Ueda Ekimae Royal Hotel in Ueda

I consider this is one of the best hotels I've stayed in, in Japan, from a solo traveller perspective.

First, you need to get over the frustration that the hotel does not open to new guests until 3pm, even to drop off luggage early. 10am to 3pm is basically cleaning time and there are no check-in staff available. The doors are locked unless you have your room key to access.

So, accept that, and plan for it. Once you do check-in it is a pleasure to stay. The rooms are bigger than Tokyo's, they are clean, comfortable, well appointed, with a modern fresh feeling. And the staff are courteous, friendly and helpful - exceeding even my praise for the rooms.

Location? Very close! Front of the station, take the first lane (not to be confused with the bigger street further on) on the left-hand side of the pickup area in front of the station. About 50m down the lane and you are there.

A bit of current confusion...the hotel says Royal Hotel in katakana on the big vertical sign but much of the English writing just says Route Inn. This hotel is a member of the Route Inn chain. It could possibly do with ROYAL written in English.

I was sorry to be leaving. Ueda, being a peaceful and clean town, adds to the attraction of the hotel. Being close to the station allows you to do day trips whenever you want.

This was my first time staying here, and the front desk staff were friendly and kind, and above all, their smiles were wonderful.

Good, close by train station.

5 min from UEDA station. Hotel staff are friendly and kind. Facility is OK and clean.

Safe and good! Staff was good in english and it was enough for 1 person. The bed was kinda too hard and the walls were a little too loud.

A bit old Japanese hotel

Good location. Clean room.

Ideal for business people: The bed was big and the table was spacious, making this a very comfortable hotel for business people.