Unbelievable R&B Getaway in Kanazawa: Washington Hotel's Hidden Gem!
Unbelievable R&B Getaway in Kanazawa: Washington Hotel's Hidden Gem! - My Whirlwind Tour (and the Truth!)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the tea (probably green tea, knowing the area) on the Kanazawa Washington Hotel. Forget curated travel blogs – this is the real, slightly-over-caffeinated, and utterly honest experience. Let's call it my "I'm-still-recovering-from-jetlag" review.
First, the Premise: R&B? Really?
So, the "R&B" in the name? "Relax & Breathe," supposedly. I was picturing silk sheets, essential oil diffusers, and maybe a private concert by a very chill saxophonist. (Hey, a girl can dream, right?) Turns out, it leans more towards "Reliable & Budget-friendly," but there’s more happening here, particularly some seriously unexpected highs. Prepare yourself.
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Arrival & Initial Impressions: A Blur of Elevator Rides and Anticipation
Accessibility? Tick. The lobby was easily navigable, elevators were speedy (thank goodness after a long flight!), and the helpfulness of the staff – particularly the cheerful woman dealing with my mountain of luggage – was instant. They speak decent English too, which, after butchering Japanese greetings, was a lifesaver.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests. Yep, a win!
- Services and conveniences: Front desk [24-hour]. Necessary after a long flight. I checked in at 3 AM due to delayed flights and I was very grateful.
- Getting around: Airport transfer. Convenient but slightly less than the price of a taxi.
But let me be candid: my first feeling was… exhaustion. Everything was clean, crisp, and efficient. A little… impersonal at first. Almost sterile. I needed to breathe, and I was pretty sure that would have to be an inside job.
Room Reality: Functional, with a Few Quirks (and a LOT of Free Wi-Fi!)
My room? Clean. Comfortable. Basic. Okay, let's be honest: it wasn't exactly the "luxury oasis" my tired brain craved. But hey, the bed was comfy, which is pretty much all that mattered.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (yes, really!), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (THANK YOU!), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Well, almost everything.
- Internet: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Literally, it's everywhere)
My personal highlight? The amazing blackout curtains. Crucial for a long-haul flight recovery. The lowlight? The bathroom phone. WHY, hotel? WHY? Who calls their bathroom these days?
But here’s the kicker: the free Wi-Fi was blazing fast. As in, faster than my internet at home. Absolutely glorious. I probably spent way too much time catching up on cat videos, but hey, jet lag is a beast.
Dining & Drinking: A Culinary Adventure (with Some Unexpected Gems!)
The hotel itself has a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to food. I fully expected bland, predictable hotel fare. I was so. wrong.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Cleanliness and safety: Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Safe dining setup, Individually-wrapped food options, Staff trained in safety protocol.
The breakfast buffet? Unexpectedly impressive! There were Western options, of course (scrambled eggs, bacon – the usual suspects), but the Asian breakfast options were where it was at. I loaded up on miso soup, and rice, and seaweed… and promptly felt a million times better. Fuel for exploring! The coffee was surprisingly good too – a lifesaver on groggy mornings.
Later, I stumbled upon the hotel’s restaurants. The international cuisine was… okay. I'd skip the pasta. But the Asian cuisine? Again, a winner. I had a delicious [insert dish here–I can't remember what it was, but it was amazing], and the atmosphere was buzzy without being overwhelming. The bar was also a good place to get my bearings with a drink.
Spa & Relaxation: Where the Magic REALLY Happened
Okay, here’s where the "R&B" actually shined. I was skeptical, but the spa? Seriously impressive.
- Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
- About the pool: The pool was outdoors and while it wasn't heated, it was pretty amazing. There was such a great view I spent an hour just relaxing with a drink.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: It was a bit small and basic but it was still a great amenity to have on hand.
The sauna was pure bliss. Stepping out into the cool air afterward made me feel like I was born again. I didn't take any scrubs or wraps, but the massages were a complete delight. I think I actually started drooling from the relaxation. The masseuse even took a look at my knotted shoulders and managed to get rid of the pain. The steamroom was also good, the fitness center was a nice change of pace, and they had a foot bath - just what I needed after walking and sightseeing.
Cleanliness & Safety: Making Sure You Don't Get Sick
In these uncertain times, safety is paramount, right? They took things seriously.
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
I saw hand sanitizer everywhere and the rooms were spotless. I felt safe and at ease, which is a MASSIVE plus. The team's attention to hygiene was exemplary, and they go the extra mile to ensure your safety.
Service & Conveniences: From Concierge to Dry Cleaning
The usual helpful stuff. Nothing earth-shattering, but entirely functional.
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The concierge was super helpful with directions and recommendations. The dry cleaning service was a lifesaver (hello, spilled coffee!). No complaints here.
Things to Do: Exploring Kanazawa's Treasures
Kanazawa itself is a gem! The hotel was also conveniently located near a lot of great locations.
- Things to do: Sightseeing tours.
I would highly recommend a trip to the Kenrokuen Garden! This garden gave me a deep feeling of peace and serenity, perfect after a long day. It was truly awe-inspiring.
The Verdict: Surprisingly, Super Impressed!
So, is the Kanazawa Washington Hotel a "hidden gem?" Well, no, because it's a hotel and those aren't hidden. But! It *does
Escape to the Swiss Alps: CIP Hotel Tramelan's Unforgettable Getaway
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished travelogue. This is my Kanazawa, Japan, survival guide, filtered through the slightly deranged lens of someone who needs a good nap, like, yesterday. And we're starting from… Washington R&B Hotel Kanazawa-eki Nishiguchi. Yep. Ready? Let's go:
Day 1: Arrival and Disorientation (and a near-meltdown)
- 14:00 - The Great Train Station Debacle: Arrived at Kanazawa Station. Okay, so the station itself is BEAUTIFUL. Like, ridiculously so. But finding the hotel? That's where things got… interesting. I swear, the street signs were taunting me. "Lost? Again? Tee hee!" They probably said. My phone's GPS was a lying liar who lies. Eventually, after a solid 20 minutes of sweating buckets and muttering obscenities under my breath (mostly directed at the tiny Japanese lettering), I found it. The Washington R&B. Relief washed over me. Followed immediately by the need for a shower and a serious apology to my poor, abused luggage.
- 15:00 - Check-In & Room Reconnaissance: Sweet, sweet air conditioning. Thank god. The hotel is… fine. Clean, functional. A slight aroma of… something vaguely floral, which I suspect is the "Japanese air freshener" they rave about. The room is small (welcome to Japan!), but the bed looked incredibly inviting. I did a quick mental inventory: no bedbugs, no visible signs of the apocalypse. Win!
- 16:00 - The "Convenience Store" Experience: Okay, I'm officially obsessed. Japanese convenience stores are like tiny, perfectly curated paradises. I spent a frankly embarrassing amount of time wandering the aisles of FamilyMart, just staring at the weird and wonderful snacks. Pocky? Check. Onigiri? Check. Mysterious, pre-packaged salads that looked suspiciously like they'd been crafted by tiny, highly-efficient elves? Also check. Ended up with a questionable yogurt drink and a bag of what turned out to be wasabi potato chips. My taste buds haven't forgiven me.
- 17:00 - Kenrokuen Garden - The First Encounter: Forced myself out of my comfy room. Kenrokuen Garden is supposed to be stunning. And it is. Breathtaking, even. But I was fighting fatigue. I was a zombie clutching a camera. Spent the whole time more focused on finding a bench to collapse on than actually appreciating the scenery. Got a picture of a particularly grumpy-looking heron though. A win, I guess? Definitely going back tomorrow for a redo when I'm not running on fumes.
- 19:00 - Dinner Fiasco: Found a ramen place near the hotel. It looked promising. The noodles were amazing! The broth was rich and flavorful. I felt like I'd found a true gem… until I realized I had no idea what anything else on the menu said. Pointed at a picture and hoped for the best. What arrived was… a pile of raw fish. I don't like raw fish. I choked down a few bites, tried not to make a scene of my disgust and fled. Ended up buying a packet of instant ramen at the convenience store. My culinary journey is off to a roaring start!
- 21:00 - Bedtime bliss: Collapsed on said bed. Drifted off immediately. Whispered a prayer that tomorrow would bring less cultural misunderstandings in the food department. And a really, really good coffee.
Day 2: Gardens, Tea Houses, and the Quest for Coffee
- 08:00 - Coffee Crisis Averted (Miraculously): Wake up. The first and most important task has become finding good coffee. After a panicked online search, discovered a little cafe outside the station called "Curio Espresso". The barista actually knew how to make a proper latte. It was heavenly. Seriously, I might have cried.
- 09:00 - Kenrokuen, Take Two (And It's Actually Beautiful This Time!): Back to Kenrokuen Garden, this time with a decent night's sleep in my system. The morning light was magical. The gardens actually did look like the pictures. I even sat on a bench (success!), and just…breathed. Watched some elderly Japanese ladies practicing tai chi. It was actually peaceful. I nearly cried again (happy tears this time).
- 11:00 - Higashi Chaya District - The Geisha Glamour: Wandered through Higashi Chaya, the beautifully preserved geisha district. The wooden architecture is gorgeous. Felt a little like I'd stepped back in time. Took way too many pictures of teahouses. Wondered if I could blag my way into a geisha performance. Probably not.
- 12:00 - Lunch - The Sushi Saga (Take Two - And Success!): Determined to redeem my sushi-related faux pas from yesterday, I did some research. Found a highly-rated sushi restaurant, "Sushi Imai (鮨 泉水)". Sat at the counter and watched the chef craft miniature works of art. The sushi was incredible. Melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Definitely worth the price tag. Felt like a proper foodie for the first time in days!
- 14:00 - Tea Ceremony - Awkward Grace: Signed up for a tea ceremony. It was… interesting. The matcha was bitter, the ceremony was… formal. I spilled some tea. I nearly dropped my bowl. I probably looked like a complete idiot. But the host was incredibly patient, and the whole experience was… strangely calming.
- 16:00 - Omicho Market - Sensory Overload: Went to Omicho Market. It's a sensory explosion! Seafood, produce, tiny pickles that looked like they cost more than my rent. The fish stalls are particularly impressive (and, to be honest, a little overwhelming). I bought some incredibly delicious, and slightly terrifying, sea urchin.
- 18:00 - Dinner and the "Karaoke Conundrum": Dinner at a local Izakaya (Japanese pub). The food was fantastic. The beer was cold. Then the owner suggested karaoke. Oh dear. I'm not a karaoke person. But how do you say "no" in Japanese? Spent the next hour butchering a Bon Jovi song in front of a room full of amused locals. Surprisingly, I got a standing ovation. Maybe I'll try again tomorrow.
- 21:00 - Bedtime Bliss (Again): Passed out. Praying my singing doesn't haunt my dreams.
Day 3: The Samurai District, a Near-Death Experience (Food-Related), and Departure
- 09:00 - The Samurai District - Strolling through History: Okay, the Samurai district is cool. The houses are impressive and the history is really fascinating. Spent a couple of hours wandering the streets of the Nagamachi samurai district. Imagined what it would be like to live in one of those cool houses..
- 11:00 - The Most Dangerous Curry Rice: Decided to be adventurous and find some Curry Rice. Entered a tiny curry place. The owner spoke zero English. I pointed at a picture. What arrived was a mountain of rice, topped with what looked like nuclear waste, and a side of… weird pickles. Took one bite. My mouth was on fire! I think I was actually sweating from the spice! It was delicious, mind you, even if it felt like my insides were being gently nuked.
- 13:00 - Farewell to the Cherry Blossoms: A quick stroll at the castle park. Spent the last afternoon trying to soak in the beauty of the place.
- 14:00 - Last Convenience Store Raid: One last chance to buy weird snacks!
- 15:00 - Back to Kanazawa Station, and the End: Goodbye Kanazawa. I've survived. I've overeaten. My taste buds have been challenged. I'm exhausted, and strangely exhilarated. This trip wasn't perfect. It was messy. I was lost a lot. I ate some things that didn't agree with me. But it was mine. And that’s the best kind of trip.
- 16:00 - Heading to the Airport (and a desperate plea for sleep): The Bullet train departs to the airport.
Unbelievable R&B Getaway in Kanazawa: Washington Hotel's Hidden Gem! (Or Is It...?) - FAQs You *Actually* Need
