Unbelievable Nagoya Views: APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae's Secret Revealed!
Unbelievable Nagoya Views: APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae's Secret…ish Revealed! (A Brutally Honest Review)
Forget what you think you know about cookie-cutter hotels. I’ve just emerged from the APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae, and let me tell you, it's an experience. Not always a perfect one, mind you, but definitely an experience. This review is gonna be a messy, rambling, and hopefully hilarious dive into what makes (and sometimes breaks) this place. Grab a virtual coffee (or a strong drink, you might need it) because we're going in deep.
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- Keywords: APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae, Nagoya hotel review, budget hotel Nagoya, accessible hotel Nagoya, on-site amenities, Japanese hotel review, Nagoya accommodation, best views Nagoya
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae, covering everything from the stunning views to the questionable breakfast buffet. Accessibility, cleanliness, dining, and the general vibes are all laid bare. Prepare yourself!
First Impressions (and a Touch of Panic):
Okay, so "Ekimae" means "in front of the station," which is both a blessing and a curse. Fantastic for accessibility – seriously convenient for train travel! The hotel is RIGHT THERE. But, it's also a bit… clinical. Think modern, minimalist, and a whole lot of straight lines. The lobby's functional, not particularly inviting, but hey, I'm not here to make friends with the furniture, I'm here for the view!
Accessibility (Bless Their Hearts, They Tried):
One of the huge positives, especially for Nagoya, is the accessibility. Elevator? Check. Ramps? Check. The crucial stuff is there. Facilities for disabled guests? Seems like a solid yes. They even advertise the presence of an accessible toilet within the hotel. But I am not a disabled person, so I didn't try it. However, the fact they mention it is a good sign. They also advertise CCTV in common areas and outside property which is great for security and accessibility.
Rooms – The Tiny, But Mighty, Cubicles:
Let's be real, the rooms are compact. Tiny. I felt like I was living in a well-appointed shoebox. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN and wireless, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Seating area, Shower, Smoke detector, Slippers, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], they have it all.. But hey, the Japanese are masters of efficiency, right? Everything you need is there, cleverly squeezed in. I had a high floor room, and that's where the magic happened. The view, god, the view! More on that later because it was the absolute highlight. I could also open the window (a novelty in some pricier hotels) which was great given the lack of ventilation.
Room Quirks & Confessions:
- The bathtub: It was a separate shower/bathtub that was about literally knee-high. I wouldn't recommend it if you are of a certain age or have mobility issues.
- The bed: The extra long bed was comfortable though (thank god for that).
- The lights: The light switch situation was… complicated. You had to channel some advanced Japanese knowledge of electrical wizardry to get it right.
- The TV: Cable channels, satellite channels, and on-demand movies all included, and the internet access was great! But by the time I figured out how to work the thing, I was too exhausted to watch anything.
- Linens: Everything was clean and crisp; there were bathrobes, I am still so happy it was not a bed sheet masquerading as a towel!
The Holy Grail: That View!
Okay, let's talk about the reason you might book this hotel: The view. I'm not exaggerating when I say it's unbelievable. Especially at sunrise and sunset. I mean, seriously Instagram-worthy. If you can snag a high floor room, it's worth every penny. Worth the slightly cramped space. Worth the light switch battles. Just. Spectacular.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster
- Breakfast: Oh, the buffet. It's where things got interesting. I'd describe it as "efficient," but not exactly memorable. Think a mix of Japanese staples (fish, rice, miso soup) and "Western" options that felt slightly… generic. Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. The coffee? Drinkable. The pastries? Let's just say I made a lot of trips to the convenience store (see below).
- Restaurants: They have restaurants. I didn't try them, because I was a bit scared.
- Poolside Bar: Unfortunately, the main allure here is the outdoor pool. I am not sure how one gets to the pool, but I didn't go.
- Snack Bar: There is a snack bar.
- Room Service: Room Service [24-hour] is available which is a lifesaver at 3 am!
- Coffee Shop: There's a coffee shop, which is a necessity with the amount of walking you will do in Nagoya.
The Convenience Store: My New Best Friend
Bless APA for having a convenience store. Seriously, I'm talking 7-Eleven quality and convenience right in the building. Got me through late-night snack cravings, emergency coffee runs, and a much-needed bottle of water. They also have a bottle of water in the room, but that is not always enough.
Cleanliness & Safety (Thank God for That):
This is where APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae really shines. Anti-viral cleaning products are used, and daily disinfection in common areas is standard. They go above and beyond. Hygiene certification? I don't know, but I felt safe. Rooms sanitized between stays. They also individually-wrapped food options to keep you safe. Hand sanitizer is everywhere. And, as a bonus, there is a doctor/nurse on call. The staff is trained in safety protocol, so that made me feel better.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation (Or the Lack Thereof):
- Fitness center: Okay, so there is a Fitness center.
- Spa/sauna: But, no spa.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Unfortunately, there is no Swimming pool [outdoor].
- Massage: Sadly, there is no Massage.
Services and Conveniences (A Mixed Bag):
- Concierge: Present, but the language barrier was real. Be patient.
- Cash withdrawal: Cash withdrawal is available.
- Elevator: There is an Elevator, which is great!
- Doorman: There is a Doorman, who is polite and helpful.
- Luggage storage: Luggage storage is available (thank goodness).
- Laundry: There is laundry service and dry cleaning (which I didn't use).
- Business facilities: They have a business center with essential items. Xerox/fax in business center.
- Hotel chain: It's part of the APA Hotel chain.
- Smoking area: There is a designated Smoking area.
The Annoying Stuff (Because No Place is Perfect):
- The elevators are sometimes slow.
- The Wi-Fi occasionally hiccuped.
- The breakfast buffet, as mentioned, was a culinary adventure.
Final Verdict (Brutally Honest, as Promised):
APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae is a solid option for the budget-conscious traveler who prioritizes accessibility and, let's be real, that view. It's not a luxury experience, but it's clean, safe, and incredibly convenient. The staff are generally polite.
Would I stay again? Absolutely. Especially if I wanted to see that sunrise again. But next time, I'm bringing my own coffee pods and perhaps a pre-packed sandwich, just in case.
Score: 7.5/10 (Worth it for the view alone!).
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we are about to dive headfirst into my absolutely bonkers, totally unpredictable, and probably slightly disastrous Nagoya adventure. This isn't your glossy, filtered travel blog. This is the messy, real-life account of my time at the APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae. Consider yourselves warned.
Project: Nagoya Meander – AKA My Attempt to Not Get Lost (Again)
Day 1: Arrival – The Great Train Station Massacre and Sushi-Induced Bliss
Morning (or What Passed for Morning After a Red-Eye): Landed at Chubu Centrair International Airport. Okay, let's be honest, I basically stumbled out of the plane like a zombie. My brain was mush. Getting through customs was fine, until I had to fight my way through the absolute chaos that is Nagoya Station. Seriously, it's a sprawling labyrinth of escalators, people, and… well, I'm not sure what half the stuff was. Felt like I was thrown into the Death Star’s cafeteria during rush hour. Eventually found the train to the hotel. Victory achieved… or so I thought.
Afternoon: Hotel Havoc and the Ramen Redemption: Arrived at APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae. Ugh, the room. Tiny. Like, if I stretched my arms, I could probably touch both walls. But hey, the view was… well, it was of a building. No complaints, it's the experience that matters! My first mission was to conquer the room. Finding the light switches was a mini-quest in itself. The bed seemed suspiciously narrow, more like a futon. It's the way of the world, the Japanese way of life.
Needed urgent caffeine, and the hotel lobby was a barren wasteland of vending machines, and not the good ones with canned coffee. Luckily, Google lead me to a random ramen place near the hotel. Salvation! Holy moly, that ramen! Broth so rich it made my soul sing, noodles perfectly chewy, and that chashu pork… I literally moaned with pleasure. I think I scared the local businessmen, but I didn’t care. It was the perfect fuel for the afternoon.
Evening: Exploration Attempt 1 – The Lost in Translation Incident: Armed with a map and a vague sense of direction, I decided to "explore." Mistake number one. Got hopelessly, utterly lost within 15 minutes. Wandered into a pachinko parlor (never again), accidentally ordered something from a vending machine that looked like soup but tasted…off… and eventually stumbled back to the hotel, defeated but with a newfound appreciation for my tiny room. Ended up ordering pizza from a chain and watching Japanese television which was filled with commercials I couldn't understand, but they were filled with so much energy, I just watched them.
Day 2: Castle Dreams and Culinary Catastrophes
Morning: Nagoya Castle! Yes! It was beautiful. The intricate architecture, the golden shachihoko (fish-shaped roof ornaments), the sheer scale of the place… truly awe-inspiring. Took a million photos. Felt like a proper tourist. Except, you know, for the slight problem of getting lost on the way home. Again. The castle was great, the journey home sucked.
Afternoon: The Miso Kiss: Lunch! This time I was determined to find a truly authentic Nagoya experience. I heard about something called miso katsu (pork cutlet with miso sauce). Sounded perfect! Ordered it at a local place. The cutlet? Amazing. Perfectly crispy, tender, delicious. The miso sauce? Let's just say it had an intense flavor. Like, a flavor that grabs you and refuses to let go. Kinda liked it, kinda scared of it. Felt like my tastebuds were in a wrestling match. After that, I went too a kissaten, or a coffee shop. That coffee was needed more than anything. Was it good? It was coffee.
Evening: Karaoke Chaos (or My Voice's Unwanted Debut): Okay, so the hotel had a karaoke room. My friends, this was a mistake. I went with some new friends. They are Japanese or from another country, but the karaoke was a thing. I can't sing. I can't carry a tune. But hey, liquid courage (sake, obviously) makes everything better, right? Wrong. My rendition of… well, I won't say which song… was so bad it actually cleared the room. But hey, at least everyone laughed, including me!
Day 3: The Toyota Pilgrimage and The Farewell Feast
Morning: Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Okay, I thought I was interested in cars. Turns out, I'm slightly more interested in eating. The museum was…detailed. Very, very detailed. Saw a ton of history. I spent more time marveling at the engineering and the history of the company. It was actually really, really cool! And yes, you could ride in a car they have.
Afternoon: The Final Meal. Okay, I knew I was going home. I was going to eat well! I found a famous restaurant, and I decided to go all out. Did I know what I was ordering? Mostly no. Did I care? Absolutely not! The food was an explosion of color, texture, and flavor. The sashimi was melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The grilled eel…oh. my. god. Best meal of the trip, hands down.
Evening: Departure – Tears, and Vowing to Return (Eventually): Packing. Saying goodbye. Feeling a weird mix of sadness and relief. Nagoya, you were a wild ride. You tested my navigational skills, my culinary bravery, and my vocal chords. Yeah, I can't wait to come back someday!
Final Thoughts:
So, there you have it. My Nagoya adventure. Not perfect, not always pretty, and most definitely not glamorous. But it was mine. And honestly? I wouldn't trade it for anything. The APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae? Perfectly functional, if not a tad cramped. Nagoya itself? A city of contrasts, full of surprises, and with food that will haunt my dreams in the best possible way. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. But be warned: Bring a good map (or a very patient sense of humor), an open mind, and an empty stomach. You'll need all three.
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Unbelievable Nagoya Views: APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae's Secret Revealed! (Or is it?) - FAQs, with a Side of My Sanity
Okay, seriously, is the view *really* that good at the APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae? I've seen the pictures... they're suspiciously perfect.
Alright, deep breath. Let's be honest. Those promo shots? They lie. Okay, maybe not *lie*, but they definitely... enhance. Think Instagram filter on real life. The view *is* good. It *can* be breathtaking. Especially at sunrise. But... and this is a BIG BUT… you're relying on the gods of weather and the whim of your room assignment. I booked the "panorama" view... and ended up facing a slightly-more-attractive-than-average apartment building’s back side. Seriously! I could practically hear the ramen slurping from my window. So, good? Potentially. Guaranteed? Don't hold your breath, my friend. Book extra days, hedge your bets, pray to the room allocation gods… whatever gets you the actual view.
What's the best time to snag that epic Nagoya cityscape shot from the hotel? Sunrise? Sunset? Do I need ropes?
Ropes? Not *technically*. But you might feel like you need them to wrestle your way into a room with an unobstructed view. Sunrise is definitely the *money shot*, no question. The way the city wakes up, the light hitting the… well, the *stuff* that makes up Nagoya's skyline… is pretty spectacular. I'd aim for about 20 minutes *before* the official sunrise time. That's when the magic *really* starts to happen. Sunset can be nice too, but the light angle is different, and honestly, after a full day of exploring, all I wanted to do was collapse. (And maybe order some room service. Don't judge me.) Tip: Check the weather forecast *religiously*. Clouds = disappointment. Clear skies = potential for Instagram glory (and validation from strangers... we all need it, don’t we?)
Is the hotel itself... you know... *nice*? Or just a base camp for picture-taking?
Okay, this is where I get a little... conflicted. The APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae? Functionally efficient. Clean. Compact. Think "Japanese efficiency" meets "Ikea furniture." It’s not the Ritz. It's not meant to be the Ritz. The rooms are… tiny. Seriously, *tiny*. I think I could touch both walls by stretching my arms out. But everything works, everything's clean, and the staff are generally helpful. The breakfast buffet is… well, it's there. Nothing to write home about, but it does the job and, crucially, has coffee to fuel your early morning view-hunting expeditions. So, yeah, it's a base camp. A functional, slightly-cramped-but-clean base camp. Manage your expectations. You're there for the view, remember? (And maybe the automated check-in, which, for a sleep-deprived traveler, is a godsend.)
How do I *actually* book a room with a decent view? Is there a secret handshake?
Secret handshake? I wish! I’m pretty sure that’s the only missing piece I need to actually land a decent room. Here's my (imperfect) advice: 1. **Book WELL in advance**. Like, as soon as you know your dates. 2. **Specify "panorama view" or a room on a higher floor**. Don’t be shy, be *demanding* – politely! 3. **Call the hotel directly** a day or two before you arrive and say something like, "I'm so excited for my stay! Is it possible to request a room with a good view? I'm really hoping to see the city." Kill them with kindness! 4. **If your room isn’t ideal when you check in, ASK if there’s a better option.** Be nice, be polite, but *assertive*. Tell them you were hoping for a higher floor and the view is important to you. 5. **Accept the lottery of room allocation.** You might win. You might lose. That’s Nagoya life.
Alright, let's say I get *the* room. What gear do I REALLY need to capture the Instagram-worthy photos?
Okay, the gear. Here's the thing: You don't need the fanciest camera in the world. Your phone is probably GOOD ENOUGH. (Honestly, my phone takes *better* pictures on a sunny day than some of my old DSLR shots. Technology, am I right?) Here's the essentials: 1. **A phone with a decent camera (or a real camera if you're feeling fancy).** 2. **A tripod.** Absolutely essential for those sunrise shots. Even a small, portable one will do. 3. **A wide-angle lens or setting on your phone.** You want to capture as much of that skyline as possible. 4. **Patience.** The light changes *fast*. Be prepared to take a million pictures. 5. **A warm jacket.** It gets chilly up there, especially before sunrise! 6. **A sense of humor.** Because, let's be honest, you might end up with a photo of a pigeon instead of that perfect cityscape... and that's okay. (Happened to me. Twice.)
What's the weirdest thing about staying at this APA Hotel? Gotta be something...
Okay, there's a few contenders. But the winner, hands down, is the automatic check-in/check-out system. It's… efficient. It’s… cold. It’s like dealing with a vending machine that dispenses room keys. No human interaction! (Except maybe a brief chat with a slightly-harried staff member if you need help, which, let’s be honest, I *always* do.) The *weirdest* part? The key card machine. It is… aggressive. It *snatches* the key card when you insert it. It practically *demands* your payment. It's like it's saying, "Hurry up, peasant, and let's get this over with!" It's very… Japanese! (Which, in all honesty, I secretly *loved* for it's over-the-topness.) I was half-expecting a robotic arm to then throw my luggage into the room. Also, some rooms have *very* specific directions on how to use the bathroom... and what not to put into the toilet. Gotta love cultural differences!
Let's talk about the breakfast. Is it worth it? Because let's be real, hotel breakfasts are a gamble.
Breakfast... Ah, theTravel Stay Guides
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