this is where Route Inn Bashamichi really shines. The Sauna! The Spa/sauna! The Foot bath! The pool… I haven't had a chance to use the Swimming pool, the Pool with view, but it's there!
The sauna was a godsend after a long day of sightseeing. Hot, steamy, and the perfect place to sweat out all your city worries. The foot bath was a little slice of heaven, too. You think you don't need a foot bath until you luxuriate in one. Then you question why you’ve gone without it for so long.
(The Cleanliness Obsession: A Double-Edged Sword)
I’ve mentioned the cleanliness, right? Well, it deserves its own section. It's… intense. The Cleanliness and safety measures were in full swing. I saw their Anti-viral cleaning products at work. Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. They are on top of this.
There are pros and cons to all of this. On the one hand, you know you’re in a safe and hygienic environment, especially in the current climate. On the other hand, it does feel a little… clinical. I'm not sure I loved not being able to get some grub even when I wanted it, because of all the regulations.
(Things to Do (Besides Relaxing): Yokohama is Your Oyster!)
Route Inn Bashamichi is perfectly situated for exploring Yokohama. It’s within walking distance of some of the city’s best attractions, including the vibrant Chinatown, the beautiful Yamashita Park, and the Landmark Tower.
There are plenty of Things to do, and you can take advantage of the Car park [on-site] for your own exploration.
(The Inevitable Blunders: My Hotel Room Saga)
Okay, remember the story about locking myself out? Here it is. It was late. I was tired. I was (admittedly) a little tipsy after happy hour. I went to go find my room, got confused and then, SNAP. Locked myself out.
The staff were, as I said, impeccably polite. They handled the situation with grace and speed. They got a locksmith, got my room open, everything was fine. But the feeling of pure, unadulterated dumbness? That lingered for a while.
(The Verdict: Would I Stay Again? Absolutely! (With a Few Caveats))
Route Inn Bashamichi is not perfect. It's not the Ritz-Carlton. But it is a solid, reliable, and surprisingly charming hotel with an undeniable heart.
I would absolutely stay there again. It's clean, accessible, well-located, and has a fantastic spa. The staff are helpful, even if they are a bit robotic. The breakfast is… an experience. And hey, who doesn’t love a good foot bath?
The only caveats: If you’re looking for high-end luxury or a party hotel, this isn’t it. And if you’re easily overwhelmed by an overload of cleanliness, maybe bring a spare pair of pants.
(Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars)
It's a hidden gem. A slightly quirky, slightly odd, but ultimately wonderful hidden gem. Go. Explore. And maybe, just maybe, avoid accidentally locking yourself out of your room. You'll thank me later.
Escape to Paradise: Centara Reserve Samui Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is a TRIP, with all the bumps, bruises, and existential crises that implies. We're talking Yokohama, baby! Specifically, the Hotel Route Inn Yokohama Bashamichi, which I'm already picturing as a slightly over-lit haven of… well, let's find out.
WARNING: May contain excessive caffeine consumption, questionable life choices, and a deep, abiding love for Japanese convenience stores.
Day 1: Yokohama, You're Not Gonna Know What Hit Ya!
Arrival and Hotel Debacle (or, "Why Did I Pack So Much?")
- Time: Sometime after the hellscape that is Narita Airport. Seriously, that place is a labyrinth… of duty-free chocolates. Tempting, but NO. Focus, self!
- Phase 1: The Train Ride - Chugging along on the train – surprisingly smooth, even with my luggage resembling a small, wheely, sentient bear. I'm picturing the Hotel Route Inn. Hope it’s not, you know, a glorified vending machine with a bed.
- Phase 2: Check-In Catastrophe – Found the hotel…finally. My first impression? Super clean. Like, surgically clean. Almost intimidating. Then, the check-in. Ah, the universal language of confused hand gestures and broken Japanese. Success! Room keys acquired. Now, to the room…
- Phase 3: Luggage Tetris – My room. Surprisingly compact. My luggage barely fits. This is where I start questioning my life choices that led me to pack three different kinds of emergency socks. I'm already sweating.
- Emotional Reaction: Panic! Am I going to survive in this tiny room? More importantly, will I be able to find my passport when I need it?
Afternoon Delight: Bashamichi Wanderings and the Quest for Ramen
- Time: After finally unpacking. Sometime after attempting to re-organize my luggage, which is now even more messy.
- Event: Stroll through Bashamichi, the historic street. The old buildings are actually pretty cool. Not gonna lie, I was expecting something utterly modern, being in Japan, and I was pleasantly surprised. Felt like I stepped back in time!
- Quirky Observation: The vending machines everywhere! My mission: sample ALL the weird and wonderful drinks. First up: something that might be melon, might be something else entirely.
- The Ramen Hunt: I'm on a MISSION, people. Ramen. I NEED ramen. This is one of the most important missions I have ever undertaken. I'm picturing a rich, porky broth, perfectly cooked noodles… and a giant, steaming bowl. I will find it.
- Emotional Reaction: Hype! Ramen is fuel. Ramen is life. Ramen is probably the reason I came to Japan. (Don't tell the travel guides I said that!)
Evening: Yokohama Chinatown and Sinking in the Deliciousness
- Time: After Ramen.
- Event: Yokohama Chinatown. Holy moly. This place is a sensory overload in the best way possible. Lanterns, spices, the roar of a thousand hungry stomachs. It's amazing!
- The Food Coma: Dumplings, pork buns, sweet treats. I'm pretty sure I gained five pounds just by smelling the food. No regrets. Absolutely none.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of people eating with chopsticks! I am the only one that drops my chopsticks during every single meal. The "chopstick fumble" might be my new superpower.
- Emotional Reaction: Bliss. Food coma. Post-food coma regrets about eating so much, followed by immediate planning of the next meal.
Day 2: Yokohama, You’re Not Going to Escape Me! (Or, The Day I Became a Culture Vulture)
Morning: The Morning Train and the Quest for the BEST Breakfast
- Time: Early. Very early. My internal clock is already wrecked.
- The Challenge: Figuring out the train system. It's a maze of colored lines and cryptic announcements, and I love it.
- The Quest: First location, the quest for the BEST Breakfast. Hotel buffet? Absolutely not. I want a real Japanese breakfast. I picture miso soup… perfect rice… a grilled piece of fish… uh… tofu. And a whole lot of green tea.
- Emotional Reaction: Caffeine-powered determination. And mild paranoia about getting on the wrong train.
Afternoon: Iconic Yokohama Sites (and Surviving the Crowds)
- Time: After breakfast adventure or disaster!
- Event: Exploring the iconic Yokohama sights. The Red Brick Warehouse. Cup Noodles Museum. Oh, and the waterfront.
- The Red Brick Warehouse: What a great place. And I mean, really. I was surprised how much I liked the building. Like, a lot.
- Cup Noodles Museum. Okay, fine, it's for kids, but it's also genuinely fascinating. And if I'm being honest, I now have a newfound appreciation for the magical noodle brick that sustains the world.
- The Waterfront: Walking along the waterfront, watching the boats, and feeling the sea breeze. What a view!
- Quirky Observation: I am suddenly aware of how many tourists there are. Everywhere!
- Emotional Reaction: A general sense of wonder, combined with mild crowd-induced anxiety.
Evening: Yokohama Evening and Embracing the Unexpected
- Time: After I get lost.
- Event: Wandering. Literally. Let go of the map. Get lost. You'll find something interesting!
- Random Discovery: A tiny, hidden Izakaya. Dim lights, the chatter of locals. Order something I can't pronounce and cross my fingers.
- The Conversation Fumble: Attempt to make broken Japanese small talk with the locals. Fail spectacularly. Laugh anyway.
- Emotional Reaction: A perfect mix of adventure and exhaustion. The joy of being lost, the warmth of the unexpected. I already have so many great memories.
Day 3: Departure (and the Promise to Return, Messy, And Wonderful)
Morning: Last-Minute Ramen and Hotel Shenanigans
- Time: Before I have to leave.
- Event: More ramen (obviously). Seriously, one more bowl. Because why not?
- Hotel Shenanigans: Double-checking. How to get to the airport. Trying to pack my luggage in a way that doesn't involve me sitting on it.
- Quirky Observation: That vending machine outside the hotel? Still haven't tried all the drinks.
- Emotional Reaction: A bittersweet farewell. Sad to leave, but excited to come back. Maybe next time I’ll remember how to pack (probably not).
Final Thoughts: This trip? It was a blast. The Hotel Route Inn? Fine. The ramen? Amazing. Yokohama? Completely worth the trip. And the memories? Priceless. Now, where's that emergency sock?
Okay, spill the tea! Is this Route Inn Bashamichi Hotel really a "hidden gem" or just...another hotel?
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups! "Hidden gem" might be a *slight* overstatement, maybe a "slightly off-the-beaten-path-gem-adjacent." Let's be real, it's a Route Inn. You know the drill: efficient, clean, predictable. But, and this is a big BUT, it's *charmingly* predictable. It's like that reliable friend who always brings the same casserole to potlucks – you know it's gonna be decent, and sometimes, that's exactly what you crave. Plus, its location? GOLD. Bashamichi is pure old-school Yokohama magic.
The location is so hyped. What’s the real deal with Bashamichi? Is it worth the hype?
Oh, Bashamichi. Listen, I nearly missed the train to get there *because Google Maps* and I'm a navigation disaster. But once I stumbled out of the station, BAM! Beautiful, historic, slightly mysterious. Cobblestone streets, gas lamps (yes, REAL gas lamps!), and those stunning Western-style buildings. It's like stepping back in time, but with more modern conveniences (like, you know, not having to rely on a horse and buggy). The hotel's smack-dab in the middle of it. Seriously, the location is the saving grace of any potential hotel disappointments. You're practically *in* the historical district.
Pro Tip: Get lost. Seriously, just wander. Find the hidden cafes, the tiny shops, the places where you can totally imagine a glamorous lady of the 1920s smoking a long cigarette.
Tell me about the ROOMS! Are they cramped, like your average Japanese hotel?
Okay, the rooms. They're...Route Inn rooms. Which means...yes, they're compact. Don't expect a palatial suite. We're talking efficient use of space. Think of it as a cozy little cocoon. But you know what? It works. It really, truly does. I've stayed in rooms smaller than my actual *closet* at home, so I'm used to it. The bed was comfortable, bless its cotton-filled soul. The bathroom…well, it's a plastic prefab unit. But hey, the water gets hot, and the pressure is okay! Honestly, after a day of exploring Yokohama, you’d sleep in a cardboard box, so…
Speaking of which, what about the view from the room? Worth it?
View? Okay, so, this is where things get a little…subjective. I had a room facing…another building. Yep. A building. I could see the laundry hanging on someone else's balcony. Not exactly postcard material. Ask for a higher floor and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get a glimpse of something nice. I'd focus on the *location* view instead.
Breakfast! The most important meal of the day. What's the breakfast situation like?
The breakfast. Okay, this is where the Route Inn-ness shines *brightly*. It's a buffet. It's standard fare. It's…mostly edible. There are the usual suspects: rice, miso soup, some sad-looking eggs, maybe some sausage that could be anything, I'm not even sure. But here's the thing: it's *free* with the room. And I'm not one to turn down free food, okay? Plus, they usually have a decent selection of pastries. Fuel up, hit the streets. You're in Yokohama, not some Michelin Star wonderland!
Anything *really* bad about the hotel? Be honest!
Alright, let's get ugly. The walls *aren't* soundproof. I could hear next-door's guy's snoring one night. It was...a symphony of nasal noises. Bring earplugs! And the internet? It was fine, but not blazing fast. I tried to stream a movie, and it was a buffering nightmare. Definitely a minor issue. And the decor is…utilitarian. Think "business traveler chic." Not exactly Instagram-worthy, unless you're into beige.
Okay, you mentioned the location a bunch! What are some specifics of what’s nearby?
Okay, this is where it *really* shines. Okay, you are *in* Bashamichi! You’ve got the Red Brick Warehouse area (absolutely stunning, especially at sunset!), Chinatown (the most glorious overload of sights and smells), Yamashita Park (perfect for a stroll), the Cup Noodle Museum (yes, it's as awesome as it sounds), and the Harbor View Park. The hotel is a few steps from the Bashamichi train station, making it easy to get around. It's a hop, skip, and a jump to everything. Even if you're terrible at directions (ahem, me!), you're golden.
What kind of person should stay at Route Inn Bashamichi?
Honestly? This hotel is perfect for the practical traveler. Someone who wants a clean, comfortable base of operations to explore Yokohama. Someone who values location above fancy amenities. Maybe someone on a budget. It's not a romantic getaway spot (unless you find the charm in efficiency, which, hey, no judgement!), but it’s ideal if you're there to see the sights and experience the incredible history.
Would you stay there again? The ultimate question!
Yes. Unequivocally, *yes*. Despite the questionable sausage and the beige decor. The location, the location, the location! It's a good, solid option in a fantastic area. For a traveler who likes to explore, who will be out all day, and doesn't need a luxury hotel, it's perfect. Besides, I'm already planning my next trip back, and I'll be checking into the Route Inn Bashamichi. Bring earplugs. And maybe a travel size bottle of wine. Priorities!
Random observation time: Anything particularly memorable from your stay, good or bad?
Oh, here's a good one. The vending machines! Japan, and by extension this hotel, has the BEST vending machines. They're everywhere, stocked with everything from hot coffee to weird, fizStarlight Inns
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