Yokohama's Hidden Gem: HOTEL I/S - Your Unforgettable Stay Awaits!
Yokohama's Hidden Gem: HOTEL I/S - My Unforgettable (and Slightly Chaotic) Stay! - A Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill ALL the tea on HOTEL I/S in Yokohama. Forget those sterile, corporate hotel reviews – this is the real deal. I stayed there. I experienced it. And I'm here to tell you if it's worth your hard-earned yen. (Spoiler alert: Mostly, yes. With some major caveats.)
Accessibility – First Impressions (and a Little Bit of a Struggle)
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. I'm not mobility-impaired, but I always check for it – you never know who you'll be travelling with. The website claimed wheelchair accessibility… and, well, it's a bit of a mixed bag. The elevator access to the main lobby and some floors was smooth enough, but navigating the immediate entrance was a tad clunky, a slight step down from the curb. Inside, there was plenty of space, but it wasn’t perfect. I'd recommend calling ahead to specify your needs, because truly, I was left feeling like it could be improved with a little bit of work.
The Cozy Chaos of the Rooms (And That Free Wi-Fi Magic!)
Let's jump straight into the rooms, shall we? They were described as "non-smoking," which is always a bonus for my sensitive nose. The blackout curtains were divine. Seriously, I slept like a log, which is a miracle for a light sleeper like me. And YES, the free Wi-Fi in all rooms worked like a dream! Seriously, I'm talking super-fast, no buffering, streaming heaven. It was my lifeline! I mean, the world just stops when your Netflix freezes.
The room itself was… cozy. Not palatial, by any means. But clean? Absolutely. Cleanliness and Safety seem to be a huge priority, and I really appreciated that. The room was a bit more snug than I'm used to, and that's where I tripped over the suitcase twice, the first time was the most painful. The soundproofing? Well, let’s just say I enjoyed the occasional muffled chatter from the hallway, and the siren from the street which was quite bothersome.
The amenities were pretty standard, but appreciated. Air conditioning in every room was great, and I used it extensively. And, bonus points for the lovely bathrobes and slippers. Little things, people, little things make a difference. The bed was comfy, the sheets crisp. Seriously, I could spend a week just lounging around. I'd love to complain about the bathroom, as the phone went out while I was in the middle of a phone call. But, the shower itself was great, so I'll let it slide.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hiccup)
Alright, food time! This is where things got interesting. The Asian breakfast was great, a solid start to the day. The buffet, however, was a bit… overwhelming. Like a toddler in a candy store, I wanted to eat everything. The quality was generally good, though, this is Japan. The coffee was surprisingly decent, and I definitely took advantage of the coffee shop in the lobby.
I was craving something light and fresh one evening, so I decided to try the salad in the restaurant. It took forever to arrive, and when it did, it was a bit underwhelming. The salad greens were a bit soggy, and it kinda bummed me out. I should have just have gotten the desserts in the restaurant, like the other people.
Things to Do (And Ways to Relax) – A Mixed Bag of Goodness and… Confusion
Okay, so, "Things to Do." The Fitness center was decent, and I really, really, really appreciated the pool with a view. I used the Sauna and Spa as often as I could. I didn't try the Body scrub or Body wrap, but hey, they were available! I really liked the pool as it was great for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing, and took advantage of it extensively.
The Spa/sauna was excellent! The atmosphere was very Zen and calming. But, finding it was a bit of a mission. Signage could be better. Again, a theme here.
The Quirks (and the Occasional Frustration)
Okay, let's get down to the juicy bits. HOTEL I/S isn't perfect. Far from it.
- Check-in/out: They offer contactless check-in/out, which is a plus. But the lines… oh, the lines. And the confusion.
- Staff: Most of the staff were lovely, but there were a few who seemed a tad… overwhelmed? I asked three different people where the spa was before finally finding it.
- The Location: Yokohama is fantastic. But getting around without knowing the local buses can be a nuisance.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Pretty Safe (And Well-Handled)
Again, I felt very safe with all the rules they put in place. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup all helped me to fully relax.
The Bottom Line: Is HOTEL I/S Worth It?
Honestly? Yes.
Despite its flaws, HOTEL I/S has a certain charm. It’s not the Ritz, but it's a comfortable, clean, and conveniently located hotel with a lot to offer – the pool, the spa, that incredible free Wi-Fi. It's a good choice, especially if you are looking for a hotel at a middle of the road price.
My Unforgettable Offer: Book Your Yokohama Adventure Now!
Ready to experience the Yokohama gem for yourself? Stop waiting. This place is unique:
Book your stay at HOTEL I/S today and receive:
- Guaranteed free Wi-Fi so you can stream all your shows!
- A Complimentary welcome drink and a smile at check-in.
- Special discounts on spa treatments to soothe your muscles after a day of exploring.
- Book a family room and get 10% off!
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Luxury Suites Near Jackson, MS: Unwind at Staybridge Suites Flowood
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we are diving HEADFIRST into my utterly chaotic, probably-gonna-get-lost-more-than-once, hopefully-still-magical journey to HOTEL I/S Yokohama, Japan. This isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is me trying to figure out how to use a Japanese toilet, survive jet lag, and maybe, just maybe, snag a decent selfie.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL & IMMEDIATE PANIC (Tokyo to Yokohama? I CAN DO THIS… maybe…)
Time: 6:00 AM (ish) - Arrival at Narita International Airport (NRT). Okay, let's be real, "arrival" is a generous term. More like, "staggered-out-of-a-tube-feeling-like-a-zombie-who-forgot-their-brain-at-home." The customs line was a blur of faces and blinking lights. And the smells! Oh, the smells. Incense, instant ramen, and something… vaguely fishy. I think I'm in love already.
7:00 AM (ish) - Train Hell - Tokyo Station. Okay, moving on from the airport. I, in my infinite wisdom, decided to go for the bullet train from Tokyo to Yokohama. The Shinkansen, right? Seemed glamorous in the movies. Now I was in a crowded, silent carriage, surrounded by impeccably dressed Japanese business people, trying not to make eye contact with anyone while wrestling my suitcase down the tight aisle. Also, I didn't realise you have to pay extra for assigned seating. So I'm standing with my suitcase. Oh and my bag fell to the ground and I think I dropped a cookie.
- Anecdote: I swear, I saw a woman in a power suit give me THE most withering glare when I accidentally stepped on her perfectly polished shoe. I swear, I then spent the rest of the journey muttering under my breath "Gomenasai! Gomenasai!" (I think that's "sorry," in Japanese. I hope.) Also, I was starving so I ate the cookie.
9:00 AM (ish) - CHECK-IN! at HOTEL I/S Yokohama Okay, finally in Yokohama! The hotel? Gorgeous. Slick. Modern. I’m sure the staff are looking at my with disdain because of the luggage. I will try to improve.
- Quirky Observation: The toilet! It's like a spaceship. Buttons everywhere. Heated seat. Bidet options that are both thrilling and terrifying. I bravely pressed a few, and I now have a new appreciation for the sheer complexity of… well, you know.
10:00 AM (ish) - Post-travel Shower and nap. The best part because it makes me feel human.
DAY 2: EXPLORING YOKOHAMA… or, "The Quest for Food"
9:00 AM - Wake up! Jet lag is a cruel mistress. My body clock is screaming "MIDNIGHT!" whilst the sun is streaming in.
**10:00 - *Breakfast at the hotel* The hotel food might actually be the best food I have in my entire life. My stomach is so happy.
11:00 AM - Yokohama Chinatown. Okay, so the plan was to "explore" Yokohama Chinatown. The reality? I wandered around, slightly overwhelmed by the smells, the crowds, and the sheer volume of things to look at… mostly, I was trying to find the perfect momo (steamed bun).
- Anecdote: Found a place selling the most incredible momo. It was HUGE. I bought it and I ate it like my life depended on it, and then decided to get another one. Because, you know, research.
1:00 PM - Yamashita Park Strolling around Yamashita Park, after having eaten 2 momos, made me very happy.
4:00 PM - Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse: This is where I had a bit of a meltdown while trying to decipher the Japanese sign. I really wanted to know what the place was all about, but I got a little lost and found myself, staring at the beautiful architecture. It was all a bit overwhelming.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, I'm not gonna lie. I was a little lost and a bit homesick. The city started to feel like it was closing in on me. I sat on a bench and started to cry, I had to hold myself back. But then I saw a flock of pigeons, and the sight made me chuckle.
6:00 PM - Dinner at a random ramen place. Found a place that looked promising and, despite my limited Japanese, managed to order (hopefully) something delicious. Ramen never disappoints.
- Opinionated Language: Honestly? It was the best ramen I've ever had. Better than any place back home. The broth! The noodles! The chashu pork! Chef's kiss
DAY 3: MORE OF YOKOHAMA (Maybe I'll Learn Some Japanese… Maybe Not)
9:00 AM - Breakfast More of the delicious hotel food. I could get used to this.
10:00 AM - Sankeien Garden: Finally, some peace and quiet! The gardens are amazing. I wandered around, feeling like I'd stepped into a painting.
- Stream-of-consciousness: The ponds. The little bridges. The tea houses. The perfect light filtering through the trees… I could get lost here. Bliss. I think I'll sit here for an hour and just… breathe.
**1:00 PM - ** Lunch.
2:00 PM- The Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama: I'm getting that much of that information.
- Imperfection: I think the highlight was making my own customized Cup Noodles. I accidentally put in way too much chili powder. My mouth is burning, but it was worth it!
5:00 PM - Shop around, and get a souvenir.
DAY 4: LEAVING YOKOHAMA (With a Little Bit of Hope)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast. The realization hits me: I'm leaving the land of incredible food and fascinating culture. I eat slowly, savoring every bite.
- 10:00 AM - Last-minute souvenir shopping.
- 12:00 PM - Check out of HOTEL I/S Yokohama.
- Emotional Reaction: A strange mix of sadness and excitement. I wasn't sure I'd like it at the start, but Yokohama has grown on me. I'm sad to leave, but ready for the next adventure. And also… the bullet train back to Tokyo!
- 1:00 PM - The Shinkansen again. Hopefully, my luggage won't fall over this time.
- 2:00 PM - Head to the airport.
- 10:00 PM - Flight.
This is just a rough outline, of course. There will be detours. There will be spontaneous decisions. There will probably be more crying. But that's the beauty of it, right? This trip isn't about ticking boxes. It's about getting lost (literally and figuratively), laughing a lot, and maybe, just maybe, finding a little bit of myself along the way in Japan. Wish me luck… I'm gonna need it.
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Yokohama's Hidden Gem: HOTEL I/S - FAQs (with a Side of Rambling)
Okay, So... What *Actually* Makes HOTEL I/S "Special"? Is it Just Hype?
Alright, alright, let's get real. "Special" is a loaded word, right? I'm not gonna lie, I saw the Instagram pics, the glowing reviews... felt like I was walking into a trap, honestly. But... and here’s the but… HOTEL I/S, it's got that *vibe*. Think less "sterile hotel room" and more "your eccentric aunt's super-cool apartment, but with better towels."
It's the little things, you know? The mismatched furniture that *somehow* works, the massive windows overlooking *something* (I could never quite figure out what, but it was beautiful at sunrise), the fact that they don't judge you for ordering room service at 3 AM. (Trust me, I know.) It’s more than just a place to sleep; it's like... a breathing, slightly chaotic, and totally charming experience. It’s not perfect – and that’s *exactly* what makes it perfect, in a weird, hotel-room-shaped kinda way.
Is the Location Actually "Hidden" or Am I Going to Get Lost in a Maze?
Okay, the "hidden gem" thing? Yeah, it's accurate, but also a little… dramatized. It's probably not *actually* hidden from extraterrestrials. It *is* tucked away, though. Let's just say, pack your navigation skills. I walked around in circles for a good fifteen minutes the first time. Google Maps is your friend. But once you *find* it - the relief! It's like stumbling upon a treasure chest after slogging through quicksand.
It's close enough to the train station to be convenient (after you get your bearings), far enough to feel like you've escaped the crowds. Perfect, right?
The Rooms - Are They Actually *Nice*? Or Just Instagrammable?
Alright, the rooms. This is where things get interesting. They're definitely Instagrammable. Let's get that out of the way. But are they *nice*? Yes. And here's why I say that. They're not trying to be a chain hotel. They actually *care* about the details. Remember those mismatched furniture I was mentioning? Well, it is a testament to their keen attention to detail. And their pillows? Oh, the pillows. I literally contemplated stealing one. (Didn't, but the thought was there.)
I stayed in one room that had a *massive* window seat. I spent hours just reading, watching the city lights twinkle... it was pure bliss. (Except for the time I dropped my phone off the edge. Luckily it survived.) Another room had a bathtub big enough for a small whale. (Okay, maybe not a whale, but definitely two adults.) Yeah, they’re nice. They’re *lived-in* nice. Like a well-loved, slightly worn leather armchair. And seriously, the lighting. Perfect for photos… and reading in bed. Seriously, the lighting is just... chef's kiss.
Are the Amenities Worth It? Do They Offer the Usual Hotel Stuff?
Amenities… Honestly, they're pretty standard. Wi-Fi (thank god, wouldn’t have been able to post *all* my Insta pics otherwise), a decent gym (I didn't use it, because… vacation), and the usual boring stuff. BUT… hotel I/S also offers a few quirky things. Like the bike rental. Didn’t use it. I figured it was a good idea because I had the image of me riding through the streets of Yokohama in my head. Nope, it turns out, Yokohama's streets are a bit too… exciting for my cycling skills.
They also had a really cool lobby area with a small bar. Great for a nightcap. (Or three). And they put out these little handwritten notes on the door. I felt like, "Aw, these folks are really trying, aren't they?"
What About the Food? Is Breakfast Any Good?
Breakfast… oh, breakfast. This is where my memory gets a little… hazy. They *do* offer breakfast. It wasn't like, Michelin-star worthy, but it wasn’t the usual sad hotel buffet. I mean, they had a really good coffee machine. (Priorities.) They had a pretty good selection of pastries. However, the best thing was definitely the ambiance. It wasn't a rushed experience, you could sit and relax. I remember seeing a guy with a book, and then, *I* was that guy, sipping coffee and looking out the window.
Okay, Spill It. What Was the BEST Part of Your HOTEL I/S Experience?
Okay, here's the moment of truth. The *absolute best* part? This is going to sound silly, but… the staff. Seriously. They weren't just polite and efficient, they were *genuinely* friendly. I had a moment where I, well I won't go into details, but let's just say I locked myself out of my room at 2 AM, and they were nothing but helpful and kind. They didn't judge, they just fixed the problem with a smile.
And one morning, I was a bit lost, and they gave me a little map and showed me a few local shops. It's the human touch. The fact that they remembered my name – or at least, pretended to – made all the difference. It wasn’t just a hotel; it felt like staying with a bunch of very cool friends who know all the best spots. That, for me, is what made it truly unforgettable. That friendliness… that's the gem.
Any Downsides? Be Honest!
Alright, alright, nobody's perfect. The "downside"? Hmm. Okay, the elevators were a *little* slow sometimes. Minor inconvenience. And the air conditioning… well, sometimes the temperature was either "arctic blast" or "sauna". But honestly, the quirky charm more than made up for it. I guess you could say it was a bit over-priced when the price is considered, but the location is actually quite great and the unique decor really does make up for it.
