Nagoya's Hidden Gem: Meitetsu Inn Sakuradori - Unbeatable Price & Location!
Nagoya's Best Kept Secret? Meitetsu Inn Sakuradori - Really? Let's Dive In! (Messy Review Alert!)
Okay, so I've been to Nagoya. More than once. And finding a decent, affordable hotel near the station that doesn't feel like a glorified shoebox is a quest worthy of a mythical beast hunt. Then, someone whispered about Meitetsu Inn Sakuradori. "Unbeatable Price & Location!" they chirped. Naturally, my inner cynic snarled. But curiosity (and a desperate need for a comfy bed) won.
Location, Location, Location (And My Stumbling Journey):
Let's be honest, getting around Nagoya can be…an experience. I'm directionally challenged, so anything near the main train station is a win. Meitetsu Inn Sakuradori is… chef's kiss perfect. Seriously, you practically roll out of the station and into the lobby. (Okay, maybe not roll, but you get the idea.) It's ridiculously convenient for exploring the city, hitting up museums, or, you know, stuffing your face with miso katsu (a must-do, trust me). Accessibility wise, well, the lobby has an elevator and I didn’t see any obvious issues for anyone with mobility limitations. They also have facilities for disabled guests, which I didn't dive into, but it's good to know they're thinking about it.
First Impressions & Quick Rundown (Before I Ramble):
- Cleanliness & Serenity: The lobby was clean, not sterile-hospital clean. It felt…lived in in a good way. Not fancy, but well-maintained. A good head start
- Value: Excellent price for the location! Honestly, I'd pay more than I initially thought was fair, especially for the access. The hotel is Cashless payment service
- Rooms? Functional, and cozy. Blackout curtains are a godsend.
- Internet? Free Wi-Fi, and it worked! Hallelujah!
Now, Let’s Get Messy (And See If the Hotel's Really That Good):
First, the Internet. This is HUGE. I need to be connected. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! And, it worked! No dodgy connections, buffering nightmares. It was a solid, reliable lifeline to the outside world, which in my book, is priceless. I also discovered the Internet access – LAN option - old school! Sometimes you just need good, old-fashioned wired internet. I found that out as I was trying to stream a movie and my wifi just kept buffering. Thankfully, no problem with the LAN after a quick reset.
The Room - My Tiny, Cozy Fortress:
The room itself was… compact. But functional, which is the beauty of Japanese hotels, they are very small. It had everything I needed: a decent bed (with those glorious blackout curtains!), a desk that served as a battle station for my laptop, and a perfectly adequate bathroom. The air conditioning wasn't too loud either, and that's always a bonus. The slippers were a nice touch, the bathrobes too (though let's be real, I mainly used them for wandering around looking like a fluffy, slightly disheveled, cloud).
The Little Things – Where Meitetsu Inn Sakura-Dori Shone (And Where It Didn't):
- Essentials: A coffee/tea maker in the room? Yes, please! Free bottled water? Another win! I'm a caffeine fiend, so that's essential.
- Comfort: The desk and chair were surprisingly comfortable, making working (or, let's be honest, browsing cat videos) a breeze. The reading light was perfect for late-night bookworming.
- Not-So-Perfect? No balcony (it is Japan, after all, space is premium). The TV was a bit small, but who cares when you're out exploring all day?
Food, Glorious Food! (Or, How I Survived on Miso Soup and Convenience Store Snacks):
Okay, so dining options within the hotel aren’t extensive. I'd say a minor ding for that. They don’t mention anything specifically. No restaurants, no bars, no coffee shops in the hotel itself. However, the beauty of this hotel is its proximity to absolutely everything. There’s a convenience store on the ground floor (essential for midnight snacks and emergency toothbrush purchases). Nagoya Station? A culinary paradise! Tons of restaurants and coffee/tea from the Asian cuisine to the international cuisine that you could want. So, I'm giving them a pass on the in-house culinary scene. Plus, a snack bar is only needed if you don’t want to check out all the other options.
The Services and Conveniences - Making Life Easier (And My Wallet Lighter):
- Check-In/Out: No problem at all, with the Contactless check-in/out!
- Daily housekeeping: They kept the place spotless! The daily housekeeping was really nice, coming back to a perfectly tidy room.
- Luggage Storage: Super helpful for arrival and departure. They have Luggage storage, super convenient for pre- and post- check ins.
- Safety: The safety deposit boxes put my mind at ease. They have a 24-hour front desk and security, with CCTV watching over.
- Other Helpful Things: Laundry service would have come in handy, but I'm not a traveler who finds those helpful, so I skipped those amenities.
Cleanliness, Safety & The COVID Factor (It's the Elephant in the Room, I Know):
Okay, let's talk about the unavoidable. Cleanliness and safety are paramount these days; I’m a slight germaphobe, so I was on high alert. I've got to say, Meitetsu Inn Sakuradori took it seriously. I noticed Hand sanitizer everywhere. They have some hygiene certification. The staff all wore masks. They had Daily disinfection in common areas, which gave me peace of mind. They made it obvious the hotel was taking safety seriously. The rooms were cleaned between stays. I did not see any Anti-viral cleaning products, but the hotel has professional-grade sanitizing services, so I’ll assume that was the case.
Ways to Relax? (Or, How I Learned To Embrace the Lack of Luxury):
This isn't a spa resort. No spa/sauna, no pool with view, or anything like that. The hotel, however, is a great place to relax. They have non-smoking rooms too. The lack of those things, honestly, didn't matter. I could take a long bath, put on my fluffy cloud robe, and watch whatever I wanted on my laptop in peace!
Getting Around - Your Nagoya Adventure Starts Here:
Accessibility: The hotel is near a subway station, making it easy to get around. Airport transfer can be arranged. Taxis were available outside the hotel. I didn’t need it, because the transit was just that good. There's also car parking available. Bicycle parking is available.
For the Kids (And Their Weary Parents):
Okay, I didn't travel with kids, but I noticed they hotel is family/child friendly. They have babysitting service available. I didn’t see any kids facilities.
Would I recommend Meitetsu Inn Sakuradori? The Verdict:
Absolutely. Seriously, for the price and location, it's a phenomenal deal. This isn't a luxury hotel, but it's clean, comfortable, convenient, and the staff are friendly and helpful. If you're looking for a no-frills, perfectly located basecamp for exploring Nagoya, book it! Don't expect a pool or a Michelin-starred restaurant, but do expect a great stay.
My Very Honest, Slightly Rambling, Highly Opinionated Conclusion:
Meitetsu Inn Sakuradori isn't perfect. It's not a five-star palace. But it gets the essentials right. Cleanliness, location, and a reasonable price point. If you're looking for an easy, stress-free stay in Nagoya, with amazing access, you've found your place.
P.S. - Don't skip the miso katsu. Thank me later.
SEO Optimized Booking Offer: Book Your Unforgettable Nagoya Adventure at Meitetsu Inn Sakuradori!
Headline: Unlock Nagoya's Best-Kept Secret: Meitetsu Inn Sakuradori - Unbeatable Location & Value!
Body:
Tired of overpriced, inconvenient hotels? Discover Meitetsu Inn Sakuradori, your perfect basecamp for exploring the vibrant city of Nagoya!
Why Choose Meitetsu Inn Sakuradori?
- Prime Location: Step out of Nagoya Station and practically into our lobby! Seamless
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive into a trip to Nagoya, Japan, that's less "perfectly curated Instagram feed" and more "slightly-stressed-but-loving-it-anyway." We're staying at the Meitetsu Inn Nagoya Sakuradori, which, let's be honest, is mostly chosen for its proximity to the train station and the promise of clean sheets (and maybe, just maybe, free breakfast, pray for me).
Nagoya Rhapsody: A Chaotic Itinerary (Meitetsu Inn HQ)
Day 1: Arrival, Ramen Dreams, and a Brush with the Future
- 10:00 AM (give or take an hour, jet lag is a monster): Land at Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO). Smooth sailing, right? WRONG. My luggage decided to go on a solo adventure, probably sunning itself in Dubai or something. Cue the frantic, slightly panicked, lost-in-translation luggage claim – which, miraculously, worked. Victory! (My inner voice: "Score one for basic human communication!")
- 11:30 AM (ish): Train ride to Nagoya Station. The Shinkansen (bullet train) is a marvel, even though I nearly tripped over my own feet gawking at its sleekness. Felt like I was in a sci-fi movie. This is how future people travel. (My inner voice: "Don't drool on the pristine seats, you slob.")
- 12:30 PM: Check-in at Meitetsu Inn. The room? Compact. Efficient. Perfectly functional. The kind of room that makes you want to immediately unpack, then sit on the bed and sob from the sheer logistical overwhelm of all the things you need to do. But, it's clean, and that's a win in my book.
- 1:00 PM: Ramen hunt! I needed ramen. Like, soul-crushingly needed ramen. After wandering around Nagoya Station for a solid hour (bless Google Maps), I stumble upon a tiny ramen shop with a seemingly endless line. Sigh. Worth it. This ramen… oh. My. God. Rich, porky broth. Noodles that practically sing. Chashu that melts in your mouth. I'm pretty sure I momentarily forgot I was in a foreign country and just existed in a bowl of pure, savory bliss. I'd eat this every day. (My inner voice: "Finally, a good decision.")
- 3:00 PM: Explore the Nagoya TV Tower. That name is pretty boring. It should be called the "Look-Over-All-of-Nagoya-and-Take-a-Sweet-Picture-Tower." Because that's what it does. The views are spectacular, even if the wind tries to blow you off the observation deck.
- 4:30 PM: Souvenir shopping. My brain short-circuited. I ended up buying a ridiculously cute cat-shaped chopstick rest and a pack of green tea Kit-Kat bars (don't judge, they're delicious).
- 6:00 PM: A quick dinner at a local Izakaya. (Japanese-style pub/restaurant). The food was amazing, but I made the mistake of ordering a sake flight. Big mistake. Massive. I swear I could feel my IQ dropping with each little cup. Everything got very, very silly. I talked way too loudly. I laughed at things I didn't understand. Luckily, the locals were incredibly kind and patient with the very drunk foreigner.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Bed. Sleep. Dream of ramen, cats, and somehow not losing my passport tomorrow.
Day 2: Castles, Cars, and Culinary Chaos
- 8:00 AM (maybe): Breakfast at the hotel (YES! Free breakfast!) It involved an oddly colored (but surprisingly tasty) scrambled egg, mystery sausage, and a whole lot of confused gesturing at the coffee machine. I think I managed to pour myself a cup. Success!
- 9:30 AM: Nagoya Castle. Majestic. Impressive. Historically significant. Beautiful. And… crowded. The inside is a reconstruction, and while it's fascinating, the hordes of tourists made it a little less awe-inspiring. Still, the golden shachi (fish-shaped roof ornaments) are pretty amazing.
- 11:30 AM: Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. This place is fascinating. Even for someone who's not a car enthusiast (which is me). The history of the Toyota company, the evolution of manufacturing, the robots… It was seriously cool. There was even a demonstration of a spinning loom from the early 1900's. I was completely captivated. I almost went back twice. The sheer ingenuity on display made me want to build the future. (My inner voice: "Stay grounded, don't start ordering robot-making kits online.")
- 1:30 PM: Time to search for Hitsumabushi (名古屋名物), Grilled eel over rice, a local Nagoya specialty. It took FOREVER to realize that every Hitsumabushi restaurant on the internet was the same franchise and took me to the wrong place. I almost lost hope. Just when I was about to give up, I managed to stumble upon a small shop tucked away on a side street. The eel was perfectly grilled, the rice fluffy, and the toppings (seaweed, wasabi, green onions) were a symphony of flavors. I could've eaten three bowls. Maybe do this as a separate day, just Hitsumabushi hunting?
- 3:30 PM: Attempt to navigate the Nagoya City Science Museum. The planetarium is supposed to be incredible. Sadly, I was way too tired to appreciate it. Note to self: don't try to cram too much in one day.
- 5:00 PM: Lost. Again. Seriously, I have a talent for getting lost. Wandering around a shopping district, I accidentally ended up in a quirky alleyway. I found a tiny shop selling vintage anime merchandise. I almost bought a life-size cardboard cutout of a character I barely knew. Thankfully, common sense (and my already overflowing luggage) prevailed.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner: More exploration. I'm starting to get more adventurous with food. Found a restaurant that specialized in Miso Katsu (fried pork cutlet with miso sauce). Not my favorite, but, I like trying new things.
- 7:30 PM: Late night walk, get some fresh air. It was dark, quiet, peaceful. I thought about how much I'd missed the sounds of the city.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Collapse into bed. Prepare for tomorrow's adventures. My feet hurt. My brain hurts. But I'm happy.
Day 3: (Mostly) A Day of Rest and Departure Prep
- 9:00 AM: Slept in! Glorious. (Oh, and I discovered the hotel has a coin laundry. Jackpot! No more wearing the same clothes for a week!)
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast. Because, come on, free breakfast!
- 11:00 AM: I did some final souvenir shopping – less frenzied this time. Found a charming little tea shop. I bought fancy matcha.
- 12:00 PM: Quick lunch at a small cafe.
- 12:30 PM: Packing. Ugh. The dreaded packing. How did I accumulate so much stuff in just three days? I swear, I brought only the essentials. (Side note: I still haven't found my other sock.)
- 2:00 PM: Back to the TV Tower just to visit.
- 4:00 PM: Return to the hotel and check out.
- 5:00 PM: Train to airport.
My Final Thoughts:
Nagoya: Beautiful, chaotic, sometimes confusing, and absolutely worth the trip. The food is incredible, the people are kind, and the experience is unforgettable. Would I come back? Absolutely. And next time, I'm going to find that sock. And learn more than two words of Japanese. And maybe, just maybe, master the art of packing. Oh, and also, I'm going to eat more ramen…
P.S. If anyone sees a lost suitcase in Dubai, please, do let me know.
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Meitetsu Inn Sakuradori: The Unfiltered Truth (and Why You Should Probably Book it)
Okay, spill. Is this Meitetsu Inn really as cheap as everyone says? My wallet's currently whimpering.
Alright, alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Yes. Freaking YES. My first trip to Nagoya, I was budgeting so HARD. Ramen for breakfast, lunch, *and* dinner if I had to. Then I found Meitetsu Inn Sakuradori. I swear, I felt like I'd stumbled upon a secret handshake. It's the *perfect* cheap option! I remember booking, thinking, 'Something's gotta be wrong... they forgot a zero.' Spoiler alert: they didn't. You're talking seriously affordable, especially compared to some of the other places near Nagoya Station. Just... don't expect a gold-plated toilet or a butler named Jeeves. We'll get to the actual toilet situation later, though... the slightly-too-small-but-totally-functional toilet situation.
Location, location, location! Is "Sakuradori" actually convenient for getting around? Or am I doomed to spending half my trip on the subway?
Oh, my dear, the LOCATION. That's the real kicker! Sakuradori IS the name of the street it’s on, and *it* is CONVENIENCE PERSONIFIED. Seriously, picture this: You stumble out of the hotel, bleary-eyed from jet lag (or, you know, late-night anime binging – no judgment here). Nagoya Station is practically across the street. Like, you could *almost* throw a sock and hit it (though I wouldn't recommend it, hotel management might frown). The Shinkansen is right there. The subway? BAM! Underneath you. Anything and everything you need to get to is RIGHT THERE. Honestly, after staying there, I felt like I'd accidentally acquired a superpower: the ability to teleport around Nagoya. Seriously, it's a lifesaver when you're struggling to find that specific themed cafe your friend raved about.
What about the rooms? Are they tiny Japanese-hotel tiny, or 'cozy'? I'm a claustrophobe...
Okay, the rooms... they're not… *spacious*. Let's get that out of the way. Think "efficient" rather than "grand." My first room, I could practically touch both walls at the same time. I'm not a huge person, either! But! And it's a big but (pun sort of intended), they're well-designed. Everything has a place. Every inch is maximized. You'll have enough space for your luggage, a bed that's comfortable enough to pass out on with zero hesitation at the end of a long day, a little desk area, and a (wait for it…) *tiny* bathroom. Prepare to get friendly with the walls. But hey, that’s part of the experience, isn't it? Embrace the capsule-hotel-lite vibe. Honestly, after a day exploring Nagoya, you’ll be so exhausted you won’t care if you’re sleeping in a shoebox. Plus, the air conditioning is *amazing*. Like, arctic-blast amazing.
Breakfast! Is it free? And, more importantly, is it *good*? I have champagne taste on a beer budget.
Alright, here's the breakfast situation. Yes, it's included! (Score!) And it's… well… it's breakfast. Don't expect Michelin-star quality. It's a simple, buffet-style situation. You've got your toast, your eggs, your sausages (the little, slightly-mystery-meat kind – but they're *fine*), your rice, your miso soup and the all-important coffee. It's not going to blow your mind, but it *will* fill you up and get you fueled for a day of exploring. Honestly? It's perfect. It's the kind of breakfast that makes you think, 'Okay, I'm not going to starve.' And when you're traveling on a budget, that often counts for *everything*. Plus, who doesn't love a giant vat of coffee to get the day started?
What's the Wi-Fi like? Can I post all my amazing travel pics without buffering for eternity?
The Wi-Fi? Surprisingly decent. It’s not lightning-fast, but it's reliable enough to browse, upload those envy-inducing Insta stories (your friends will hate you, but that's part of the fun, right?), and maybe even stream a movie in the evening (though you might want to download it beforehand to avoid any frustrating lag). I used it extensively to research my next adventures, and it only crashed on me once, which, honestly, isn't bad for a budget hotel. Just don't expect to download an entire video game in five minutes. Patience, grasshopper.
Are there any downsides? Any hidden costs or deal breakers I need to know about?
Okay, time for the real talk. There are a few... *quirks*. The rooms are, as mentioned, compact. Don’t plan on doing yoga in your room. The walls are a little thin, so if you're unlucky, you might hear your neighbor's snoring (or their *ahem*... more intimate activities – though I never experienced it myself, thankfully). The coin laundry situation is… functional. You'll find it, but expect a little wait. The elevators can get crowded during peak times. Also, this is important: *The toilets are *tiny*. And I do mean *tiny*. Be prepared to navigate the porcelain landscape with care. But again, for the price and location, these are *minor* inconveniences. Really minor. Honestly? I can live with the slightly-squished-in-the-bathroom feel, particularly when I’m saving a bundle of money.
I’m a notoriously terrible sleeper. Quietness is KEY! How loud *is* this place?
Okay, as a terrible sleeper myself, I *get* this. The quietness factor is a mixed bag. The walls, as mentioned, aren't exactly soundproof. You might hear some hallway noise, a bit of shuffling, the occasional door slam. But honestly, it wasn't a dealbreaker for me. I usually pack earplugs. Which I *strongly* recommend. If you’re a light sleeper and forget your earplugs, you might be in for a slightly less restful night. The air conditioning, on the other hand, is a beautiful, white-noise-producing machine. It hums softly in the background, which I actually find quite soothing. Another factor: being so close to Nagoya Station *could* potentially bring some train-related noise depending on the room’s positioning, but it was never a problem for me. Consider requesting a room away from the main street if you're extra sensitive.
