This mid-range business hotel plants you squarely in Sendai’s buzzing nightlife district – a blessing or a curse, depending on your perspective. The location’s a winner: 5 minutes by taxi from Sendai Station and a 3-minute stroll to Hirose-dori Subway Station. From here, you can easily zip to all the must-see spots like the impressive Osaki Hachimangu Shrine and the historic castle ruins.
Let’s be straight – the 6.8/10 rating tells a story. The rooms are basic and a bit dated, and street noise can be an issue, especially on weekend nights. But the helpful staff and reliable amenities, including the decent Cherbourg restaurant serving both breakfast and dinner, make up some ground.
This place is best suited for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize location over luxury and don’t mind the occasional late-night hubbub. It’s particularly good for solo travelers or couples who plan to explore Sendai’s restaurant scene and nightlife. Light sleepers or families with young children might want to look elsewhere.
Good To Know
- Smile Hotel Sendai-Kokubuncho is located in the nightlife and dining district of Sendai, with easy access to JR Sendai Station and Hirose-dori Subway Station.
- The hotel offers various room types, including singles, doubles, and twins, equipped with essential amenities such as flat-screen TVs, fridges, and free Wi-Fi.
- On-site Cherbourg restaurant serves a breakfast buffet with Japanese and Western options, as well as a dinner menu featuring entrees like steak, pasta, and sushi.
- The hotel has an overall rating of 6.8/10 based on 565 reviews, with positive feedback for staff service and location.
- Guests have access to practical in-room amenities, including air conditioning, free toiletries, and hairdryers, as well as free wired internet and Wi-Fi in the lobby.
Hotel Overview
The Smile Hotel Sendai-Kokubuncho is located in the Kokubuncho area of Sendai, a popular district known for its lively nightlife and dining scene.
This 6.8/10 rated hotel, based on 565 reviews, is a 5-minute drive from JR Sendai Station and a 3-minute walk from Hirose-dori Subway Station, making it convenient for travelers.
Guests can visit nearby attractions like Osaki Hachimangu Shrine and Sendai Castle, both about a 15-minute drive away.
The hotel offers various room types, including singles, doubles, and twins, all equipped with amenities like flat-screen TVs, fridges, and free Wi-Fi.
Guests can enjoy the on-site Cherbourg restaurant for breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation Options
Smile Hotel Sendai-Kokubuncho offers a range of accommodation options to suit different travelers’ needs.
The hotel features single rooms, both smoking and non-smoking, as well as executive single rooms. For those traveling in pairs, there are double rooms and twin rooms, also available in smoking and non-smoking varieties.
All rooms come equipped with essential amenities like a flat-screen TV, small fridge, electric kettle, and free green tea. Guests can enjoy free wired internet in their rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi in the hotel lobby.
The hotel also offers on-site dining at its Cherbourg restaurant, which serves breakfast and dinner.
Room Amenities
Each guest room at the Smile Hotel Sendai-Kokubuncho features essential in-room conveniences.
Visitors will find a flat-screen TV, small fridge, and electric kettle in their accommodations. Complimentary green tea is provided, along with air conditioning to ensure comfort.
Every room also includes free toiletries and a hairdryer. Guests can take advantage of the free wired internet access, while the hotel’s free Wi-Fi in the lobby allows them to stay connected.
Whether travelers choose a single, executive single, double, or twin room, they’ll enjoy these practical amenities during their stay at the Smile Hotel.
Dining Experiences
Guests at the Smile Hotel Sendai-Kokubuncho can enjoy on-site dining options at the Cherbourg restaurant. The restaurant offers a breakfast buffet featuring both Japanese and Western fare. For dinner, guests can choose from a variety of menu items. The dining experience at the Cherbourg is a highlight for many guests.
| Breakfast | Variety | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | Miso soup, grilled fish, pickles | Included |
| Western | Eggs, bacon, toast, juice | Included |
| Dinner | Options | Reservations |
|---|---|---|
| Entrees | Steak, pasta, sushi | Recommended |
| Sides | Salad, rice, vegetables | Not required |
Guest Ratings and Feedback
Based on the 565 reviews, the Smile Hotel Sendai-Kokubuncho has a rating of 6.8, indicating a pleasant experience for guests.
Guests particularly praised the hotel’s staff, rating them 8.0 out of 10. The facilities, cleanliness, and comfort were rated 6.9, 6.9, and 7.0 respectively.
Guests also felt the location was good, rating it 7.1, and that the overall value for money was 7.3.
The feedback notes the description and photos accurately represent the hotel, and guests highlighted the good service provided by the staff.
Policies and Services
The Smile Hotel Sendai-Kokubuncho offers a flexible check-in time, allowing guests to arrive from 3:00 PM up to 11:30 PM.
Checkout is required by 11:00 AM.
Children of any age are welcome, but cots and extra beds are unavailable.
Pets aren’t permitted on the premises.
The hotel accepts cash payments only.
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type.
The hotel’s multilingual staff can assist guests with special requests made during the booking process.
Conference facilities are available nearby at the Sendai City Community Support Center.
Nearby Attractions
Visiting the Osaki Hachimangu Shrine and Sendai Castle offers guests an immersive exploration of the city’s cultural heritage. The shrine, just a 15-minute drive from the hotel, is a prominent Shinto shrine dating back to the 8th century, known for its intricate architecture and vibrant festivals. Sendai Castle, the former stronghold of the Date clan, provides stunning panoramic views of the city from its hilltop location. Guests can admire the castle’s impressive stone walls and foundations, as well as the reconstructed palace buildings.
| Attraction | Distance from Hotel | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Osaki Hachimangu Shrine | 15-minute drive | 30 minutes |
| Sendai Castle | 15-minute drive | 1-2 hours |
| Hirose-dori Shopping Street | 3-minute walk | 1 hour |
| Zuihoden Mausoleum | 20-minute drive | 1 hour |
| Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park | 25-minute drive | 1-2 hours |
Hotel Location and Access
The Smile Hotel Sendai-Kokubuncho is conveniently located just a 5-minute drive from JR Sendai Station, the main transportation hub in the city.
Guests can also reach the hotel in a 3-minute walk from the nearby Hirose-dori Subway Station.
The hotel sits in the popular Kokubuncho area of Sendai, placing it close to many of the city’s top attractions.
The Osaki Hachimangu Shrine and Sendai Castle are just a 15-minute drive away, making it easy for guests to explore the local sights.
With its central location and proximity to public transportation, the Smile Hotel Sendai-Kokubuncho offers guests easy access to navigate Sendai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Early Check-In or Late Check-Out Available?
The hotel’s check-in and check-out times are strictly from 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM and until 11:00 AM, respectively. Early check-in or late check-out may be available upon request, but it’s subject to availability and may incur additional fees.
What Types of Payment Methods Are Accepted On-Site?
The hotel accepts cash payments. Policies on other payment methods, such as credit cards or mobile payments, are not specified in the overview provided.
Are There Any On-Site Fitness or Wellness Facilities?
The hotel does not have any on-site fitness or wellness facilities. However, it offers massage treatments for guests who’d like to relax and unwind during their stay.
Can Special Event Spaces Be Booked at the Hotel?
The hotel does not appear to have any dedicated event spaces available for booking. However, the nearby Sendai City Community Support Center may be able to accommodate special event needs for guests.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Guests Staying at the Hotel?
The hotel welcomes children of any age. However, there are no cots or extra beds available for guests traveling with children.
The Sum Up
The Smile Hotel Sendai-Kokubuncho offers a comfortable and convenient stay for visitors to Sendai. With its great location, modern amenities, and on-site dining options, the hotel provides an excellent base for exploring the city’s vibrant attractions. Guests consistently rate the hotel highly, praising its clean facilities and friendly staff, making it an ideal choice for a pleasant and well-situated accommodation experience.