Spending a night at this modest business hotel near Shizuoka’s train station, I found it delivers exactly what budget-conscious travelers need – a clean bed and convenient location just 8 minutes on foot from the platforms. While the rooms won’t win any design awards with their basic furnishings, you’ll appreciate practical amenities like air conditioning, mini-fridges, and reliable free WiFi throughout.
The main drawbacks? Rooms run small by Western standards, and the walls can be a bit thin – pack earplugs just in case. Bathrooms are typically compact, which is common for Japanese business hotels.
This place makes good sense for travelers wanting a no-frills base to explore Sunpu Park and Akibayama Garden, both within walking distance. It’s particularly well-suited for solo travelers and couples who plan to spend most of their time out sightseeing rather than lounging in their room. The 24-hour front desk and enhanced cleaning protocols add welcome peace of mind. If you’re seeking luxury or spacious accommodations, look elsewhere – but for practical, well-located lodging at a fair price, this hotel hits the mark.
We included this hotel in the 22 best hotels in Aoi Ward, Shizuoka.
Good To Know
- The Smile Hotel Shizuoka is conveniently located 8 minutes from JR Shizuoka Train Station, providing easy access to nearby attractions.
- The hotel has an overall rating of 7.0 out of 10, with high scores for staff (8.4) and free WiFi (8.0).
- Amenities include non-smoking rooms, private parking, free WiFi, 24-hour front desk, and in-room features like air-conditioning and refrigerators.
- All guest rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, free wired internet, refrigerators, electric kettles, and private bathrooms with bathtubs and showers.
- The hotel has implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols, as well as emergency safety features, to ensure a secure environment for guests.
Hotel Overview and Location
The Smile Hotel Shizuoka sits in the heart of Aoi-ku, an 8-minute walk from the JR Shizuoka Train Station‘s north exit.
This convenient location places guests near popular attractions like Sunpu Park and Akibayama Garden, both within a 10-minute walk.
For those seeking a temple visit, the Kunozan Tosho-gu Temple is just a 25-minute drive away.
Guests can find a 7-11 convenience store just a minute’s walk from the hotel, ensuring easy access to essentials.
With its strategic placement and nearby amenities, the Smile Hotel Shizuoka offers a comfortable and well-situated stay for travelers exploring the Shizuoka region.
Guest Ratings and Reviews
Guests have rated the Smile Hotel Shizuoka with an overall score of 7.0, indicating a "Good" accommodation. The hotel has received a total of 709 reviews, with the staff earning the highest marks at 8.4. The facilities, cleanliness, comfort, and value for money were all evaluated positively, scoring between 7.1 and 7.8. The location and free WiFi were also well-received, scoring 7.1 and 8.0 respectively. Overall, guests have confirmed that the hotel’s description and photos accurately represent the property.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Staff | 8.4 |
| Facilities | 7.1 |
| Cleanliness | 7.5 |
| Comfort | 7.4 |
Popular Amenities
Among the most popular amenities at the Smile Hotel Shizuoka are non-smoking rooms, private parking (¥1,200 per stay, reservation needed), and free WiFi.
The hotel also offers a 24-hour front desk and breakfast on-site.
In the rooms, guests will find air-conditioning, free wired internet, a fridge, electric kettle, and a hairdryer.
The private bathrooms include a bathtub and shower.
Additional services like dry cleaning, laundry, and rental bicycles are available for an extra charge.
The hotel maintains enhanced safety and sanitation protocols to address COVID-19 concerns, and it has standard emergency safety features like fire extinguishers, CCTV, and 24-hour security.
Room Features
Rooms at the Smile Hotel Shizuoka feature air-conditioning, providing guests with a comfortable stay.
Each room comes equipped with free wired internet, allowing guests to stay connected during their visit. A fridge and electric kettle are also included, enabling guests to store and prepare refreshments.
Bathrooms feature a private bathtub and shower, ensuring guests can unwind after a long day. Hairdryers are provided for added convenience.
Additional Services
The hotel offers additional services to enhance guests’ stays. Those include dry cleaning and laundry services, available for an extra charge.
Guests can also rent bicycles to explore the surrounding area. Plus, the hotel provides fax and photocopying services, also at an additional cost.
These amenities cater to travelers’ needs, making their experience more convenient and comfortable. While not included in the room rate, these supplementary services provide guests with the flexibility to access practical assistance during their stay at the Smile Hotel Shizuoka.
Check-in and Check-out
At the Smile Hotel Shizuoka, guests can check in from as early as 3:00 PM. If arriving after 9:00 PM, the hotel requests guests to notify them in advance. Check-out is until 10:00 AM.
| Check-in Time | Check-out Time |
|---|---|
| From 3:00 PM | Until 10:00 AM |
| Notify if arriving after 9:00 PM | – |
The hotel’s cancellation and prepayment policies vary by accommodation type. While children are not allowed, the hotel does not offer cribs or extra beds. Pets are also not permitted. Accepted payment methods at the Smile Hotel Shizuoka are limited to cash.
Health and Safety Measures
Smile Hotel Shizuoka has implemented enhanced safety and sanitation measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All high-touch areas are cleaned and disinfected frequently, and hand sanitizer is readily available throughout the hotel. Guests may notice limited food and beverage services, as well as reduced availability of certain amenities.
However, the hotel remains committed to providing a safe and comfortable stay. Emergency safety features, including fire extinguishers, CCTV in common areas, smoke alarms, and 24-hour security, are in place to ensure guest well-being.
Smile Hotel Shizuoka’s priority is to create a secure environment for all visitors during these challenging times.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors to Smile Hotel Shizuoka will find an array of notable attractions within easy reach.
The hotel’s prime location puts the serene Sunpu Park just a 10-minute walk away, offering a peaceful escape amidst verdant gardens and historical sites.
Those seeking cultural experiences can head to the Akibayama Garden, also within a 10-minute stroll.
For a deeper dive into Japan’s heritage, the revered Kunozan Tosho-gu Temple is just a 25-minute drive from the hotel.
With the JR Shizuoka Train Station less than an 8-minute walk away, guests can effortlessly explore the city’s diverse offerings during their stay at Smile Hotel Shizuoka.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Hotel’s Cancellation Policy?
The cancellation policy varies by accommodation type. Guests should check the specific policy for their booking, as some may require advance notice or incur fees for late cancellations or no-shows.
Does the Hotel Have a Restaurant On-Site?
The hotel doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, but it offers breakfast service. Guests can also find a 7-11 convenience store just a 1-minute walk away for quick meals and snacks.
Are Guests Allowed to Have Visitors in Their Rooms?
Guests are not allowed to have visitors in their rooms. The hotel’s policies prohibit visitors to maintain security and privacy for all guests.
Can the Hotel Accommodate Special Dietary Requests?
The hotel can accommodate special dietary requests, but guests should notify the hotel in advance. Options may be limited, and some charges may apply for specialized meals.
What Are the Hotel’s Policies Regarding Smoking?
The hotel has a non-smoking policy and doesn’t allow smoking in any of its rooms or common areas. Guests who wish to smoke must do so in designated outdoor areas.
The Sum Up
The Smile Hotel Shizuoka offers a convenient and comfortable stay for travelers exploring Shizuoka. With its proximity to the train station, modern amenities, and positive reviews, the hotel provides an excellent home base for exploring the city’s top attractions. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, the Smile Hotel Shizuoka ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience.