Smile Hotel Shiogama

I highly recommend this hotel! Although it's a bit far from Nishishiozaki subway station and the area looks a bit rural with no shops along the way, there's a convenience store right downstairs. The room was very clean and comfortable, I slept so well that I overslept and missed breakfast, which was a shame since I'd heard it was excellent. I wasted the breakfast fee. For solo travelers looking to visit Matsushima, this is a great choice because hotels near Matsushima are expensive. It's only three stops away by transfer from here. I was unlucky enough to experience an earthquake, but the hotel's emergency response was excellent. They immediately made an announcement (though I didn't understand it). My daughter was very worried and called me right away to check on me, asking me to look at the escape routes and send her photos. I tried to use the elevator but it wasn't working, confirming my suspicion about the announcement I'd just heard. About an hour later, presumably after the hotel staff confirmed there were no more aftershocks, they made another announcement to let guests know the elevators were operational again.

The parking lots are spread out, so if you check out late, you'll have to walk a bit. Other than that, no complaints!

There was a convenience store nearby, which was very convenient.

I was bothered by the smell in the bathroom.

The hotel is located far from the train station and is only suitable for travelers with cars. The rooms are small, but the cleanliness is okay. There is a parking lot downstairs, but there are few spaces and you have to park far away.

I was happy to be able to have breakfast, and I was also satisfied with the local zunda mochi. The electric kettle provided had deteriorated and gave off a plastic smell every time I used it, so I think it's time to buy a new one.