Saitama's BEST Hotel? Yatsuka Ekimae's Hidden Gem (APA Hotel Review!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the APA Hotel Saitama-Yatsuka Ekimae, a place I've affectionately dubbed "The Little Robot Hotel That Could." Let's be brutally honest, this ain't the Ritz. But is it a hidden gem? Kinda, sorta… maybe? Let's unravel this onion.
First Impressions (And My Slightly Panicked Arrival)
Okay, so accessibility. Crucial. Getting to this APA is EASY PEASY. Right outside Yatsuka Station. Literally, you stumble out of the train, and BAM! There it is. Perfect for those of us who are directionally challenged (me). They advertise a car park and they have it on site, too. That’s a win. However, navigating the lobby with luggage? Mmm, felt a little cramped. The elevators are… compact. If you're trying to maneuver a wheelchair in there, things could get interesting. I'm not sure about the overall wheelchair access, although the front desk staff are super willing to help where they can.
Rooms: Tiny Titans and Surprisingly Cozy
The rooms. Oh, the rooms. Don't expect sprawling suites. These are… efficiently designed. Think "capsule hotel meets slightly more luxurious apartment." Space is at a premium. BUT! They've managed to cram in a LOT. Air conditioning blasting cold (bliss!), a tiny desk, the mandatory Japanese-style toilet (heated seat? Yes, please!), and a surprisingly comfortable bed. Really comfortable. Seriously, I slept like a baby. The soundproofing? Pretty decent. Barely heard the train humming by. Even more importantly, the blackout curtains are epic. Like, "wake up at noon even though it's pouring rain outside"-epic. They have all the essentials in the rooms, from free wifi to a mini-fridge, and they have a free bottled water.
Internet Tango and Tech Troubles (Because, Real-Life)
Speaking of internet… Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! They tout. And! Internet access – LAN! And, Internet. Okay, internet, internet, internet. Here’s the deal. The Wi-Fi is… functional. Let’s put it that way. Fine for browsing, maybe a YouTube video or two. Don't expect to stream 4K movies. The LAN access is a bit of a relic in my opinion, and not much use. This is where the "robot" aspect of the hotel really comes in… everything from the automated check-in kiosks, to the room key system, it's all very efficient, and it all works.
Cleanliness and Safety: My Inner Germaphobe is… Pleased
Okay, this is where the APA really shines. Cleanliness and safety are clearly top priority. Lots of Anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizers everywhere, even in the elevator. The staff is masked and seem genuinely concerned about hygiene. I saw them Daily disinfection in common areas and rooms sanitized between stays. I had a Rooms sanitized between stays notification which was reassuring. Cashless payment service is available and they have a First aid kit available too. I love the smoke detectors and fire extinguisher too and the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property make me feel safer. Overall, it's spotlessly clean. Like, ridiculously clean. Bonus points for the Hand sanitizers at every turn.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Samurai Spirit (or Just a Hangover)
Right inside the hotel itself there's a decent restaurant. They have Asian cuisine in the restaurant that's pretty good, if not amazing. You can get an Asian breakfast or an International cuisine in restaurant with a Breakfast buffet service. They have a Coffee shop too! Not exactly a culinary destination, but perfectly serviceable for a quick bite. I’m rating this area a solid "meh." It’s not gourmet, but it gets the job done. You can order Breakfast in room too.
Ways to Relax: The Quest for Zen (and Maybe a Massage)
This is where the APA falls a little short. There's no Spa, Pool with view, or Gym/fitness. And the Sauna, Steamroom, and Massage options are basically nonexistent. But hey, you're in Japan! You can always find a nearby onsen, if you're itching for some true zen.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
The concierge is helpful, especially with directions, and there is Laundry service available which is a total lifesaver. They have an Elevator and Facilities for disabled guests which are great. I was impressed with the Business facilities as there is a Meeting/banquet facilities which is great for professionals. They also have the Convenience store—because when you run out of snacks at 2 AM, a vending machine simply won't do.
For the Kids: Family Friendly Fail?
I didn’t see any Kids facilities or Babysitting service although the hotel is Family/child friendly. So, probably not the best spot for a full-on family vacation, unless you are there just for the night.
"Getting Around" and Other Practicalities:
Car park [free of charge] is a bonus! Especially in a city like Saitama. They have Bicycle parking as well.
The Quirky Bits: Random Reflections (and a confession…)
I need to talk about the toilets. Yes, really. The Japanese toilets. Heated seats. Bidet functions. The whole shebang. It's an experience. Embrace it. Additional toilet.
Final Verdict: Is This Hotel for YOU?
Okay, so, the APA Hotel Saitama-Yatsuka Ekimae is not perfect. It's small, it's no-frills, and the dining isn't exactly Michelin-star quality. But here's why I actually liked it:
- Location, Location, Location: Right by the station! Couldn't be easier.
- Spotless Cleanliness: Seriously, it's a germaphobe's dream.
- Efficient & Affordable: A great value for the price.
- Those Blackout Curtains: They are everything.
My Recommendation: If you're looking for a convenient, clean, and affordable base camp for exploring Saitama (or just need a comfy crash pad before catching a bullet train), this is a solid choice. If you're expecting luxury and a resort-like experience, look elsewhere.
The "Book Now!" Pitch (AKA My Emotional Plea):
Okay, listen up! I'm not going to lie, the APA Hotel Saitama-Yatsuka Ekimae might be a little rough around the edges. But, here's the deal: they have a GREAT offer right now! They are giving up to 50% off on selected dates!
They aren’t paying me to say this, but I thought this hotel was a great find!
This is your chance to experience the "Little Robot Hotel That Could" – book your stay before someone else snatches it up! Trust me, those blackout curtains alone are worth the price of admission.
Book your stay at APA Hotel Saitama-Yatsuka Ekimae NOW and prepare for a clean, convenient, and surprisingly comfy adventure! (And don't forget to try the heated toilet!)
Oceanfront Paradise Found: Suites Atlas, Bucerias, Mexico!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my chaotic, beautiful, slightly-off-kilter trip to… well, specifically, the APA Hotel Saitama Yatsuka Ekimae Koshigaya in Japan. (Yes, the specific hotel, because let's be honest, sometimes the hotel is the destination, especially after a 14-hour flight.) This isn't your perfectly polished travel brochure; this is me, unfiltered and probably a little jet-lagged.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Ramen Reconnaissance
- Morning (or, more accurately, 3 AM): Landed in Narita. The customs line was a beast. Seriously, it felt like I aged ten years just standing there. But, hey, I survived! First mission: navigate the train system. I may or may not have accidentally boarded a "Limited Express" train that was definitely not stopping at my station at first. Pure panic. The Japanese people are ridiculously polite, though. I think they're all secretly judging my terrible grasp of the language, but they're incredibly helpful.
- Mid-Morning: Finally arrive at the APA Hotel. Mini-room? Check. Pre-packaged amenities? Check. The tiny toilet? Double-check. Honestly, the toilet room is smaller than my closet back home. But the view is… well, it's Saitama. Let’s be real. It's not the Eiffel Tower, but hey, it's clean, the bed is comfy, and I'm just grateful to be somewhere other than an airplane.
- Afternoon: The Ramen Quest BEGINS! Okay, so, let me tell you about my obsessive love for ramen. It's a problem. A beautiful, delicious, slurp-worthy problem. My first ramen experience in Japan was… an experience. Found this unassuming little place a few blocks from the hotel. The smell of pork fat and umami hit me like a freight train. I ordered (with the help of a very patient waitress who somehow understood my broken Japanese and pointing), and holy moly. The broth! Rich, complex, like a warm hug for my soul. The noodles? Perfect. The chashu pork? Melt-in-your-mouth heaven. Seriously, I'm still dreaming about it. I think I actually moaned with pleasure. Don't judge me. It was that good. I might have scraped the bowl clean. And then, because I'm an idiot, I ordered a second bowl.
- Evening: Stumbled back to the hotel, utterly stuffed and blissfully happy. Watched some Japanese TV that I couldn't understand, but it had colorful commercials. Felt utterly and completely at peace and fell deeply to sleep.
Day 2: Attempting to Be a Tourist (with mixed results)
- Morning: Woke up at 5 AM, thanks to the jet lag. Did a quick workout in the room (space is limited, so let’s call it a stretching session) and then went downstairs for breakfast. The hotel breakfast buffet featured the usual suspects – eggs (surprisingly delicious, again), rice, miso soup. Nothing exciting, but does the job.
- Mid-Morning: The Koshigaya Shopping Mall Adventure. Decided to be a "cultured tourist" and head to the Koshigaya Shopping Mall. It’s a massive complex, a testament to consumerism. And I loved it! (Please don’t tell anyone I admitted that.) The food court alone could have kept me occupied for days. Found an amazing Matcha ice cream.
- Afternoon: Got hopelessly lost in the mall. Seriously, the signs were all in Japanese, and even though I know a few basic phrases, I was completely bewildered. I’m pretty sure I wandered in circles for a good hour. Eventually, I gave up and bought a ridiculously cute plushie just to make myself feel better. (It’s a cat dressed as a tiny samurai, in case you’re wondering).
- Evening: The Ramen Redemption. Again. Yes, I went back to the ramen place. I couldn't help myself. This time, I tried a different type of ramen, and it was even better than the first. I also tried to speak some Japanese with the owner. He just smiled and patted my hand. Maybe he felt sorry for me, but I felt so happy and, even if my Japanese still is terrible, I'll try again, I swear!
- Rambling Digression on Ramen: Okay, let's talk more about ramen. The ritual of it is amazing. The way the chefs meticulously assemble each bowl. The precision. The care. It's a performance. And the feeling of slurping those noodles? The sheer joy? It's a religion, people. A delicious, noodle-based religion. I am a convert. And I am seriously considering trying to learn how to make it myself. Wish me luck, I'm pretty sure I'll need it.
Day 3: Embracing the Unexpected and the Meltdown of My Wallet
- Morning: Jetlag strikes again! Wide awake. No sleep even despite the 3 ramen bowls. Decided to wander around. Walked a good few miles through my surroundings, just absorbing the atmosphere. The calmness of the parks, the efficient public transportation. The sheer amount of vending machines everywhere!
- Mid-Morning: I made a mistake, but a delightful one. Found a small art shop with the cutest things ever. I was already doomed, the owner was extremely nice, and before I even had a chance to think, I had a bag bursting with purchases. (Mostly cat-themed, if you're sensing a theme). My wallet is crying.
- Afternoon I decided to go to a temple. I felt like I needed some stillness and reflection. I sat for an hour or two just taking in the beauty and the peace of the place. It was a welcome relief from the sheer stimulation of everything else. Also, I’m realizing that I'm really, really good at doing absolutely nothing. A true skill.
- Evening: My third trip to the ramen place. I’m starting to feel like a regular. The waitress knows my order now (apparently, I look like a ramen addict,) and the chef gives me a little nod. Tonight, I asked the owner if he would teach me how to make the ramen, and he just smiled. It’ll take time. He agreed eventually, after a few drinks.
Day 4: Farewell… Sort Of
- Morning: It took me ages to get out of bed, and I was surprised. I felt emotionally exhausted. It's funny how quickly you can get attached to a place, even a place as seemingly mundane as Saitama. I feel like I’ve bonded with the ramen shop owner and I’m going to miss seeing him make the ramen.
- Mid-Morning: Spent my last few hours wandering, soaking it all in. The people, the food, even the tiny hotel room. I'll actually miss it. Now, I'm on my way to the train station.
- Afternoon I finally left. I already missed the ramen shop. So, I decided to buy some instant ramen as a souvenir.
- Evening: On the train. Headed towards my next adventure. But as I look back, I can say one thing I know for sure: I’ll be back.
Quirks and Observations:
- Vending Machines: Everywhere. Literally everywhere. They sell everything from coffee to underwear. It's a vending machine paradise.
- Silence: The Japanese are incredibly quiet. It's… disarming. I'm a loud, talkative person, and I felt like I was constantly being judged for my volume.
- The Tiny Toilet: Seriously, it warrants its own section. It's an experience.
- Ramen: I cannot emphasize this enough. Go eat ramen. Go eat all the ramen.
- The Smiles: People were incredibly polite and patient, even when I was clearly aumbling around.
- Cats: There’s a lot of cat-themed stuff. I'm not complaining.
- The Food. Ok, almost everything is ridiculously delicious. The standards are high.
Emotional Reactions:
- Joy: Pure, unadulterated joy at trying new things, eating amazing food, and just being somewhere different.
- Frustration: Being lost, not understanding anything, feeling like an idiot. But even that was part of the experience.
- Exhaustion: Jet lag is a beast.
- Longing: I miss ramen. And Japan. And all of it.
Verdict: APA Hotel Saitama Yatsuka Ekimae Koshigaya? The hotel itself was a perfectly fine base. But the true magic was the experience, the adventure, and the ramen. A trip to remember. Definitely. Now, where's the next flight to Japan…?
Escape to Paradise: Nuria Padang Serai Homestay Awaits!
Saitama's Best Hotel? Yatsuka Ekimae's Hidden Gem (APA Hotel Review!) - FAQs (and a whole lotta feelings)
Okay, seriously, is this APA Hotel REALLY worth the hype? (Because, let's be real, APA Hotels are… well, they're APA Hotels.)
The rooms. Let's talk about the rooms. Are they as claustrophobic as they look in the photos?
What about the view? You mentioned something about a “surprisingly decent view.” Spill the tea!
The location? How easy is it to get to/from the station and other places?
What about the amenities? Did they have anything beyond the basics?
Hidden gems are all about the extras... What's the vibe like? And what should I do around there?
Food! What about food? Where did you eat? Did you eat anything good?
Tell me something REALLY annoying (or REALLY awesome!) that happened during your stay.
So, would you stay again? Be honest!
