Gero Hotels with balcony

"Impression: Ogawaya was one of the three day-trip options I considered for my Gero trip last summer, and it left a great impression then. So, when planning this winter trip, I really wanted to stay here for a night. Since I booked late, I was lucky to even snag a room. Service: The front desk had a Chinese-speaking staff member who was, hands down, the loveliest Chinese-speaking person I encountered on any of my trips. Unlike some uncomfortable experiences I had at Dormy Inn Kumamoto and with the Nohi bus today, this young lady was genuinely warm and friendly. Facilities: During my day trip last summer, I only got to use the women's bath that was open in the afternoon. It was very clean and had a silk bath. This time, I tried the other bath in the morning, but I still feel that Sagi-no-yu has a more unique charm. Also, on the first floor of the scenic view building where I stayed, there's a 'Can Onsen' (sparkling onsen) which is open to women from afternoon to evening. It features a highly concentrated carbonated hot spring. Although it's artificial, it's definitely worth trying. The lobby has a self-service drink bar, and after a hot spring bath, enjoying a cold orange juice while watching the river flow by outside the window is incredibly relaxing. Drawbacks: The only downside was the noise from my next-door neighbors. I don't know who they were, but this is the only Japanese hotel I've stayed in where I've experienced such loud noise. Despite having two layers of doors, I was disturbed both in the evening and in the morning. Highlights: A great bonus is that the hotel's refrigerator has a freezer compartment – a freezer compartment! Perfect for storing ice cream!"

"To be honest considering this has a 4 star rating I'm a bit disappointed. Generally speaking it is a nice place but there are small things that are lacking compared to other similar Onsen Hotels at the same price. For example they don't provide a basket to go to the onsen but only a cheap plastic bag. The Hotel itself is very old but well maintained and at least the general spaces use nice materials and decoration. Once you reach the room it becomes worse. The materials used in the room are very cheap (Vinyl Floor, Cheap Wallpaper that was put on very poorly). Some aspects of the room have been refurnished, like the sink but most of it seems to be original from the 60s-80s. The bathtub and Toilet are retro models. The Onsen baths are a mixed bag - the one on the third floor with Wood ceiling seems to be the newest and is the best of the three. The other two (panorama and first floor) are in dire need of refurbishing. They seem in very bad condition and extremly old. The worst part (for me) was the Breakfast. 90% of the selection was japanese Style (and even that seemed poor). Western Options were only Pancakes, French Toast (which was good at least) and a few sad pieces of low quality bread with condiments. They didn't even have a coffee machine!!! Only pre-brewed coffee that tasted like water."

"**Cons:** - I had a disappointing experience with one of the drivers. He was very rude and had a bad attitude, especially when we couldn't understand his Japanese. Even though we didn't understand everything he said, his demeanor made us feel uncomfortable and negatively impacted our stay. **Pros:** - The hotel's location is very convenient, with shuttle service available. - The views from the hotel are beautiful. - The facilities are well-equipped and very clean. Overall, while the hotel has many positive aspects, the encounter with the driver left a sour note on our experience. I hope management can address this issue to ensure future guests have a more pleasant experience."

"+ : beautiful, traditional Japanese hotel with nice tatami rooms. The room was spacious and confortable with all necessary amenities. The outdoor onsen was great and almost empty when I went. The breakfast buffet is ok. - : a LOT of stairs in the building (very difficult for elderly and disabled people, but also people with big suitcases!). There is a car that theoretically can pick you up at the train station or drop you off but I couldn’t use it when I arrived because I received no information on it beforehand or when I left because it only starts at 10am. The onsen is not tattoo friendly and you have to pay for the tattoo cover. Staff was kind but most of the time unable to offer solutions Overall, a beautiful ryokan but for the price, you can find better."

"The hotel is close to the river, a little distance from the Gerv Hot Spring Street, the gate is closed at 6 pm, it is not convenient to enter the door, the dinner is actually Western food, not very delicious, the double room is a 150 bed, friends travel is not convenient, 2000+ room rate is not recommended to live here, hot springs are OK, It is the most cost-effective hotel on this trip to Japan."