I stayed at a variety of ryokan and hotels in Hokkaido this winter, but it is the wonderful experience at Kushiro Royal Inn which still lingers on my mind.

Don't be deceived by the cheap rates - this is only because of the small hotel room, which is typical by Japanese hotel standards. Apart from size, the room is thoughtfully furnished with all essentials, as well as a comfortable bed, quality toiletries and a small kettle equipped with a steam function which was very useful for the dry winter.

The location is extremely convenient, being just opposite the Kushiro train station and a stone's throw from the famous Washo fish market, a must-visit place if you like sashimi.

Most of all, the much-complimented breakfast is worth raving about again. Even if you want to give the freshly baked buns a miss, the variety and freshness of Western and Japanese choices at breakfast is extremely satisfying.

Although the staff could speak little English, they were very warm and friendly. The efficiency was also top-notch and the self check-out machine made the experience even more hassle-free.

I would highly recommend this place, not just for business, as it's great for a short stopover while on holiday as well.

After a 5.5 hour train ride, I was ready to fall into bed, exhausted. It was a very good thing the hotel is right next to the train station (Well, behind that huge church that's next to the train station) Check-in was quick and simple. The English reservation website was not working, so we had to use the Japanese site. Even then, there were no problems checking ourselves in. We were given warm damp cloths to rub our hands with. Females (me!) are offered some bath products they can choose from.

The hotel room is like any other Japanese hotel room with the same layout once again. It was a little cramped, but most hotel rooms are. The bathroom had a deep bath/shower and was small. The room was hot, so we left the window open even though it was winter. The worst thing about the hotel room was that we could hear the music outside (The streets have music blasting all day and start up again the next morning) really early in the morning (before 9am). It gets annoying after awhile.

Around the hotel, there is the train station and bus terminal. If you go out and turn right, then right onto the main road, there is a Lawsons and a small market area in a large building. The Washo market is also there on the left side. I didn't really seen anything interesting. If you go further down through the parking lot area on the right side, you can cross over to the other side of the tracks. This hotel is quite far from the bridge and Fisherman's Wharf MOO. It is around a 20min walk or so.

I never tried the breakfast, so I am unsure of how it was.

This was my second time staying there. It's the best 'business hotel" in Japan. (that's after you get used to being in a small Japanese room size) Too bad they only have a hotel in Kushiro. I traveled all over Japan on business for two weeks in April from Hokkaido to Okinawa and this was the cheapest price but the one of the best place. The breakfast was soooo good. They bake their own breads for breakfast and it's free of charge if you stay there. If you are looking for a lux place, this might not be the place but if you are looking for a place to sleep for a night and have a great breakfast, this is it!

Location is very convenient, just next to the train station. The hotel also provides car park if you are driving.
The breakfast is excellent with many choices and the food is delicious.
Price is cheap, but quality is very good.
There are no fancy stuff like onsens, luxurious decos, designers' label stuff, but if you want to go to a cheap and clean hotel, this is the one.