Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu, Матсумото, Япония

The hotel experience was great, despite the outdated rooms. It started with the staff, who were very accommodating and friendly. The hotel featured a public bathhouse that was very clean and had a relaxing atmosphere. I recommend the hotel's breakfast, which was quite complete, catering to both Western tastes and those looking to experience local cuisine. The hotel also had a reasonably priced laundry area to wash and dry your clothes (200 yen to wash and 300 yen for a 1.5-hour dry cycle). The location was excellent, within walking distance of the main sites and the train station.

Room was extremely spacious. It was like a small apartment. My granddaughter said it was the best place we stayed in Japan! The staff was extremely helpful. We arrived before check in time and when they said we could check in, our bags were all in our room when we were accompanied there by one of the staff. Everyone was professional, kind, and willing to help. When it was raining, there was someone from the staff standing outside with an umbrella to greet us and walk us in.