Unbelievable Matsumoto Hotel: New Station Views Will Blow You Away!
Unbelievable Matsumoto Hotel: My Blow-Away Experience (New Station Views ARE Real!) - A Rambling, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your average sterile hotel review. I'm here to tell you about my time at the Unbelievable Matsumoto Hotel, and honestly? It kind of blew me away. But before we dive in, a little disclaimer: I'm not a robot. I'm a human, with opinions, baggage, and a slight (okay, maybe major) coffee addiction. So, expect a bumpy ride.
Keywords: Matsumoto Hotel Review, Japan Travel, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Matsumoto, Hotel with a View, Spa Hotel, Free Wi-Fi, Japan Hotel, Station View, Unbelievable Matsumoto Hotel, Accessible Accommodation, Japanese Hotel.
First Impressions (And the View!)
Right, let's get this out of the way: YES, the view is as ridiculous as they say. Seriously. The "New Station Views" aren't just marketing fluff. Waking up and seeing the train station – a hive of activity – spread out below you felt… surreal. Like living in a meticulously crafted miniature world. I spent a good half-hour just staring, completely mesmerized, forgetting the jet lag throbbing in my temples. This is exactly how they suck you in… the view. And the view! (I'll probably repeat myself because, well, view.)
Accessibility - The Important Stuff (And a Little Grumbling)
Okay, listen up if you're looking at accessibility. This is where things get a bit… mixed. They do have facilities for disabled guests and an elevator, all definitely great, but it wasn't perfect. I will say, the staff responded immediately when I wanted help – super friendly. They really tried to make me feel welcome, which goes a long way. The ramps were a bit steep (grumble, grumble) in certain areas. But hey, I’m guessing this is the kind of place where they learn and improve, and they seem to be making a sincere effort. The accessibility might not be flawless for everyone. Still, they have a good start.
Rooms & Creature Comforts - Cozy Chaos
My room? Let's call it… cozy. (Translation: A bit small, but hey, Japan, right?) But it was spotlessly clean, which is a HUGE win in my book. The air con worked a treat (essential!), and I swear, the blackout curtains were like a hug. I slept like a log. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a godsend, especially after my roaming charges on my phone did my head in. Bonus points for the included complimentary tea and free bottled water. And I really appreciated the wake-up service… because I'm not a morning person. The slippers were also a nice touch, though they did make me feel a bit like a giant toddler.
Things to Do (Relax, Relax, Relax!)
THIS IS WHERE THEY SHINE. Okay, let's talk spa. I'm not normally a spa person, usually, I'm more of a "plonk yourself in front of the telly" kind of guy. But the spa/sauna looked tempting, and guess what? I'm hooked! The steamroom was pure bliss – a cloud of hot, steamy nothingness that melted away all my stress. I even braved the body scrub – which felt weird, but actually made my skin feel like silk. (Okay, maybe I'm a convert.) They have a pool with a view - I didn't get around to it, though. Sigh.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Adventure
- Let me be frank: the breakfast buffet was something special. A mix of Japanese and Western delicacies – the Asian breakfast was a solid start to the day. I loaded up on coffee and the amazing pastries. The buffet restaurant itself was bright and airy, and the staff were always buzzing around, topping up the coffee and clearing plates.
- The bar was cool – a great place to sink a couple of beers after a long day. And if you are super tired, just get room service [24-hour] - brilliant. They have a snack bar and coffee shop too, so seriously, you're covered.
- I saw a vegetarian restaurant and other alternative meal arrangement options on the menu.
Services & Conveniences - Above and Beyond
Okay, so here’s where they really win. The concierge was a lifesaver, helping me navigate the train system (which is an adventure in itself). They have a convenience store which, let's face it, is a must-have in Japan. The daily housekeeping kept everything spotless (seriously, I don’t know how they do it). The luggage storage was super handy before I left.
Cleanliness & Safety - Peace of Mind
In the post-pandemic world, you want to know this, right? Well, they've seriously stepped their game up. The staff are trained in safety protocol, and there's daily disinfection in common areas. I appreciated the hand sanitizer everywhere and the individual-wrapped food options. I felt safe and at ease.
For the Kids & Family - (I Saw Some Smiling Faces!)
Even though I wasn't travelling with kids, I did see plenty of families during my stay. They have babysitting service. The kids meal options seemed pretty solid from the glances I got. I also saw a few happy families using their family/child-friendly facilities.
Getting Around - Practicalities & Logistics
The airport transfer made arrival super easy. The car park [free of charge] is a great bonus. The taxi service is readily available.
The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Messy
Honestly? I loved this hotel. The view alone is worth the price of admission. The staff were wonderful, the spa was heavenly, and the food was delicious. Some minor imperfections with accessibility, and the rooms aren't huge, but that's Japan.
I'd definitely go back! I’m already planning my return. The Unbelievable Matsumoto Hotel? More like the Unbelievably Good Matsumoto Hotel. (Okay, maybe I need to work on my naming skills).
My advice? Book it. You won’t regret it… especially if you can snag a room with that view!
Overall Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars. (Minus half a star for the slightly wonky accessibility, but honestly, they're getting there.)
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… well, it’s my attempt to wrestle with a few days in Matsumoto, Japan, based around a stay at the Hotel New Station. And honestly, it might be a glorious mess. Let's see how it goes, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival, Disorientation, and the Promise of Noodles (Mostly)
8:00 AM (ish) - Departure: Okay, let's be honest, this was more like 9:30 AM, after a frantic search for my passport, which had apparently decided to play hide-and-seek under the cat bed. Found it! (Victory dance, internally. Outwardly, just a tired sigh.) Airport transfer to Matsumoto.
1:00 PM (ish) - Arrival & Hotel New Station Shuffle: Landed, got the luggage, hopped on the Limited Express Azusa train to Matsumoto (the train was surprisingly clean, a stark contrast to the London tube, which, let's face it, is a petri dish on wheels). Finally, Matsumoto Station. And there it was, the imposing shadow of Hotel New Station! Check-in was surprisingly smooth. Bless the staff for their patient smiles for my jet-lagged, fumbling attempts at Japanese.
1:45 PM - Room Inspection: The room! Small, yes, but functional. And the view… well, it's of another building. Ah, the romance of travel. But the bed looked inviting. Very.
2:15 PM - Lost and Hungry: After a quick "settling in" –translation: flopping onto the bed and blinking at the ceiling – I was STARVING. The tiny details, the things you don't plan for. Like the desperate, gut-wrenching need for food. The hotel's restaurant seemed promising, but I went for near the hotel, because I didn't want to expend the energy to go far. Ended up wandering in circles. Found a little hole-in-the-wall place that promised ramen.
3:00 PM - Ramen Revelation (Sort Of): The ramen was…. okay. Not life-altering, but warm and salty, which hit the spot. The tiny space, the old men slurping noodles, the total lack of English… it was authentically… something. I couldn't read the menu, so I pointed at a picture. My noodle-slurping technique? Let's just say I'm still working on it.
4:00 PM (ish) - Walking Around, Kinda: Decided to walk around Matsumoto city by myself but actually, I don't know where I was going, I was just walking around, getting lost. A few photos – oh, the Matsumoto Castle! Magnificent, even from afar. The shops! So many shops! Everything so perfect and beautiful. But I'm not used to this, I was overwhelmed. Ended up back at the hotel.
6:00 PM - Attempted Relaxation: Hot bath. Soaked. Stared at the wall. Bliss. I can't say enough about them, so relaxing!
7:30 PM - Dinner: Another Attempt: Gave up on finding another restaurant. Ordering food from the hotel. Sigh. It was… edible. Definitely overpriced. Lesson learned: Research restaurants before utter starvation sets in.
9:00 PM - Bedtime (Hoping For Sleep): Jet lag is a cruel mistress. Hoping to actually sleep. Wish me luck.
Day 2: Castle, Art, and a Moment of Existential Dread (Probably)
8:00 AM - Breakfast Blunder: Hotel breakfast. Honestly, the toast was the highlight, the bacon was… chewy. Still, the coffee was hot, and that's what mattered.
9:00 AM - Matsumoto Castle - The Real Deal: Okay, THIS was amazing. The "Crow Castle" is breathtaking. Climbing the steep wooden stairs was a workout (my thighs are still screaming), but the view from the top? Worth it. The history? Fascinating. The crowds? Annoying, but a necessary evil. I took so many photos. Obsessive, really. I'm still editing them.
11:00 AM - Matsumoto City Museum of Art: Yay, Yayoi Kusama. The polka dots! So much polka dot! Saw the giant polka dot balloons outside. But I was so tired, from all the walking, I spent most of it half-zoning out on the benches.
1:00 PM - Lunch Disaster Zone: Decided to be adventurous, found a tiny soba noodle place. I ordered something with "tempura" in the description. Ended up with a plate of… things. Fried things. Some were good, some were… not. The language barrier was a lot harder than I thought in Japan. At least the soba was good.
3:00 PM - Back to the Hotel (Emotional Recharge): Feeling overwhelmed. The relentless efficiency. The cultural differences. The sheer amount of stuff I’m trying to take in. Time for a serious recharge in the sanctuary of my tiny hotel room. Needed it.
6:00 PM - Dinner - A Slight Improvement: Found a cute little izakaya (Japanese pub) near the hotel. Lots of delicious small plates, and surprisingly friendly staff who spoke a little English. The sake warmed me from the inside out. Success!
8:00 PM - Contemplating the Meaning of Life (or at least, my bank balance): Back at Hotel New Station. Feeling a little less lost. But still, the quiet. The anticipation of a new day. A whole other journey.
Day 3: River, Shopping, and the Departure Shuffle
9:00 AM - Breakfast in the room: I got a little convenience store and brought back the breakfast in the room. The variety of foods was insane!
10 AM - River Stroll for some light shopping: A walk along the Metoba River. So pretty and peaceful. The shops were expensive, but fun to window shop. I felt like a proper tourist for a little bit, and I loved it!
1 PM - Last Japanese Meal: Found a hidden gem of a curry place. Delicious, and perfectly spicy. Definitely the highlight of the trip food-wise. Took notes.
3 PM - Packing Panic: Ugh. The dreaded task. How did I manage to acquire so much stuff in two days? Trying to fit it all in my suitcase. Failing.
4 PM - Farewell to Matsumoto: Check out. Goodbye, Hotel New Station! Farewell, Crow Castle! Goodbye, confusing menus! Saying goodbye to the helpful staff at the counter just made me feel relieved that I made it through.
6 PM - Train Ride Home: Back on the train, trying to catch my breath. So many memories. All of them messy and wonderful.
Reflections: Honestly? Japan is overwhelming, beautiful, confusing, and utterly captivating. Hotel New Station? Comfortable enough, and well-located. But the memories? Those are priceless. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Once I've recovered and saved enough money for the next trip.
And that, my friends, is my (mostly) honest, stream-of-consciousness account of my Matsumoto adventure. It's not perfect, but it's mine. And, let's be honest, isn’t that what travel is all about?
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Unbelievable Matsumoto Hotel: New Station Views Will Blow You Away! (A Messy FAQ)
Okay, Seriously, Is This View REALLY Worth the Hype? I've Seen Photos...
Alright, look. I'm gonna be brutally honest here. Yes. Holy mother of cherry blossoms, YES. It's not just the photos. The photos, bless their little pixelated hearts, don't even *touch* the feeling of standing there, bleary-eyed from jet lag, maybe nursing a lukewarm vending machine coffee (been there, done that, still haunted by the lukewarm coffee), as the sun paints the Japanese Alps in this insane, fiery glory. It's like... like someone took the most breathtaking landscape painting and *plunked* it right outside your window. I almost cried. And I *never* cry. Except maybe when I watch a particularly good dog food commercial... But this? This was different. It's a soul-stirring, jaw-dropping, Instagram-worthy (if you're into that sort of thing – I am, shamelessly) experience. Forget the hype. It's *beyond* the hype.
What's the 'Room Like' part of this Hotel like? Is it cramped? Clean? Did you find any creepy crawlies?
Okay, the room situation... Japan, right? So, space is a premium. It's not a sprawling villa. But listen, the room was *functional*. Clean? Abso-freakin'-lutely. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, and I survived. (Victory!). I spent a ridiculous amount of time inspecting every single surface with my phone's flashlight, convinced I’d find a rogue dust bunny or worse. Nothing. Nada. (Phew!). Creepy crawlies? No. Thank GOODNESS. They understand how to clean, in Japan, it's a talent. My only slight gripe? The pillows. They were...a bit aggressively supportive. Like sleeping on a small, firm boulder. I improvised by using my travel journal as a makeshift cushion. Didn't work perfectly, but hey, the view, right? The view makes up for *everything*.
How about the Breakfast? Is it the typical "continental buffet" disaster, or actually good?
Breakfast... ah, breakfast. This is where things get a little...confused. They *do* offer a buffet. And it's...well, it's *there*. There's the usual suspects: croissants that are probably not fresh, processed meats of questionable provenance, and a fruit salad that looks like it's seen better days. BUT, they also had a few Japanese options, and those were the *real* winners. Little savory pastries, miso soup that warmed your soul, and rice that was perfectly cooked. My advice? Skimp on the Western stuff and go straight for the Japanese goodies. Trust me. That miso, after a night of train riding and a possibly ill-advised sake tasting, is pure gold. And definitely grab the rice, before it's all gone. It was *that* good. I may have filled a thermos, for later, don't judge me.
The Location - Tell Me About Getting Around. Close to the Station? Really?
Location, location, location! That's the real selling point, aside from the obvious view, of course. It's *right there*. Like, practically *attached* to Matsumoto Station. You stumble out the door, you take a few shaky steps (jet lag, remember?), and BAM! You're at the train. Perfect for early morning adventures to Kamikochi or a spontaneous day trip to a sake brewery (highly recommended, BTW: ahem, Hakubashu, you know the one). The proximity is an absolute lifesaver after a long day of exploring. Especially when you’ve loaded up on souvenirs and local snacks. No endless taxi rides or fumbling with confusing bus routes. Just... convenience. It's a traveller's dream.
Okay, spilling the tea, did anything go… wrong? Any disappointments?
Alright, this is where I get real. Truthfully, there's *one* small thing. The "bar." They advertise it as a bar. More like a... dimly lit corner with a limited selection of drinks, and the atmosphere of a dentist's waiting room. Not exactly the lively, post-adventure cocktail lounge I’d pictured after a grueling hike. The first night, I went in, excited, and waited for what felt like an eternity (probably 5 minutes) for someone to acknowledge my presence. Eventually, I just grabbed a vending machine beer from the station, and returned to my room. But honestly? Who cares? The view makes you forget all about it. You can buy your own selection of drinks, and bring them to the room.
Let's Talk About the View. It's Really THAT Good, Huh?
Dude. The view. The *view*. Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to get a little obsessive here. I’m not even kidding, this view is borderline spiritual. I'm not a "nature person" in the stereotypical, Birkenstock-wearing, granola-munching sense. I'm a city slicker. A digital nomad, glued to my laptop, more familiar with the glow of a computer screen than the majesty of the mountains. But this... this absolutely demolished me. I woke up one morning – I’m talking *sunrise* – and, half-asleep, stumbled to the window. And... BANG. It hit me like a ton of bricks. The Japanese Alps, bathed in this ethereal morning light, the peaks piercing the sky, snow-capped, pristine, and just... there, like some ancient, silent guardians. It wasn't just pretty. It was *powerful*. It made me feel small, insignificant, and yet, paradoxically, incredibly connected to something larger than myself. I ended up completely ignoring my scheduled itinerary that morning, and just sat there. Hours. Watching the light shift and change, transforming the landscape into a living, breathing masterpiece. I even cried *again*. This time, a full-on, ugly cry. Snot, red eyes, the works. My phone was useless, I didn't even photograph it. I just *experienced*. Never felt anything like it.. This view is worthy of taking a trip on it's own. I would go back, just to see the sunrise, from that window.
What's the Overall Vibe? Is this Hotel For Me?
Look, if you want a sterile, impersonal hotel experience, this isn't it. The staff is friendly enough, but they are not overly familiar. No issues there. But the *vibe* is definitely geared towards travellers. It's functional, clean, and efficient. But the real reason to stay here is...the view, the location. If you're after luxury and pampering, you might be slightly disappointed. However, if you value a breathtaking view, convenient access to transport, and a comfortableNomad Hotel Search
