Okayama Ekimae Universal Hotel

This hotel offers an exceptionally value-packed stay, distinguishing itself with the inclusion of both dinner and breakfast, alongside access to a large public bath, all at a remarkably affordable rate. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's cost-performance as its signature feature. While the facilities show their age, the spacious rooms for the price point are frequently appreciated. This hotel is particularly well-suited for budget-conscious travelers, business travelers, solo travelers, and groups such as students or workers who prioritize affordability and essential amenities over luxury. To make the most of your stay, consider arriving early for meals to ensure the best selection, and it is advisable to bring an extension cord for convenient charging of your devices, as in-room power outlets can be limited.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a large public bath which is a significant draw for many guests, often praised for its cleanliness and the inclusion of a sauna. Female guests should note that access to their public bath area typically requires a key for enhanced security. While the hotel offers Wi-Fi, its availability is a common point of contention; many guests report that it is only accessible in the lobby area or on specific floors, rather than throughout all guest rooms. Power outlets in the rooms are frequently cited as insufficient or inconveniently located, often not near the bed. The hotel provides laundry facilities and vending machines for guest convenience. Some guests have reported issues with the air conditioning being noisy or ineffective, and while refrigerators are available in rooms, they are typically empty, with some reports of them being non-functional. The television sets in rooms are generally small, and some guests have experienced reception issues.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed. Many guests find the rooms to be spacious for the price, and the wide beds are generally considered comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, a significant number of reviews express concerns about the overall cleanliness, with frequent mentions of dust accumulation, hair found on floors and in bathrooms, and occasional reports of mold or stains on bathroom fixtures, curtains, or bedding. Some guests have also noted dirty cups or glasses in their rooms. Noise levels can vary; some guests have reported disturbances from noisy ventilation fans or street noise, while others have experienced noise from adjacent rooms. In-room amenities are described as basic, with some guests expressing disappointment over the quality, such as combined shampoo and conditioner products.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's inclusion of both breakfast and dinner is a major highlight for many guests, offering exceptional value. Breakfast is served buffet-style, typically offering a basic selection of Japanese and some Western items. While generally considered acceptable for a complimentary meal, some guests have noted that the food can run out if arriving late, and there have been occasional comments about the quality of the coffee. For dinner, guests usually have a choice between a curry dish and a daily special, often accompanied by a salad bar and drink bar. Many guests are pleasantly surprised by the quality and find the meals satisfying given that they are free. The dining area can become crowded, especially during peak hours, sometimes leading to shared tables. Guests are permitted to bring their own alcoholic beverages to the dining area.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient, situated within walking distance of Okayama Station, though some guests find the walk a bit longer than anticipated. A significant advantage is its close proximity to the Aeon Mall, which is just a few minutes' walk away, offering extensive shopping and dining options. Numerous convenience stores and other dining options are also readily available in the immediate vicinity. While the hotel's entrance can be somewhat challenging to locate for first-time visitors, and there are some stairs leading to the lobby, its central position makes it a practical base for exploring the city. Parking is available, but spaces are limited and can be expensive, leading many guests to recommend utilizing the more affordable coin parking lots nearby.

Staff & Service
Feedback regarding the staff & service is quite varied. Many guests commend the staff for being helpful and polite, contributing positively to their stay, particularly highlighting the quick check-in process. However, some reviews describe certain staff members as unmotivated, uncommunicative, or even unfriendly, which can detract from the guest experience. There have been instances where staff were perceived as unaccommodating regarding room change requests, such as switching to a non-smoking room. A recurring concern is the hotel's policy on luggage storage, with some guests reporting that staff either refused to store luggage or directed them to leave it in an unsecured area without taking responsibility. While some staff members can communicate in basic English, more complex inquiries might pose a challenge.

Additional Information
A significant point of disappointment for many female guests is that the female public bath is frequently reported as being under renovation or otherwise unavailable, despite being a key advertised feature. Similarly, the male public bath has had its sauna reported as out of order at times. Guests should be aware of the hotel's specific check-in time of 4:00 PM and check-out time of 10:00 AM, as some have expressed a desire for earlier check-in options. For guests who prefer smoking rooms, these are available, but some reviews indicate that the rooms can have a strong, lingering odor. The hotel does not feature an in-house shop or sales counter, which some guests noted as a minor inconvenience.