Mark
As with most Japanese business hotels, Hotel Route-Inn Chiba Newtown provides standard amenities, toiletry articles, tea/coffee, laundry facilities etc. Route-inn is known for their ample public baths. This one seemed a bit smaller than other Route-inns. Onsight parking (stacked garage) is available for a fee (¥500/night), however, if you park on upper levels, there are no elevators so be prepared to lug your luggage on stairs. Restaurant is open only for breakfast. This was the biggest disappointment for us staying here, food selection was dismal, quality questionable & many sick kids groping through the food laid out in buffet style. So maybe opt out of breakfast package. The bed & pillows were quite hard, had difficulty getting a good sleep, however they do have softer pillows upon request. Staff are always nice & helpful. If you participate in their eco-conscious program, which means they'll replenish towels, toiletries & empty out the trash daily but vacuum & replace your bedding every 3 days, you'll receive tokens for their drink machines. Laundry machines are available but it took about 4 hours to get the clothes to be not sopping wet. At other Route-inns we stayed before took just one cycle & our clothes came out dry. Not sure if the heat level was set low at this hotel or what, but didn't expect to be up at 3 am trying to finish the laundry. Overall though, stay was adequate & served its purpose, people were super friendly & supportive of English speaking guests.
