Sendai's HOTTEST R&B Hotel: Washington R&B, Hirosedo-ri Ekimae!
Washington R&B, Hirosedo-ri Ekimae: Sendai's R&B Rockstar… or Just a Solid Tune? A Review That's NOT Auto-Generated (I Swear!)
Okay, folks, let's talk about the Washington R&B, Hirosedo-ri Ekimae. You've probably seen the ads – sleek, polished, promising a slice of heaven. But trust me, I'm here to tell you the real story. I'm not a robot, and this is messy, opinionated, and might even have a few tangents. Buckle up.
First Impressions: A Smooth Groove (Mostly)
The whole "R&B" thing in the name sets a certain expectation, right? I walked in expecting maybe some mood lighting, maybe a whisper of pheromones in the air… Okay, maybe I'm projecting. But the lobby was clean, modern, and thankfully, the staff actually smiled! That's a surprisingly rare commodity in some hotels. Accessibility: It's a big plus, with elevators and facilities that look legitimately designed for folks with mobility issues. Always a thumbs up from me.
Finding Your Room: The Good, the Bad, and the "Hmm…"
Available in all rooms: Let's get the basics out of the way. Air conditioning? Check. Alarm clock? Yep. Wi-Fi? Double check, and it's Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. That's always a win. Internet [LAN] is an option too, for you old-school connection enthusiasts. Internet in general is reliable.
Now, the room itself… Non-smoking rooms are the norm, thank goodness. My room had a window that opens – HUGE win for me, I hate stuffy hotel rooms. Blackout curtains are a lifesaver for battling jet lag. Free bottled water? Sweet. Coffee/tea maker? Essential. Desk with Laptop workspace? Perfect for catching up on emails… or, you know, procrastinating on writing this review.
Here's where we start to get… interesting. The amenities list boasted In-room safe box, check. Refrigerator - also check. The bed was… well, it was a bed. Not the most cloud-like experience, but hey, it did the job. The carpeting was a little… dated. And I'm pretty sure the mirror in the bathroom had seen better days, but hey, I wasn't there to admire the decor.
The bathrooms were… functional. My biggest gripe? Limited plugs. I mean, where am I supposed to charge my phone, my toothbrush, my… everything? This is 2024, people! Toiletries were standard, nothing to write home about. The Separate shower/bathtub was a plus. Towels were clean, and that's really all I ask for, you know?
The REAL Test: Cleanliness and Safety (Because Let's Be Real, That's What Matters)
Cleanliness and safety: Look, with everything going on in the world, this is paramount. And the Washington R&B mostly delivered.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: I hope so. I mean, the place felt clean.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Supposedly.
- Room sanitization opt-out available? Didn't see that option, but I wasn't really bothered.
- Hygiene certification: Not that I saw, but the place felt pretty safe.
- First aid kit: Yup.
- CCTV in common areas/outside property: I spotted cameras, which is reassuring.
- Fire extinguisher/Smoke alarms: Yep, those were present.
- Soundproof rooms: Pretty good, no complaints about the external noises.
I'm a slightly paranoid person, so I brought my own Lysol wipes… and guess what? I still used them! But the room looked thoroughly clean, so that's a win.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Buffet Blues to Coffee Shop Delights
Breakfast [buffet]: Alright, this is where the Washington R&B REALLY shines… or falls a bit flat, depending on your expectations. It’s Breakfast service and mostly Breakfast [buffet], which is pretty standard in Japan. There was Asian breakfast, with miso soup, rice, and all the fixings. But I’m a Western breakfast kinda guy, and the Western breakfast felt a little… meh. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was passable, but could have been better. The Coffee shop in the lobby, however, was a lifesaver, with decent coffee and pastries.
Restaurants: There are Restaurants inside the hotel, but I didn't have a chance to experience them.
Room service [24-hour]: Thank you! I'm a big fan of Room service [24-hour], though I confess I didn't order anything. Next time!
Other Dining Goodness: Didn't partake in the Snack bar. Bar: The Bar looked inviting, and had a Happy hour. I’d love to have a drink next time.
Things to Do (Or, Ways to Relax… Kinda)
Pool with view: No pool unfortunately. That would have been amazing.
Spa/sauna, and Fitness center/Gym/fitness: This is where the "R&B" aspect might fall a bit short. There was a Fitness center, but it was rather small and didn’t really impress me. I didn’t spot a Spa or Sauna.
Getting Around: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
Airport transfer: Available! This is a huge plus, especially after a long flight. Car park [free of charge]: Free parking is awesome! Taxi service: Easy to find! Bicycle parking: Not sure if it's offered. Car power charging station: Didn't see one. Valet parking: Nope.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Add Up
Concierge: Always helpful. Cash withdrawal: ATM available. Luggage storage: No problem. Laundry service: They have it. Daily housekeeping: Excellent. Elevator: Check. Elevator: Check. Contactless check-in/out: Yes. Convenience store: A lifesaver for late-night snacks! Currency exchange: Yup. Gift/souvenir shop: Spotted one. Facilities for disabled guests: Excellent. Meeting/banquet facilities: Big plus! Business facilities: Basic, but adequate. Smoking area: Present.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly (ish)
Family/child friendly: Seemed okay, but nothing really jumped out as super kid-centric. I didn’t spot a Babysitting service or Kids meal.
The Odd and Ends and Random Thoughts…
- Proposal spot: Is this a thing? Not sure.
- Couple's room: I didn’t see one.
- Shrine: Nope.
- CCTV outside property: I did spot cameras, which is reassuring.
- Exterior corridor: The hallways were inside.
- Security [24-hour]: They seemed to have.
- Soundproof rooms: Pretty good.
- Room decorations: Okay, nothing spectacular.
- Additional toilet: No.
The Verdict: A Solid Stay, Not a Soulful Experience
Look, the Washington R&B Hirosedo-ri Ekimae isn't going to win any design awards. It's not dripping in luxury. But it's clean, well-located, and offers a solid, reliable stay. It's a good base for exploring Sendai, especially with all the Things to do. The price is right, the staff are friendly, and the Wi-Fi is free and fast.
It's… a very competent hotel. Is it an R&B experience? Not really. But if you're looking for a comfortable, convenient place to stay in Sendai, you could do far worse. I'd give it a solid 7.5/10. I'd stay again. Maybe with my own pillow!
Escape to Paradise: Unwind at The Westin Lake Mary, Orlando's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your glossy, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is my Sendai, Japan, adventure from the perspective of a sleep-deprived, ramen-obsessed travel gremlin, all fueled by instant coffee and sheer willpower. We're starting at the Washington R&B Hotel Sendai Hirosedo-ri Ekimae. Brace yourselves.
Day 1: Arrival & Ramen Rescue
- 1:00 PM (Maybe…ish): Landed. Okay, finally landed. The flight was a blur of crying babies, questionable airplane food, and the persistent feeling that my spine had fused to the seat. Customs? A necessary evil. I swear, the immigration officer looked at my passport like it was the Rosetta Stone. "Tourist?" he finally grumbled. "Yes!" I practically yelled, desperate for air conditioning and a caffeine fix.
- 1:30 PM: Train struggle. The train from the airport to Sendai Station was…an experience. Japanese trains are glorious, yes, but also terrifying to navigate after 14 hours in the air. Did I get on the right one? Probably not. Did anyone notice? Also probably not.
- 2:00 PM: Checked into the Washington R&B Hotel. Clean, compact, and with a robot vacuum cleaner that looked suspiciously judgmental about my luggage situation. Tiny room, big potential for Zen. Or maybe just a nap.
- 2:30 PM: Ramen Emergency! I'm convinced my stomach is designed for one thing: ramen. Hit the streets, and, fueled by hunger, stumble into a tiny ramen shop recommended in a blog post from a travel site. The place was packed, the air thick with deliciousness. The chef, a man who looked like he'd wrestled a bear for breakfast (probably true), saw my glazed-over eyes and shoved a bowl of tonkotsu ramen in front of me. Best. Ramen. Ever. The broth was a symphony of flavor, the noodles perfectly chewy, the chashu pork…I might have shed a tear. Seriously, this ramen cured all travel woes. This single ramen experience shaped my entire trip! Obsessed.
- 4:00 PM: Collapsed. Naptime. Faceplant on the surprisingly comfy hotel bed. Dreamt of ramen.
Day 2: Culture Shock & Castle Catastrophe
- 9:00 AM (ish): Attempted breakfast. The hotel had a buffet. I attempted to find my way through the weird and wonderful.
- 10:00 AM: Sendai… Castle? Okay, so the "castle" is more like ruins, which is a little bit disappointing. I mean, I was picturing turrets and moats, not a few crumbling walls and a whole lot of "imagine this here was a very important gateway." But, the view from the hilltop? Stunning. The city spread out below, the mountains hazy in the distance. Worth the climb, I guess. But mostly I just imagined what the castle was like when it was intact.
- 11:30 AM: Shopping in the arcade. Sendai's covered shopping arcade is a sensory overload in the best way possible. Bright lights, echoing announcements, and every kind of trinket imaginable. Found a ridiculously cute cat-shaped chopstick holder. Success!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch: curry rice (because ramen wasn't enough, apparently). Spicy, comforting, and another win for my tastebuds.
- 2:00 PM: Exploration Fatigue. My feet hurt, my brain was full of Japanese words I couldn't understand. Time to retreat to the hotel because it can't do much.
Day 3: A Journey Into…Joy!
- 8:00 AM: Determined today is the day! The hotel breakfast with a little bit of everything. Even the weird stuff.
- 9:00 AM: Visit for Zuihoden. The mausoleum of Date Masamune. Wow. The intricate carvings, the vibrant colors, the sheer artistry of it all… I was gobsmacked. It's like stepping into a fairytale. Seriously, this place is gorgeous.
- 11:00 AM: Green! The best coffee in Sendai. Perfect.
- 1:00 PM: Another ramen shop. This time, the place was less known. But… it worked! Ramen does not leave the schedule.
- 3:00 PM: Walk! A relaxed walk, just enjoying the city. Finding out new stuff.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel, and some time to relax.
Day 4: Farewell… For Now!
- 9:00 AM: A proper breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: Last minute hunt for souvenirs. More cat stuff. Surprise!
- 12:00 PM: Check out. Said goodbye to the robot vacuum. Hope he does well, you know?
- 1:00 PM: Train to the airport. Last glance at Sendai, its bustling streets, its beautiful Zuihoden, and of course, its ramen.
- 3:00 PM: Flight back home.
Reflections:
Look, this itinerary isn't perfect. I got lost, I ate too much, I probably annoyed a few polite Japanese people with my clumsy attempts at speaking the language. But, I experienced Sendai. I tasted its soul in a bowl of ramen. I saw its beauty in the details of Zuihoden. I'm not the most polished traveler, but I'm a real one. And I'm leaving Sendai with a heart full of memories, a stomach full of noodles, and a burning desire to go back. Maybe next time, I'll even learn to use chopsticks properly. And maybe, just maybe, I'll find an even better ramen place. Wish me luck.
Escape to Paradise: Kiulu Riverside Chalet Awaits in Kota Kinabalu!
Washington R&B Hotel Hirosedo-ri Ekimae: You Have Questions? I Have (Mostly) Honest Answers. Buckle up!
Okay, so... is it *actually* the "hottest" R&B hotel? Seriously?
Hottest? Woah, hold on there. Let's be real, I wouldn't say "scorching lava" levels of hot. But it's definitely up there! Look, finding the *absolute* hottest is subjective, right? It depends what you're after. Personally, I needed a comfy bed and a decent breakfast – and the Washington R&B delivered on both. Did it set my soul on fire? Maybe not. Did it leave me feeling refreshed and ready to navigate the Sendai chaos? Absolutely. I've stayed there three times now. Three! That says something, doesn't it? (Though, admittedly, the third time was after one too many sake bombs the night before... convenient location is a major plus after a night out, just sayin'!)
What's the vibe like? Trying to decide if it's a "me" place.
The vibe? Alright, here's the deal. It's professional-ish. Think "efficient, but with a sprinkle of… *something*." It's not exactly a party hotel (thank god, sometimes I just need SLEEP!), but it's also not overly stiff. Generally, the staff is super polite and helpful, the lobby is clean, and there's a distinct lack of screaming children (mostly). The last time I was there this old guy was totally engrossed in a sudoku puzzle in the lobby while sipping his complimentary coffee. I kinda liked that. It was like a little slice of regular life. Made me feel less… touristy, I guess?
Is the breakfast as good as everyone says? (Because seriously, it *matters*.)
Okay, BREAKFAST. This is where the hotel really shines. And I mean **REALLY** shines. The breakfast buffet? A masterpiece. Seriously. They had this little rice bowl thing, with like, salmon and eggs and a bunch of other deliciousness that I completely forgot the names of. I went there every day. I'm not even a huge breakfast person, but that breakfast... changed my life. Okay, maybe not changed my life, but it *significantly* improved my mornings. They also had pastries, some decent coffee (not the burnt-tasting stuff, thank heavens), and all sorts of weird and wonderful Japanese treats. Don't skip it. Seriously, don't. My only regret? Not taking more pictures of the food (because, you know, embarrassing tourist stuff).
Rooms: Tiny like most Japanese hotels, or a little less claustrophobic?
Yeah, it's Japan. So, let's be honest. They're not exactly sprawling villas. The rooms are, shall we say, efficiently designed. They're functional, clean, and they have everything you *need*. But don't expect to have a dance party in there. The good thing is that they make great use of space. I mean, yeah, I’m pretty sure I could touch both walls at the same time, but the bed was comfy, the shower was powerful, and hey, I was there to explore Sendai, not hang out in my room all day! I had a window, that was HUGE! And the tiny desk? I used it for, like, five minutes a day, tops. Probably more time on Instagram than I should have, tbh…
How's the location? REALLY important.
Location is GOLD. Seriously, if this hotel were a real gold bar, I'd be rich. It's right near Hirosedo-ri station, it's a short walk to everything (well, almost everything – Sendai's still a city, people!). You can hop on the subway and zoom around. Plus, the shopping arcade – the *Ichibancho Arcade* is basically on its doorstep. Perfect for browsing, souvenir hunting, and accidentally spending way more money than you planned. I got a weird anime figure there that I'm strangely attached to. And the convenience stores... don't get me started. 24/7 access to all the snacks and drinks your heart desires. Trust me, after a long day of sightseeing, that's a lifesaver.
Any major downsides? Be honest.
Okay, honest time. The Wi-Fi could be… spotty. Not a dealbreaker, but sometimes, it just decided to give up the ghost. And, like I said, tiny rooms. Prepare to be cozy. And, sometimes, I was just wishing for a little more… personality. A bit more pizzazz. I dunno. Maybe a disco ball in the lobby? (Kidding, mostly). But honestly? For the price and the convenience, I really can't complain. I'm picky, and I loved it.
Parking? Should I even bother if I'm renting a car?
Parking, ah, the bane of any city traveler's existence. Okay, so, yes, they have parking. BUT! Space is limited, and it's not super cheap. Seriously, check the rates *before* you go. Sendai is a city that rewards public transportation. Unless you're planning some serious day trips to the countryside, ditch the car if you can. Seriously. Trust me. Dealing with parking garages in Sendai? Not fun. The train station's right there. Take the train. You'll thank me later. And remember, I'm still learning how to navigate the whole public transport thing in Japan. Took me a while to figure out the ticket machines, but the hotel’s close to the station, so it helped!
Okay, so, should I book it? Give me the final verdict!
Alright, here's the deal. Yes. Book it. For the price, location, and (most importantly) the breakfast, the Washington R&B Hotel Hirosedo-ri Ekimae is a winner. It's not perfect. It's not going to change your life. But it's a solid, reliable choice. I've stayed there three times. I plan to go back again. Need I say more? Go. Eat the breakfast. Enjoy Sendai. And don't forget to try the ramen! My stomach is rumbling just thinking about it… Seriously, go.
Any funny stories? Things I should watch out for?
Oh, funny stories. Right. Well… Okay, so the first time I went, I accidentally set off the smoke alarm. In theStay Mapped
