This hotel offers bigger rooms compared to other hotels in Japan within the same price range. The bathtub is also large, allowing for a relaxing soak. The location is excellent, close to the station, and the cleanliness is good. They’ve also paid attention to small details, such as having outlets and little lamp near the bed. Anyway it’s very convenient, I would definitely choice here again if I visit Okayama next time.

Sleepwear and toiletries need to be picked up outside the room. Since I understand Japanese it wasn’t an issue for me, but I’m not sure if this might cause inconvenience for other foreign guests.

Smile Hotel was a great place to stay in Okayama City. The hotel seemed like a relatively new build and all the facilities were really nice. The staff were all patient and polite. The room itself was relatively small but was perfect for a solo travel stay over. The hotel is located on a tram line and has multiple bus stops in front of the entrance.

Behind the hotel seemed to be a less family friendly area with some maid cafes and a plethora of bars. However, it didn't feel unsafe.

The room size was perfect for a solo traveller, and roomy for Japan. An equidistant walk from Okayama Station and Koroaku-en garden (and Okayama Castle), this was a great one-night stop over between Naoshima and Tokyo. No fuss, comfortable, clean, and quiet.

The reception is on the second floor, so you do have to wander in and take the elevator up. Heads up that if you're using Google maps, it will tell you to go through the back, which you cannot do!

My first time staying at a Smile hotel and I was impressed. The single room was a good size for Japan. It was clean and the bed was comfortable. Friendly and helpful staff. There is a microwave by the reception area that guests can use. I liked that they didn't clean/come into your room each day, but that you could leave your rubbish outside your door if it needed emptying

While it is relatively close to the station, it was a bit of a walk with luggage.

All the hotel is very clean. We had a twin beds room and it was quite big regarding Japanese standards. Everything seemed quite new and well maintained. The beds were comfortable and we did not hear street noise at night (we were on the 6th floor). The breakfast was good, mainly Asian food though. The staff was very friendly. There are laundry machines, a microwave and a smoking room.

The room was very clean and bright, as well as being very spacious which is a luxury in Japan. It is conveniently located three tram stops away from JR Okayama (Ekimae). Green tram line, destination Seikibashi, stop S04: Yubinkyoku-mae. A taxi only costs JPY 1,000 and there is a bus right outside the hotel entrance with frequent buses to the JR station. The hotel also offers a traditional Japanese-style breakfast i.e. no cereals, scrambled eggs etc which was fine by us given that we were visiting Japan after all. And if you wanted a quick and cheap meal, there is a Nakau restaurant across the road from the hotel. Best of all, it was the cheapest hotel during our holiday.

No complaints/issues.

Nice soaker tub. Location close to train station. Room was clean but no cleaning service after you are in there

No coffee available, just green tea. Didn’t love having to put the garbage in the hallway along with all the wet towels because in the morning you’re walking past everybody’s garbage. One block from the street with all the girl bars.

Nice location, a bus station ist right in front of the hotel. The train station is two bus stops away or about 15 minutes by foot. A Lawson is only seconds away. Lots of restaurants and shopping close by. The local attractions can easily be reached by foot. The staff is friendly, the room was big enough for the time we stayed. It was clean and quiet.

The elevator stopped at the front desk on the second floor every time. You want to go from the ground floor to the fourth floor? Wave the receptionist, as you will stop on the second flood, if you want it or not. Same goes for the other way. Want to go to a conbini and buy a snack? Wave on your way down... and up.

Liked this location - not too far of a walk from the train station and easy access to castle and gardens. Staff were very nice. If you didn’t need a full room clean - you could have 2 bottles of water instead. Easy to use laundry and never seemed too busy. Okayama a great location for a number of interesting options - Naoshima Island, Kihikihi bike trail, Hiroshima as well as the city’s own attractions

Would have liked a second pillow on the bed to make it more comfortable sitting up. Otherwise all great.

- location was very convenient for sightseeing - about 10-15 minutes walk from the Okayama station, but very close to Okayama Castle and Korakuen, convenience store nearby - room was clean and had all necessary equipment - big TV and desk, comfortable chair - quick check-in/check-out procedure - reasonable price

- small room, but typical for Japanese hotels; would be nice to have more place to open suitcase