Unbelievable R&B Getaway in Morioka: Washington Hotel's Secret Revealed!
Morioka's Unbelievable R&B Getaway: Washington Hotel's Secret (and My Slightly Messy) Review!
(SEO & Metadata Note: Morioka, Washington Hotel, R&B, Hotel Review, Japan, Accessibility, Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Covid-19 Protocols, Amazing Stay)
Okay, buckle up, because I just spent a weekend at the Morioka Washington Hotel, and the experience was… well, it was a rollercoaster. Forget perfectly curated Instagram posts; you're getting the real, unvarnished, and slightly chaotic truth from someone who maybe, just maybe, needs a nap after this.
First things first: Accessibility – Did They Nail It?
Honestly? Pretty darn good. I'm not using a wheelchair myself, but I was specifically looking for accessible options. It’s something I’m increasingly aware of, and frankly, it’s a dealbreaker for some of my friends. The elevators were easy to find and access, the common areas were spacious, and I spotted a few designated accessible parking spots. (Accessibility, Facilities for Disabled Guests) Plus, and this is a big plus for me, the front desk staff seemed genuinely helpful and ready to assist. Not just the polite, vacant smiles; there was a warmth there. I'd give them a solid A- on this front.
Accessibility Side Note: I'm always a little wary when I hear the phrase "facilities for disabled guests" as it's not always clear to what degree a hotel is offering this. They have these facilities and are genuinely helpful and ready to assist the front desk staff.
Getting Settled In: Rooms and the "Free Wi-Fi Everywhere!" Promise
(Available in all rooms, Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free], Air conditioning, Air conditioning in public area, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpet, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens)
The room itself? Decent. I'd booked a non-smoking room (thank god!), and it was clean and relatively spacious. (Non-smoking, Cleanliness and Safety) The air conditioning was a godsend (Morioka gets hot in summer), and the blackout curtains were clutch for sleeping in. The bed was comfy enough, though not the "cloud-like" experience some hotels boast. Let's be real, how many hotels actually have a cloud-like bed?! I've had a few in my time, one time I almost drowned in comfort. And the free Wi-Fi? Well, it worked! In a world where hotel Wi-Fi is often slower than a dial-up modem, this was a huge win. I am absolutely relying on hotel Wifi for a lot of my life, and I can say that the free Wifi was a huge win.
(Internet access – LAN, Internet) Now, about that LAN access… I didn't actually use it. Who uses LAN cables anymore? Still, it's there, and for some people, it's a necessity.
The Spa, Sauna, and Pool: My Quest for Bliss and the Unexpected Drama
(Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor])
Okay, this is where things get interesting. I'm a sucker for a good spa. I'm talking full relaxation mode: steam room, sauna, maybe a massage… the works. The Washington Hotel promised all of this, and the pictures online were gorgeous. A pool with a view! Luxurious spa treatments!
(Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage)
So, I mentally prepped for my zen session. The reality? A little less zen, a little more… let’s call it "character."
The pool… it was okay. I'm not sure if I'm just easily disappointed, but the "view" was less "stunning mountain vista" and more "adjacent building." There was a kid in the pool doing cannonballs every 15 seconds, so not exactly the serene experience I was envisioning. (Couple's room, Family/child friendly, For the kids)
The sauna… fantastic! The steam room? Equally fantastic! The spa staff? Really talented and very friendly! The body scrub I had was amazing; I was basically a new person after. That said, they were very busy, and I had to wait for my massage appointment. The whole spa experience was probably worth it, though.
My Spa Rant: Here’s the thing: I made the mistake of going on a Saturday afternoon, and the place was packed. I’d booked my massage, but the waiting area was… let's say cozy. Think a small, bustling airport lounge. I understand that staffing and scheduling can be a challenge, but maybe space? Or a little more time between clients? It really took away from the feeling of relaxation.
Dining, Drinking, and Stuffing My Face
(Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant)
The hotel offered a bunch of dining options, from a casual coffee shop to a fancier international restaurant. I opted for the buffet breakfast.
(Breakfast [buffet])
The buffet? It was… a buffet. There was a decent selection of both Western and Asian options. The best part was the freshly made omelets. The worst part? The coffee tasted like it had been brewed sometime during the Cretaceous period.
(Coffee/tea in restaurant)
For lunch, I grabbed a sandwich from the coffee shop. It was… fine. Nothing to write home about, but it did the trick.
(Snack bar)
I did hear others saying that Happy Hour at the bar was pretty decent, but I'm not a drinker myself.
Cleanliness and Safety: Covid-19 Considerations
(Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment)
The hotel seemed to be taking safety seriously, which I greatly appreciated. Hand sanitizer was readily available, and I saw staff constantly cleaning common areas. The breakfast buffet had a one-way system, and the tables were spaced apart. The kitchen and tableware items were sanitized, and this was something I felt assured about.
The Quirky Stuff: The Things You Can't Google
(Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop, Shrine)
There's a mini-mart in the hotel! Always appreciated, especially when you need a late-night snack or forgot to pack toothpaste (which you should always pack). Also, the hotel has a gift shop, so you won't have to travel far to get a Morioka souvenir. There's even a tiny shrine. A shrine. It's a little odd but in that charming, uniquely Japanese way.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Overall, the Morioka Washington Hotel was a solid choice. The accessibility was great, the Wi-Fi was reliable, and they were taking the appropriate steps to keep everyone safe. The spa experience, while not perfect, was still enjoyable. The food was hit-or-miss, but hey, you can't win them all.
If you're looking for a comfortable, conveniently located hotel in Morioka that caters to a range of needs and desires, the Washington Hotel is definitely worth considering. If you are going, though, try to avoid the spa on a Saturday afternoon! (Hotel chain, Front desk [24-hour])
Final Rating: 7.5/10 (Room for improvement, but overall a positive experience!)
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Astoria Courmayeur - Your Italian Escape!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your typical travel log. This is…well, this is my attempt at surviving Morioka, Japan, while staying at the Washington R&B Hotel near the train station. Let's see if I actually make it out alive and sane.
Day 1: Morioka, I've Arrived! (And Immediately Regretted My Outfit)
- Morning (Maybe?)
- 7:00 AM: Ugh. The alarm. The insistent, soul-crushing alarm. I'm pretty sure my travel-sized noise-canceling headphones are utterly useless. They are, without a doubt. The flight was a blur of recycled air and the existential dread of knowing I'd eaten airplane food again.
- 7:30 AM: Check-in at the Hotel. Pretty standard, except for the slight language barrier and my inherent inability to remember basic Japanese phrases. I mumbled something like "Kon-nichiwa… desk… room…?" The receptionist was remarkably polite, bless her heart. Seriously, she deserved a medal for dealing with me. I am probably the worst.
- 8:00 AM: The Room! Okay, first impressions: clean. Small. Efficient. Like a well-oiled, super-compact machine. I instantly appreciated the heated toilet seat (cultural win!) and the tiny, yet surprisingly functional, bathroom. The real test will be the bed. Hopefully, I don't roll off in the middle of the night.
- 8:30 AM: Outfit Debacle. Why, oh why, did I think wearing a bright yellow raincoat was a good idea? It's practically screaming "TOURIST!" I felt like a confused, giant canary wandering the streets. Seriously, I should've packed something more low-key.
- Afternoon: Rambling and Ramen!
- 12:00 PM: Morioka Station Exploration. Okay, this place is HUGE. Like, disorientatingly huge. I got hopelessly lost trying to find the ramen place I'd read about – Hizenya. Ended up wandering around, gawking at everything, and almost getting trampled by commuters. My inner monologue was a constant stream of "Wow," "Whoa," and "Where am I?" Plus I was sweating.
- 1:00 PM: Hizenya Discovery. Found it! Hizenya is a small place with a line outside. But it moved fast, and oh my god, the ramen! It was the Jajamen - a true culinary masterpiece. Thick, chewy noodles, that perfectly spiced sauce, and the raw garlic… This is what a bowl of perfection tastes like. I ordered a second helping - no regrets!
- 2:00 PM: The Wandering Continues (and more coffee). Fueled by ramen (and a slight caffeine craving after the long day), I decided to explore the area around the hotel. Walked in circles for about an hour. I did see a cute little park with cherry blossoms, but they didn't quite make up for my lack of directional skills.
- 4:00 PM: Coffee Shop SOS. Found a cute little coffee shop and downed a cup of "American" coffee. The coffee was great, and the atmosphere was amazing, very charming. But I felt the need to recharge.
- Evening: Hotel Hibernation (and Panic)
- 7:00 PM: Room Service?! (No.) Tried to order room service. Turns out, my Japanese language skills are abysmal. Gave up and decided to raid the convenience store next door for instant noodles and snacks. Apparently, this is my life now.
- 8:00 PM: The Bed Test. Curled up in bed, trying to figure out how to navigate the hotel's TV system. Failed. Watched some random, dubbed Japanese show and eventually passed out. I dozed off, with a mild sense of panic about the rest of the trip. Will I be able to find the toilet in the dark? Will I ever master the art of eating with chopsticks? Will I, in the end, overcome the loneliness of traveling solo?
- 9:00 PM: Wake up. Still alive. Still in Japan. Still bewildered.
- 9:30PM: Went back to sleep.
Day 2: Morioka's Mountains and Memories (and More Ramen)
- Morning: Mount Iwate (Attempted Adventure)
- 7:00 AM: Alarm. Again. Seriously, can I just sleep for, like, a week? No. Today, it was Mount Iwate, the majestic peak I'd seen from my hotel room.
- 8:00 AM: The Train. Got myself onto the train to get to the trail. That was surprisingly easy.
- 9:00 AM: The Trail. I hadn't done a hike in ages, I was seriously out of shape. And the weather was beautiful, the trail had an amazing view and clear views.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch on the Mountain. The mountain was huge, and it had its beauty. Even though I wasn't able to do the whole trail I had a wonderful time.
- Afternoon: Back to the Real World and More Ramen
- 1:00 PM Back in Morioka. I was hungry. My legs were sore. My backpack was full of trail snacks I didn't eat.
- 2:00 PM: MORE Ramen! Not just any ramen, mind you. Today, I wanted to be a little more 'adventurous.' I went to a smaller, more local place near the shopping street. And. It. Was. Incredible. The broth was the right consistency, the egg was soft, the noodles the right texture, the pork belly was tender. It was a total, instant love affair. I made an absolute mess. Soup splattered everywhere. I cried a little (happy tears).
- 3:00 PM: Relaxing Time. Went to the hotel. I could already feel the exhaustion. I took a nap.
- 4:00 PM: Walking and exploring the town. I like the area, it's pretty and quaint, what I would say about it.
- Evening: Hotel and Daydreaming
- 7:00 PM: More instant noodles, because, well, ramen cravings.
- 8:00 PM: Back in bed again, I couldn't believe how fast time was going by.
- 9:30 PM: Fell asleep.
Day 3: Morioka, Farewell! (Maybe?)
Morning: Morioka Castle Park
- 9:00 AM: Got up early to see the park, and take some pictures. The park was beautiful, it was a great and perfect morning.
Afternoon: Travel Time
- 1:00 PM: Check out of the hotel. Goodbye, little room!
- 1:30 PM: On the Shinkansen to my next destination.
- 2:00 PM: Realization. I left my phone charger in the hotel room. Facepalm.
- 2:30 PM: Too late to go back. I am doomed.
This trip is less a vacation, more a humbling experience. It's about embracing the chaos, the awkwardness, and the occasional bowl of perfect ramen. And maybe, just maybe, learning a thing or two about myself along the way.
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Unbelievable R&B Getaway in Morioka: Washington Hotel's Secret (or Not-So-Secret) Revealed! - A Q&A (Kind Of...)
Alright, spill the beans. What *is* this "Unbelievable R&B Getaway" anyway? Sounds suspiciously awesome.
Okay, okay, you got me. It's… well, it's *sort of* what it sounds like. Technically, the Washington Hotel Morioka (bless their little cotton socks) had a promotion. This was some sort of collaboration with an R&B radio station. You got a room, meals, maybe a free CD if you were lucky... and the *promise* of some groovy tunes. The 'unbelievable' part? Well, let's just say the bar was set a tad high. More on that later – prepare yourself, it’s a journey! (And yes, I'm still a little emotionally invested in this whole experience. Don't judge me.)
Did the hotel live up to the hype? R&B overload, right? Like, soul music exploding from every pipe?
Hype? Bless. I went in expecting a full-blown, velvet-roped, private-jet-to-a-concert experience. What I *actually* got was… well, it was *there*. The lobby music was, admittedly, R&B-adjacent. Think elevator muzak with a slightly more funky edge. My room? A standard hotel room. Clean, functional, you know the drill. The 'R&B explosion' was… confined, shall we say. They *did* leave a CD. It was… okay. Totally not the private concert with Maxwell I'd been subliminally hoping for. My fault for the over-imagination. Honestly, it's more accurate to describe it as an R&B *sprinkling*. Like, a tiny, tasty sprinkle. (Still, that CD… it's got some jams.)
Okay, so what exactly did you DO there? Aside from waiting for Usher to burst into your room?
Ha! Usher, now you're talking! Well, besides the ongoing Usher-shaped disappointment... I explored Morioka! Which, side note: Morioka is BEAUTIFUL. I mean, seriously, the mountains! The food! I had the *best* wanko soba experience of my life. (Google it, you won't regret it). I also visited the Iwate Museum of Art – very calming after the R&B letdown. And I enjoyed a *lot* of hotel amenities - the free coffee in the lobby was a lifesaver. And let's be real, mostly, I chilled. Read books, watched the TV, ate all the complimentary cookies. It was a vacation. A slightly misleadingly-advertised-R&B-themed vacation, but still. A vacation. (And I *may* or may not have spent an hour in the bathroom pretending to sing into a hairbrush…)
The food! Tell me *everything* about the food. Was the hotel restaurant themed for R&B? "Soul food" breakfast?
Okay, let's get to the real heart of the matter: FOOD. The hotel restaurant… wasn't *specifically* R&B-themed. (Though they *should* have been. Missed opportunity, Washington Hotel! Missed. Opportunity!) The breakfast, however, was surprisingly good. Standard hotel buffet stuff: eggs, bacon, pastries, the usual suspects. But the quality was above average. I'm talking fluffy scrambled eggs and seriously crispy bacon. And the coffee! Strong, reliable, perfect. (I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.) The lunch was delicious, too. I had some sort of set meal thingy… I don't remember what was on the plate. all I remember is that it tasted amazing and I ate it all. I was probably too busy trying to imagine I was having a soul food experience to truly appreciate the cuisine. Ah! The curse of a thematic expectation!
What was the *worst* part of the Unbelievable R&B Getaway? Be honest! Lay it all bare!
Okay, okay, you want honesty? Here it comes… The *worst* part? The creeping sense of… anticlimax. The whole thing felt a *little* like a bait-and-switch. The promise of R&B – the *unbelievable* part – just never quite materialized. It was like being promised a gourmet meal and getting… a really decent sandwich. And not even a *fancy* sandwich. A perfectly acceptable ham and cheese, but still. Not exactly a culinary revolution. Plus… (and this is a tiny, petty thing, but it still bugs me)… the shower pressure was… *weak*. Like, barely a trickle. Trying to wash all the R&B-themed disappointment off with a trickle of water felt symbolically appropriate, actually.
What was the *best* part? Did *anything* genuinely thrill you? Come on, give us something!
Alright, alright, I'll give you something positive! Despite the, shall we say, *underwhelming* R&B experience, the *best* part was… the location. Seriously. Being in Morioka was amazing. The crisp mountain air, the stunning scenery… It was the *perfect* setting to be slightly disappointed about a hotel promotion. (And it was a good thing, too, because let me be honest, I spent a lot of time just looking out the window. Morioka, you saved the day!) Plus, I have to admit, there was a moment, just after I arrived, when the hotel lobby playlist DID throw in a little Marvin Gaye. And for a brief, shining moment, I *did* feel like I was living the dream. Even if it was only for one song. (But oh, that song…) Okay, I might be reaching. But Morioka... Morioka was amazing. And the Wanko Soba. Oh, the Wanko Soba….
Would you recommend the Unbelievable R&B Getaway to someone else? Be brutally honest!
Okay, listen up. If you are expecting a full-blown R&B immersion, a weekend of non-stop soulful vibes, and maybe a celebrity sighting? Lower your expectations. Way, waaaay down. If, however, you like decent service, a decent hotel in a great location, and are open to the possibility that the "Unbelievable" part is a *slight* exaggeration… then yeah. Sure. Go for it. Just remember to bring your own speakers for a proper R&B soundtrack. And don't underestimate the power of a good view. And Morioka... go to Morioka. Seriously. Go to Morioka. You won't regret it. (Just don't tell them I said it. I don't want them jacking up the prices.)
Any last thoughts or tips for future R&B-getaway-Hotel Finder Reviews
