Hiroshima's BEST Hotel? APA Hiroshima-Ekimae Review!
APA Hiroshima-Ekimae: My Rambling, Honest, and Maybe Slightly Biased Review (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the world of the APA Hiroshima-Ekimae. Forget perfectly crafted travel blogs; this is the unfiltered truth, seasoned with a healthy dose of personal baggage. I’m talking spilled coffee, lost luggage (not at this hotel, thankfully), and the kind of overly-detailed observations that make you question my sanity (maybe deservedly).
First Impressions (Where the Stream-of-Consciousness Begins)
So, arriving at APA Hiroshima-Ekimae. First thought? "Wow, that's… a lot of hotel." Seriously, it's smack-dab in the middle of everything, which is amazing for exploring. Accessibility? Good. Like, really good. Elevators galore, ramps where you need 'em, and I even saw a few people in wheelchairs zipping around with ease. Check. Big green check. No fumbling around with awkward inclines or narrow doorways. Bonus points already.
The Location, Location, Location (and Why It Matters)
Right, the Ekimae part of the name means "in front of the station." And it is. Directly across from Hiroshima Station. This is HUGE. Forget lugging your suitcase for miles. Train arrives? BAM. You're practically in the lobby. This is golden for anyone just arriving from a long trip. Speaking of which, the Airport Transfer is tempting, probably. I didn't need it, but the proximity to the train lines made me feel all smug and superior. That's the real luxury, right? Avoiding the sweaty shuffle?
Rooms: The Bare Bones & Beyond (My Personal Mini-Drama)
The rooms… well, they're APA rooms. If you've stayed in an APA before, you know what you're getting. They’re not palatial, but they're efficient. Very efficient. Think minimalist chic meets "we need to fit as much as possible into this tiny space." But honestly? I dig it.
My room was clean. Seriously, spotless. And that's vital. Especially now. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available, which, honestly, I didn't even think about, but is reassuring. Rooms sanitized between stays. I'll take that any day. Daily disinfection in common areas? Excellent. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Thank FREAKING goodness. And yes, there's air conditioning, essential, because Hiroshima gets HOT. They had Blackout curtains, which I adored. Slept like a baby, even with the train rumbling outside. And, yes, they had free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Important. My phone's my lifeline.)
Minor complaint? Okay, a minor complaint. Space. Okay, several rooms are compact. But hey, you're not meant to live in your room, you're meant to explore. I had the Internet access (LAN) option. Old school, but reliable and there was also Wi-Fi [free]. My room (non-smoking, thankfully) had the usual suspects: mini bar, coffee maker, TV with satellite/cable channels, in-room safe box. Honestly, I was happy. I really appreciated the desk since I was working remotely. Oh, and the mirror by the desk was a bit small for, you know, primping, but I wasn't there to win a beauty contest.
Bathroom Musings & Toiletries Traumas
The bathroom was another exercise in efficient design. Small, but functional. I gotta say, I love a good Japanese-style bathroom. You could tell the hair dryer was a bit…well… past its prime, but it worked. I appreciated the toiletries, small, but adequate. There was a separate shower/bathtub, which is convenient. I did feel a surge of disappointment when I saw the shampoo (or whatever it was) was in a little disposable plastic packet. But I'm not going to dwell on it.
Dining, Drinking, and Surviving on Ramen (My Personal Diet)
Okay, let's talk food. There's a restaurant, which had Asian cuisine in restaurant, international cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant. The breakfast buffet was the star, with a decent spread of both Japanese and Western options. Breakfast [buffet]. Honestly? Standard hotel stuff. I didn't have the Breakfast in room. I am also a sucker for the coffee/tea maker, which was a lifesaver. The Coffee shop was good for a quick pick-me-up. I missed out on the Beer at the bar because I was busy. There was a Snack bar too.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because 2024 Made Me Obsessed)
This is where APA excels, seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Double check. And, you could tell they were taking it seriously. Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. The whole place felt clean and well-managed.
**(Note: I did *not* see a doctor, so I can't comment on the *Doctor/nurse on call*)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or, The Spa That Wasn't)
They have a Fitness center. I'm not a gym person, so I didn't check it out. They don't have a pool with a view, which is a bummer. No swimming pool [outdoor]. Definitely not a place to do some laps and relax. There's a souvenir shop (Gift/souvenir shop), which is handy for last-minute gifts. They also offer a cash withdrawal, currency exchange and concierge services.
Services & Conveniences (The Stuff That Makes Life Easier)
24-hour front desk? YES. Essential. Need something at 3 AM? They're there. Luggage storage? Absolutely. Laundry service? Convenient. Dry cleaning? Well, I didn’t, but the option was there, which is a bonus if you are travelling in a long trip. Elevator? Thank god. Walking up stairs? Not my idea of fun. Cashless payment service? Yep, super smooth.
Accessibility - The Real Game Changer
As mentioned before, the facilities for disabled guestswere genuinely impressive. Wide hallways, easy elevator access, and well-placed ramps. This is something APA seems to get right across the board. Facilities for disabled guests. They also provided bathrobes. Luggage storage? Yes! Car park [on-site] You'll pay for it, but it's an option.
My Verdict (The Grand Finale)
Look, the APA Hiroshima-Ekimae isn't the Ritz. It's not pretending to be. But it's a solid, reliable, and convenient option for Hiroshima. It scores high on cleanliness, accessibility, and location. The rooms? They’re fine. The food? It’ll fill you up. Could it be more luxurious? Sure. Is it perfect? Nope. Does it get the job done and make your Hiroshima adventure a breeze? Absolutely. I'd stay there again. No hesitation. And that's the most honest review I can give.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your grandma's meticulously-planned itinerary. This is ME, flailing around Hiroshima, at the APA Hotel Hiroshima-Ekimae, fueled by instant ramen and a profound sense of existential wonder. Prepare for glorious, chaotic, and possibly slightly inaccurate travel chronicles.
ITINERARY: Hiroshima – A Messy, Wonderful Adventure (and Lots of Ramen)
Day 1: Arrival, Atom Dome Blues, and the Ramen That Saved My Soul
- 14:00 - Arrival at Hiroshima Station: Okay, first impressions? Clean. Too clean, almost. Like a sterile, perfect hospital. I'm usually a mess, a whirlwind of forgetting things and accidentally grabbing the wrong suitcase at baggage claim, so the organized grid of Hiroshima Station makes me slightly… nervous. Okay, more than slightly.
- 14:30 - Hotel Check-in @ APA Hotel Hiroshima-Ekimae: The usual: tiny room. Like, really tiny. I'm pretty sure I can touch both walls simultaneously. Bathroom situation? Efficient, to put it mildly. I swear they've optimized every inch of space. I could’ve done with more wiggle room. The bed, though? Surprisingly comfortable. Small victories, people, small victories.
- 15:00 - Atom Bomb Dome & Peace Memorial Park: Alright, deep breaths. This is the big one. The Atom Bomb Dome. Honestly? It hit me harder than I expected. Pictures don't do it justice. The silence… it’s deafening. I just stood there, staring, absorbing all the weight of history. My usual witty banter vanished, replaced by… well, just a lump in my throat and a sudden, overwhelming urge to learn to play the shakuhachi. Saw the Peace Memorial Museum. Gut-wrenching. I mean, seriously. You’re not going to come out the same. I sobbed. Yes, a full-blown, snot-running, mascara-down-my-cheeks sob. It was… needed. Absolutely needed.
- 18:00 - Ramen Rescue: Okay, after that soul-crushing dose of reality, I needed carbs. Ramen. Glorious, slurp-worthy, life-affirming ramen. Found a tiny place near the hotel. Can’t remember the name (jet lag, memory, details are fuzzy), but the broth was out of this world. Rich, savory, with a hint of something… magic? I slurped it down, face first, and felt the tension melt away. Ramen saved me, truly. It was a spiritual experience, I kid you not. I vowed to learn their ramen recipes. Maybe even open a ramen shop. "Ramen for the Soul," that's what I'd call it. Okay, maybe not.
- 19:00 - Post-Ramen Stroll: Stomach full, spirits lifted. Wandered around the Peace Park again, under the twilight. The lanterns… so many lanterns. Each one a flickering memory. It's beautiful, devastating, and… I'm just going to say it… profoundly affecting. Started babbling to a random Japanese guy about my love of ramen and the emotional weight of the day. He just smiled and nodded. Probably thought I was a loon. Which, fair enough.
- 21:00 - Back at the Hotel: Exhausted. Emotionally drained. But… strangely peaceful? The air is crisp (I leave the window cracked, even though the tiny room can barely tolerate the opening space it provides. The shower provided just enough space to get clean and the water was hot. Thank goodness. Tomorrow: Miyajima Island. Wish me luck.
Day 2: Miyajima Island, Dancing Deer, and Another Ramen Revelation
- 08:00 - Breakfast (Attempted): Okay, the hotel breakfast… let's just say it's… functional. Rice, miso soup, a questionable sausage. I stuck to toast and coffee. Coffee was strong. Essential.
- 09:00 - Ferry to Miyajima Island: The ferry ride was gorgeous. The view of the Torii Gate… breathtaking. A perfect postcard picture. I, of course, was too busy trying to take the perfect photo (and failing miserably) to fully appreciate it. My phone ate up the battery.
- 09:30 - Miyajima Island Exploration (and Deer Encounters): The island is magical. Like, Disney-level magical. The Itsukushima Shrine, the Torii Gate… they actually do look as good in real life as they do in the photos. And the deer! They wander around freely, begging for food. Cute, but also… ruthless. They tried to steal my map. I almost got a nip on the butt. Didn’t get away with it. I’m too fast.
- 12:00 - Hiking Mount Misen (Mistake!): Oh, dear God. Okay, I thought I was in decent shape. I was wrong. Mount Misen is a beast. The trail… steep. My lungs were burning. My legs were screaming. I cursed the deer, the map, and the entire concept of hiking. But… the view from the top… worth it. Absolutely worth it. I could see the entire island, the sea, the world. Breathtaking. I sat for ages, just breathing, relishing the accomplishment.
- 15:00 - Foodie Fun: Had some oysters. Oh, the oysters! Fresh, plump, and salty. Heaven. Also tried momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes). Cute and delicious. I ate my weight in them.
- 17:00 - Ferry Back to Hiroshima: Exhausted, sun-kissed, and slightly delirious. Miyajima… you almost broke me, but you also… stole my heart.
- 18:00 - Ramen (Again!): Guess what? Ramen. Because, seriously, after a day like that, you need ramen. This time, I found a different place, near the station. It was even better than the first. The broth… creamy, rich, and infused with… secret herbs? I will never know. But I didn’t care. I was in ramen heaven. This is the life.
- 19:00 - Post-Ramen Flailing: Walked along the river, watching the city lights reflect on the water. Felt a sense of… contentment. (Yes, me, the perpetually anxious one.) Hiroshima… it’s getting to me.
- 21:00 - Crash: Back in my tiny hotel room. Collapse on the bed. Tomorrow: Probably more ramen. And maybe, just maybe, a deep dive into Japanese culture (or at least, a slightly more successful attempt at using chopsticks).
Day 3: More Culture, More Food, and the Unspoken Truth
- 09:00 - Hotel Breakfast: Miso this time. Because… cultural immersion?
- 10:00 - Shukkei-en Garden: Beautiful. Serene. Green. I wandered, lost in thought, trying (and failing) to channel my inner Zen master. The koi pond… stunning. I almost fell in. Almost.
- 12:00 - Hiroshima Castle: Reconstructed, of course. But still… impressive. Climbed to the top for a view of the city. It's a city of history with modern conveniences.
- 14:00 - Street Food Extravaganza: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake) is a MUST. And the takoyaki (octopus balls) are delicious. My stomach is happy and full.
- 16:00 - Peace Memorial Park (Again): Okay, I know. Repeating a location. But… I needed it. To process. To remember. To… just be. I sat by the Children's Peace Monument, and felt… the same. Deeply moved, and just… quiet.
- 18:00 - Ramen (Surprise!): Okay, this time, it was a challenge. I found my favorite ramen place earlier and had a double serving of noodles.
- 19:00 - Departure Preparations: Packed my bags and mentally prepared myself to leave.
- 21:00 - Sleep:
Final Thoughts:
Hiroshima… you’re complicated. Gut-wrenching. Gorgeous. Full of surprises. And, most importantly, full of ramen. I came expecting a history lesson, and I got that, of course. But I also got something else. A reminder of the incredible resilience of the human spirit. A taste of beauty, even in the face of profound sadness. And,
Uncover Milan's Secret: The Vertical City Awaits!
So, You're Considering the APA Hotel Hiroshima-Ekimae? Buckle Up, Buttercup. Here's the Messy Truth.
Okay, Seriously, How TINY are the Rooms? Like, Miniature Golf Course Tiny?
Alright, let's not sugarcoat it. They are… compact. Think "cozy" if you're feeling generous. Think "Did I just get teleported into a shipping container?" if you're not. I swear, the first time I went, I spent a solid five minutes trying to *walk* around the bed without impaling myself on the desk. And the luggage? Forget unpacking it. You'll be living out of your suitcase, which will also be your end-table, your chair, and possibly your emotional support animal.
My Pro-Tip: Pack LIGHT. Seriously. And embrace the challenge. It's a test of your minimalist abilities! I once saw a woman try to fit a full-sized suitcase AND a samurai sword (don't ask) into a room. I swear, the walls seemed to *shrink* in response. It was amazing, and terrifying.
Is the Location Actually Good, or Just Convenient for the Train Station?
Okay, location. Yeah, it's RIGHT there. Like, fall-out-of-the-train-and-stumble-inside-the-hotel right there. Which is AMAZING after a long day of sightseeing or dealing with jet lag. But don't expect charming. It's… functional. You're in the heart of the Ekimae (station front) district, which means lots of businesses, restaurants (some great, some… less so), and the general hustle and bustle of a major train station. Think of it as a launching pad. A convenient, slightly sterile, launching pad.
My Anecdote: One time, coming back from a particularly exhausting day trip to Miyajima Island, I *literally* staggered through the automatic doors, collapsed into the lobby, and nearly snuck into the elevator before I even realized I wasn't wearing shoes. The location saved me from public humiliation. So, yeah. Good location.
Is the Breakfast Worth it? Do I Have to Wake Up at the Crack of Dawn?
The breakfast… ah, the breakfast. Okay, so it's usually a buffet situation. Expect a mix of Japanese staples (rice, miso soup, pickles) and Western options (scrambled eggs, sad-looking sausages). The quality? Decent. Edible. Fuel for your adventures. Is it *gourmet*? Absolutely not. But it’ll fill the void that's your stomach, and that's what matters, right?
Rant Time: Now, the *timing*… yeah, you might have to wake up early. Japanese hotels, they're sticklers for breakfast hours. I'm not a morning person. I’m a “leave-me-alone-with-my-coffee-and-let-me-sleep” person. So, dragging myself down there at 7:30am... it felt like a betrayal of my own sleep schedule. But I did it. And I'm a better person for it, maybe. Or just slightly less tired. The coffee was passable, at least…
What About the Amenities? Are There Any Perks?
Okay, amenities. They're… there. You get the basics. Free Wi-Fi (thank goodness!). Air conditioning (a lifesaver in the Hiroshima heat). A tiny TV (usually with the Japanese channels that I can barely understand). The APA hotels *do* often have onsen (hot springs), but I'm not sure if this particular location does. ALWAYS check before you book! I'll be honest, the amenities are... functional, like the hotel itself.
Quirky Observation: One time, I tried to figure out the TV remote. It felt like trying to decipher the Rosetta Stone. Buttons upon buttons! After a good 15 minutes of button-mashing frustration, I finally – FINALLY – managed to turn the volume down. Small victories, people, small victories! And maybe, *maybe*, there's a vending machine with some ice cream. Because, well, ice cream fixes everything.
Okay, Let's Talk About the "APA Style"... Is it as Intense as People Say?
Oh, the "APA Style". This is where things get… interesting. If you're not familiar, APA hotels are known for their emphasis on efficiency, sometimes bordering on… well, let's just say *assertiveness.* You will likely encounter policies. Lots of policies. Everything is streamlined. Check-in is brisk. Check-out is rapid-fire. Don't expect a lot of hand-holding. They’re all about getting you in, getting you out, and maximizing room occupancy. It's a machine, and you are a cog in it... and maybe that is the charming point?
Emotional Reaction: Now, I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, the efficiency can be impressive. On the other hand, it can feel… impersonal. You can feel lost in the shuffle. I can't count the times I've checked in and thought, "Wow, they really do not care about anything but my money!" But the location and overall convenience sometimes outweighs my slight emotional detachment from the hotel service, so… I return.
So, Is the APA Hiroshima-Ekimae Actually a Good Choice? Give it to Me Straight!
Alright, the verdict. The APA Hiroshima-Ekimae? It's… a solid choice. It's not fancy. It's not luxurious. It's not going to be a romantic getaway. But… it’s convenient, it's clean (for the most part!), and it does the job. The location makes it *invaluable* for a first-time visitor to Hiroshima, or anyone really, who wants easy access to the station.
My Honest Opinion: If you're looking for a place to crash after a long day of exploring, need a good jumping-off point for day trips, and don't mind a slightly cramped but efficient experience, then go for it. Just be prepared for small rooms, a no-nonsense approach, and the possibility of slightly above average mornings. And, for goodness sake, pack light!
Warning: If you're expecting a fluffy pillow and a butler service, you're in the wrong place. But if you want a reliable, affordable place to sleep and see Hiroshima, then go for it! I'd only recommend it if you can handle the "APA Style" – which, after all, is part of the experience. And if you *need* a laugh? Well, you might get one just by the sheer absurdity of it all. Don't go in expecting perfection, but do go in with your sense of humor in place.
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