Yokohama's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Luxury of New Otani Inn Premium!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the supposed "Hidden Gem" of Yokohama: New Otani Inn Premium. And trust me, after spending a week there, I've got enough opinions to fill a goddamn sake barrel.
(SEO Time: Keyword stuffing ahead, hope you're ready! Think "Yokohama Hotels," "Luxury Yokohama," "New Otani Inn Premium Review," "Accessible Yokohama," "Spa Hotel Yokohama," "Hotel with Pool Yokohama," "Best Yokohama Hotels.")
Accessibility, Oh My Lord… and the Elevator, Thank Goddess!
Listen, as someone who sometimes walks like a drunken sailor on a trampoline (my own fault, I might add), accessibility is HUGE. And let me tell you, New Otani Inn Premium starts things off pretty good. They have, gasp, an elevator! (Essential, I tell you, essential!). Facilities for disabled guests are listed, which always brings a hopeful glint to my eye. We're talking ramps and, I think, accessible rooms – though I didn't personally check (note to self: next time, actually look!). The CCTV in common areas adds a layer of safety.
Then, there's the Internet…Oh, the Internet… (or Lack Thereof) (SEO: "Free Wi-Fi," "Internet Access Hotel")
Now, let's talk about the modern-day necessity: the internet. The website boasts Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and Internet access – wireless. Bless them. But honestly, during my stay, the Wi-Fi was about as reliable as a politician's promise. Constantly dropping out, slow as molasses… frustrating. I kept checking the Internet access – LAN option in my room and I could not find it, I could have just overlooked it, maybe? I'm a big fan of the old LAN connection!
(Rant Break: Seriously, in this day and age, hotels should be penalized for crummy Wi-Fi. I’m going to write a strongly worded Yelp review.)
The Spa, The Pool, and the Quest for Relaxation (SEO: "Spa Yokohama," "Pool Hotel Yokohama," "Sauna Yokohama," "Massage Yokohama")
Okay, deep breath. Let's move on to the good stuff. Or at least, the potentially good stuff. The hotel promises an oasis of relaxation. And while it doesn't quite deliver a tropical paradise, it's got its moments.
(Emotional Overload Incoming)
The Pool with view! Yes, there's a pool! (more on that in a minute). There's also a Spa! A Sauna! A Steamroom! and a Spa/sauna (seems redundant), so you know, my heart leaped a little! I was picturing myself, a vision of relaxation, emerging from a Body wrap, radiating serenity. I was desperate to get a Massage.
(Reality check: I ended up spending most of my time at the pool. More on that later.)
They also had a Fitness center with a Gym/fitness! And don't forget the Foot bath. They have it. I just… didn't try it. Didn't have time!
The Pool: A Love/Hate Relationship
Look, the Swimming pool [outdoor]…it was okay. The Poolside bar was a welcome addition, if a tad slow with the service. The view? Meh. It was there. No, the thing that really got to me about the pool was the crowd. The sheer, unrelenting crowd. The constant splashing, the screaming kids… It was a far cry from the tranquil escape I was hoping for. (Quirky Reaction: Maybe I should have brought earplugs. Or a hazmat suit. Just kidding… mostly.)
The Dining Odyssey: Food Glorious Food? (SEO: "Restaurants Yokohama," "Breakfast Yokohama," "Asian Cuisine Yokohama," "Vegetarian Restaurant Yokohama")
Let's be honest, food is a HUGE part of the hotel experience. New Otani Inn Premium offers a dizzying array of options. Restaurants abound, promising everything from Asian cuisine in restaurant to Western cuisine in restaurant. I went straight for the buffet.
(Emotional Rollercoaster: Breakfast Buffet Edition)
The Breakfast [buffet] . . . oh boy, the breakfast buffet. Now, I am a fan of breakfast buffets, I love them. The variety was… vast. They had the expected Asian breakfast, which was good, they have Western breakfast. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent (though, again, the Wi-Fi betrayed me, and I couldn't stream anything while I was sipping my coffee - and yes, that's a first-world problem, I know).
The sheer amount of food on display was overwhelming. I mean, they had a Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, everything. And then there were the desserts! I'm a sucker for Desserts in restaurant. Overall, the food was good, not Michelin-star amazing, but definitely got me through the day. I got a Bottle of water, but I didn't see the Bottle in room, maybe because I wasn't really looking for it.
Rooming In and Out (SEO: "Non-smoking rooms," "Air conditioning," "In-room safe box," "Room service 24 hours")
My room? Eh. It was a room. A perfectly adequate, Non-smoking room, which is a must for this smoker who tries not to smoke. It had Air conditioning (thank the heavens!), a Coffee/tea maker (essential!), and you know, the usual suspects: a Refrigerator, a Mini bar.
(Quirky Observation: I was honestly surprised how many lights there were. Never ran out of options. More lights than a Vegas stage show.)
I liked all the features. It had an Extra long bed, and I mean, extra long, for a short person like me is really amazing. The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after those exhausting spa sessions. I also loved having a In-room safe box. It was also good to have a Hair dryer, and I did not expect there was a scale there.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peeking Behind the Curtain (SEO: "Cleanliness Hotel Yokohama," "Safety Hotel Yokohama," "Sanitized Hotel")
The hotel seemed clean. They claim to use Anti-viral cleaning products and provide Hand sanitizer. They mentioned something about Daily disinfection in common areas, and the rooms were Rooms sanitized between stays. They are also said to be Staff trained in safety protocol, which is comforting. And of course, the Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and CCTV in common areas add layers of protection.
(Anecdote: One of my favorite experiences, the hotel actually provides very cool staff uniforms which are trendy and functional.)
Service and Conveniences: The Nitty Gritty (SEO: "Concierge Yokohama," "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Luggage storage," "Elevator")
The Concierge was helpful, but not particularly thrilling. There's Cash withdrawal, you know the basics. And, they do have Meeting/banquet facilities, so if you're planning on boring your colleagues with a seminar, this is your place. Luggage storage was a godsend before my flight. A Convenience store on-site – score! Also, do they have the facilities for disabled guests? Yes!
(My Feelings Deep Inside)
Overall, The New Otani Inn Premium is a decent hotel. The proximity to everything is great. It is a little worn but not too bad. I didn't feel like it was an exceptional experience, but if you need a place to stay, it's there.
The Big Sell: The "Hidden Gem" Offer (SEO: "Yokohama Hotel Deals," "New Otani Inn Premium Booking," "Luxury Hotel Yokohama Offer")
Here's the Deal, Folks!
Book your stay at the New Otani Inn Premium this week and get (insert an attractive incentive here. Since they didn't have a pool view they had more on the features and amenities.)
Free Upgrade to a Room with Extra amenities.
(For the Wi-Fi sufferers) Complimentary access to our premium, high-speed internet (the good stuff!)
Early Check-In/Late Check-Out
Free Breakfast
Don't wait! This offer is only valid for a limited time! Book Now! (SEO: Link to booking page with all the keywords mentioned above!)
Alois Austria: The Untold Story You Won't Believe!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished itinerary. This is my itinerary for the New Otani Inn Yokohama Premium. Prepare for chaos, delight, and the inevitable existential dread of realizing you're spending a fortune just to sleep in a fancy box.
Day 1: Arrival, Dreams of Ramen, and the Great Yokohama Scramble
- 10:00 AM (ish) - Narita Airport: The Human Zoo. Flight arrives late. Seriously, why are all airports designed to make you feel like a sardine in a vacuum-sealed can of despair? The passport control line snakes on forever. I swear some people look more prepared for a Mars landing than a trip to Japan.
- 11:30 AM (maybe) - Train to Yokohama: Okay, the train is thankfully clean and efficient. I'm already sweating bullets though, not from the heat, but from the fear of accidentally breaking an unspoken Japanese social rule. Like, is it okay to eat a banana on the train? Do I bow too much? Do I bow too little? This is exhausting.
- 1:00 PM - Hotel Arrival & Room Shenanigans: Finally, New Otani Inn! The lobby is gorgeous. Kinda intimidating, actually. Like, I feel underdressed, even though I packed a whole suitcase of "chic but practical" outfits. Check-in is smooth, but my room… the view is amazing, but… where's the mini-fridge? This is a premium hotel, right? I’m already spiraling.
- 2:00 PM - Ramen Quest Begins: Must. Find. Ramen. NOW. I consult Google Maps with the ferocity of a starving lioness. Reviews are mixed. This place seems promising, but it's a 20-minute walk. Is it worth it? Probably. I can practically taste the savory broth.
- 2:30 PM - Misadventure: Lost and Found (Maybe Lost): Okay, maybe those 20 minutes turned into 30. I got sidetracked by a kitten sleeping in a sunbeam. Seriously, the cutest thing I've ever seen. Ended up a little lost. But I found the ramen place!
- 3:00 PM - Ramen: Holy Mother of Deliciousness! Glory be! It was even better than I imagined. I slurped, I sighed, I almost cried. Pure, unadulterated joy. This alone was worth the trip. This is why I came.
- 4:30 PM - Yokohama Scramble Crossing… Or Not: Yeah, I was planning on crossing the scramble. But I spent 30 minutes trying to figure out how to cross the road. There are so many people! And lights! And… oh, just give me a minute. I ended up just watching others cross for a while. Maybe tomorrow…
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Disaster (or Delight?): Found a tiny, tucked-away izakaya. The menu is all Japanese. I point at a picture. Pray. It turns out to be grilled octopus, and it's the best thing I've ever eaten. I feel like a local. I also feel slightly ill from too much sake.
- 8:00 PM - Hotel Room & Existential Dread: Back in the room. Staring at the skyline. It's beautiful. But also: What am I doing with my life? Is my ramen addiction sustainable? Am I going to accidentally offend someone tomorrow? The mini-fridge is still missing.
- 9:00 PM - Attempted Sleep: Nope. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. Plus, my brain is still buzzing from the octopus and sake.
Day 2: Harbour Views, Cake-Induced Bliss, and the Price of Paradise
- 7:00 AM (ish) - Waking Up (kinda): My internal alarm clock is apparently set to "unpleasant." The sunlight is blinding. And where did all that energy from the ramen go?
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Battle: The hotel breakfast buffet is… overwhelming. So many choices! I make the classic tourist mistake of piling everything on my plate. I’m not sure how to eat half of it, but I will try my best.
- 9:00 AM - Exploring the Harbour: I decide to be a tourist. I stroll along the harbor. The air is crisp, the boats are pretty, and the whole scene feels straight out of a postcard. Until I almost step in some seagull poop. Then it's just life.
- 10:30 AM - The Cake of My Dreams: Discovered a patisserie. And it's not even on my list! I enter, prepared to be overwhelmed. I see a mont blanc, chocolate, and everything.
- 11:30 AM - The Yokohama Great View! The Ferris wheel looms. I decide it is not worth the wait. I'll just stick to the harbour view.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch (Or, The Search for Noodles, Round 2): My ramen hunger is building up. But I want to explore. I wander around a little. I decide to eat, and my usual luck brings me to a store that has everything.
- 2:00 PM - The Power of Karaoke: A little karaoke to test my courage. All alone. And I picked a Japanese pop song! I make a fool out of myself, but it was amazing.
- 3:00 PM - Shopping: My bank account is screaming.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner: I’m tired of the food. I just need to order something, and I have no patience.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: I decide that I have to take a break from the world.
Day 3: Departure & the Lingering Taste of Ramen
- 7:00 AM - Wake Up
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast: I was so tired of buffets, that I just ate.
- 9:00 AM - Last Harbour Stroll: One last view. One last moment of peace.
- 10:00 AM - Train to Airport: Back to the train.
- 11:00 AM - More Ramen: I feel like I need one last bowl of ramen.
- 1:00 PM - Departure: Time to go.
Post-Trip Thoughts (aka, The Rambling):
Okay, so, the New Otani Inn was nice. The bed was comfy. The view was amazing. But honestly? It was those moments of accidental discovery – the adorable kitten, the octopus, the ramen – that I'll remember. Those are the things that make a trip real. And, yeah, I might have spent a small fortune. But, hey, you only live once, right? (Unless, you know, you believe in reincarnation. Then, yikes, I'm screwed.) And maybe one day, I'll conquer the scramble crossing. Maybe. Don't hold your breath. But I'll never forget the taste of that first bowl of ramen. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. And isn't that what a trip is all about? Finding your own little pockets of joy, even amidst the existential angst. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. I think my stomach wants ramen.
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Yokohama's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Luxury of New Otani Inn Premium! (Maybe?) - FAQs from a Slightly Jaded Traveler
Is the New Otani Inn Premium Actually *Premium*? I've seen the photos...
Okay, so "premium," right? Look, the photos are *gorgeous*. Seriously, Instagram fodder. But real-life? It's... a mixed bag, let's be honest. It's definitely nicer than some of the budget hotels I've accidentally ended up in (shudders). Think clean lines, a decent view (if you get the right room), and that elusive "Japanese efficiency" that's always a plus. The lobby is impressive – felt almost guilty just *walking* through it. But premium? Hmm. Let's say, it's premium-adjacent. You're not going to be demanding a refund because the gold leaf isn't real, but you're also not going to feel like royalty. More like... a moderately well-off tourist who splurged a *little*.
What are the rooms *really* like? I'm picturing tiny shoeboxes.
Okay, this is where things get subjective. My first room was… compact. Let me put it that way. Like, I could touch both walls simultaneously while sitting on the (perfectly comfortable) bed. I'm a space-hog, so that was a bit of a shock. But! The bathroom was surprisingly well-appointed. Heated toilet seat (essential!), good water pressure, and a decent shower. The amenities? Top-notch. You know, the little shampoos and lotions. Obsessively checking every aspect, I actually spilled some on my leg and cried for a hot second. Oh, and the view? That's the kicker. Ask (beg, plead!) for a room facing the bay. Watching the Yokohama skyline light up at night? Worth the tiny-room claustrophobia. Seriously, I almost lived in that view. Almost.
The food? Tell me about the food! Japanese food is my *life*!
Alright, food. This is where the New Otani Inn *almost* redeemed itself. The breakfast buffet... OH. MY. GOD. Okay, breathe. They have everything. Everything! From perfectly cooked eggs (finally!) to an array of Japanese delicacies that made my taste buds sing. The miso soup was heavenly, the rice was perfect... I seriously considered booking a second night JUST for the breakfast. I’m drooling just thinking about it. I ate so much I felt almost ill, but I absolutely didn't *care*! There are other dining options too, but... the breakfast. Just. The breakfast. Let me tell you more, I'm not sure I'll stop talking about the breakfast until the day I die.
Is it near anything interesting? Let's be honest, I want to party.
Location, location, location! That's what they say, right? Well, the New Otani Inn is in a pretty darn good spot. Yokohama's a great city. Seriously, I love the vibe, the energy. You're close to Chinatown (duh), the Red Brick Warehouse (Instagrammable heaven), and a bunch of cool bars and restaurants. But a "party" party? Hmmm. It depends on your definition. It's not exactly Ibiza. Expect more relaxed vibes. Think cool jazz bars, maybe some karaoke (essential!), and exploring the city's hidden gems. I found a tiny, amazing whisky bar a few blocks away. (Don't remember the name. Sorry. Blame the whisky.) Public transport is excellent, so getting around is a breeze. Don't be afraid to explore! Yokohama is there with open arms, waiting for you to be in her embrace.
Anything I should watch out for? Any *dealbreakers*?
Okay, here’s the brutally honest part. The internet. It was… spotty. Like, dial-up in 2024 spotty. Prepare to tether to your phone, or embrace the digital detox. (Some people might consider that a *plus*, I'm not sure). And during peak season, the elevators can get a bit… chaotic. Embrace the stairs. Or, you know, build some patience. And, as I mentioned before, room size can be an issue if you're a space-hog. Also, I tried to order room service once, and it took an hour. An hour! I was STARVING! But hey, first world problems, right? Don't go expecting perfection, and you'll probably be fine. Mostly. And try to remember the breakfast will save you! Save you from everything, I am sure.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Alright, full disclosure: yes. Honestly, yeah, I probably would. Despite the internet woes and the slightly-too-small room (and the near-disastrous room service fiasco), the positives outweigh the negatives. The view. The breakfast. The convenience. The price (it wasn't *cheap*, but compared to some other options, it was decent). Plus, there's something comforting about the Japanese efficiency and the overall cleanliness. It's a solid choice. It might not be *pure* luxury, but it's a comfortable basecamp for exploring Yokohama. And seriously... that breakfast. Seriously consider it. Just… be prepared to tether your phone and bring some patience. You'll be fine. I hope.
Could you give me some tips to make it a better experience?
Oh, sure! First, book a room with a bay view, seriously. Second, pack a portable charger. Third, download offline maps. Fourth, if you are going to partake in room service, order before you're starving. Fifth, and this is crucial: *go to the breakfast*. And sixth, bring a phrasebook and a sense of humour. Embrace the little quirks, get lost in the city, and enjoy the experience. Because you deserve it. Remember to bring that excitement, because it matters a lot. And go to the breakfast. Seriously!
