Nagaoka's Hidden Gem: NEW PLAZA Hotel - Unforgettable Stay!
Nagaoka's New Plaza Hotel: My Surprisingly Stellar Stay (and Some Squirrely Stuff!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Nagaoka, Japan, and spent a few nights at the NEW PLAZA Hotel. Saying I was blown away is an understatement – I was practically scooped up by a giant wave of hospitality and gently deposited on a fluffy cloud of complimentary wifi. Seriously, this place… it's a hidden gem, alright. Let's dive in, shall we? (And yes, I'm going to ramble a bit, because that's just how my brain works.)
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First Impressions & Getting There (Accessibility & General Vibe):
Finding the hotel was a breeze, no thanks to my abysmal sense of direction. Thank goodness for those brightly lit signs! The exterior? Let's just say it wasn't love at first sight. A bit… functional. BUT! Once you step inside, it's a different story. Clean, well-maintained, and a lobby that whispers "Welcome, weary traveler!" (I'm paraphrasing, obviously).
Now, accessibility is a big deal for me. I have a friend who uses a wheelchair, and I always keep that in mind. Fantastic! The elevator was smooth and spacious. Corridors were wide. The facilities for disabled guests are clearly well-thought-out, and the staff seemed genuinely happy to help (more on that later!). CCTV in common areas and outside the property gave me a sense of security – always a plus.
The Room (Available in All Rooms & More!):
My room? Let's just say it exceeded expectations. I was expecting a basic, functional space. What I got was a cozy haven. Here's the breakdown:
- Air conditioning: Crucial in Japanese summers!
- Alarm clock: (Saved my bacon more than once)
- Bathrobes, slippers: Oh, the comfort! I practically lived in them.
- Bathtub: Perfect for a soak after a long day exploring.
- Blackout curtains: Blissful sleep guaranteed.
- Closet: Space for all my (overpacked) luggage.
- Coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea: Yes, yes, and yes! Fueled my morning explorations.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless! Truly impeccable.
- Desk, laptop workspace: Perfect for catching up on emails (or pretending to work while I was secretly daydreaming about ramen).
- Extra long bed: Hallelujah! (I'm tall.)
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key!
- Hair dryer: Essential for my unruly mane.
- In-room safe box: I never used it, but it's good to have.
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]): Finally! Free Wi-Fi that actually works! And the Internet [LAN] option for the tech-savvy.
- Ironing facilities: (Used them precisely zero times, but good to know they're there).
- Laptop workspace: See "Desk." ;)
- Linens, towels: Crisp and fresh!
- Mini bar: Temptation city! (Resisted… mostly).
- Mirror: Critical for pre-dinner outfit checks.
- Non-smoking: THANK YOU, HOTEL MANAGEMENT!
- On-demand movies: Always a nice touch.
- Private bathroom & Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury!
- Reading light: For late-night bookworms (me!).
- Refrigerator: Hello, late-night snacks!
- Satellite/cable channels: Fine, but I was too busy being out to watch TV.
- Seating area: Comfy!
- Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector: Standard, yet appreciated.
- Socket near the bed: Essential for phone charging.
- Telephone, Toiletries: Standard, but the toiletries were surprisingly nice!
- Towels: Plentiful and fluffy.
- Umbrella: Came in handy during a sudden downpour.
- Wake-up service: Reliable. (Unlike me sometimes).
- Window that opens: Fresh air – yes please!
Here's where it got really interesting: I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!), so I was thrilled to see the commitment to Cleanliness and safety. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and a clear emphasis on Hygiene certification. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a thoughtful touch. I felt safe. HUGE kudos.
Food, Glorious Food (Dining, Drinking, and Snacking):
Okay, this is where the New Plaza truly shined. I'm a huge foodie, and the dining, drinking, and snacking options were incredible.
Breakfast [buffet]: A must. An Asian breakfast, a Western breakfast option, and everything in between. Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs cooked to order, miso soup… I could go on (and I did, every morning!).
Restaurants: There are several Restaurants. The sushi place was phenomenal. Try the salmon! I had an absolutely delicious dinner with a soup in a restaurant before.
Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: A godsend for a caffeine addict.
Bar, Poolside bar: Relaxing and well-stocked!
Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for late-night cravings.
But Here's My Slightly Unpleasant Experience
Okay, story time. I was enjoying the Breakfast [buffet], and it was wonderful. I went to get some juice and when I turned around, a man was pouring his coffee on my food. That made me angry, because who does that? However, one of the staff watched everything from the corner. They promptly went to him and he stopped immediately. I was surprised. Then, I was offered a free all-expenses paid breakfast AND my room was upgraded. I felt so special and cared for! It made me feel so good and cared for. Now that is service.
Vegetarian restaurant. There are also some Vegetarian restaurant options.
Ways to Relax (Spa & Wellness, Things to Do):
This is where the New Plaza went from "great" to "amazing." I'm a sucker for a spa day, and the facilities here were top-notch.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: Pampering at its finest.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Didn't make it there (oops!), but it looked well-equipped.
- Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Stunning! I spent a solid afternoon lounging by the pool with a cocktail.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Pure bliss.
- Massage: Absolute heaven. The masseuse was a magician!
Services and Conveniences:
The New Plaza is all about going the extra mile.
- Airport transfer was smooth and easy.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Super helpful.
- Concierge: Always ready with a recommendation or a helping hand.
- Daily housekeeping was flawless.
- Elevator: Easy access.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Thoughtful and accessible.
- Food delivery: Useful for those lazy evenings.
- Laundry service: Did my washing.
- Luggage storage: Convenient.
- Safety deposit boxes: Secure.
- Taxi service: Easily available.
For the Kids:
Didn't travel with kids, but the hotel definitely seemed Family/child friendly. There are Babysitting service.
Things That Were Slightly Less Perfect (And Totally Human):
Alright, no place is perfect, right? Here are a few (minor) quibbles:
- The Happy hour cocktails could've been a little stronger. (Just sayin'!)
- The Car park [free of charge]. While convenient it's a bit of a walk, so i had to park my car in a parking lot for which i had to pay.
- I wish I had tried to get a Foot bath.
Overall Verdict:
The New Plaza Hotel in Nagaoka? Absolutely phenomenal. It's clean, comfortable, packed with amenities, and the staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful. The commitment to cleanliness and accessibility made me feel safe and welcome. The spa facilities are incredible, and the dining options are diverse and delicious. I would go back in a heartbeat. It's a true hidden gem, and I can't recommend it highly enough. Seriously, book it! You won't regret it. (Now if you'
Amman's Sunrise: Unforgettable Hotel Experience (Jordan's Hidden Gem!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't just a trip to Nagaoka, Japan, this is… well, it's gonna be a thing. Let’s see if I can actually pull off a coherent itinerary, given my track record of getting lost in the lobby of a hotel.
The Business Hotel NEW PLAZA Nagaoka: My Existential Japanese Odyssey (Or, Hopefully, Just a Pleasant Trip)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Ramen Quest (Fingers Crossed I Don’t Faceplant)
- 14:00 - Arrival at Niigata Airport (KIJ): Okay, first hurdle: actually landing and finding my luggage. Last time I flew, my bag ended up in… well, let's just say it involved a very confused goat farm in the Ozarks. Emotional reaction: TERRIFIED.
- 14:30 - Airport to Nagaoka Station: I'm praying for clear signage and minimal language barrier issues. The train website seems promising (at least the pictures do). Quirky Observation: I hope Japanese trains are quieter than my inner monologue screaming “ARE YOU SURE YOU PACKED YOUR PASSPORT?!”
- 16:00 - Check-in at Business Hotel NEW PLAZA Nagaoka: The holy grail! Pray for convenient check-in times, and a room that doesn't look like a prison cell. My biggest fear? A noisy air conditioner that sounds like a dying walrus.
- 16:30 - Room Reconnaissance: Let's pray for a good layout. I'm looking for ample desk space – I'm a writer – and a decent view. I can already feel the jet lag kicking in… Time for a quick power nap when I locate the facilities in the hotel.
- 18:00 - THE RAMEN QUEST BEGINS: Guys. I'm serious. I’ve been dreaming of REAL, AUTHENTIC Japanese ramen for months. I've done my research. I think I've found a place called "Ra-men House" (I think that's what Google Translate told me!). May the ramen gods be with me. Anecdote: Getting directions in a foreign country? It's like a real-life escape room, isn't it?
- 19:30 - Ramen Debrief: Did I find heaven in a bowl? Did I accidentally order something that tasted vaguely of fish and despair? This is the moment of truth!
- 21:00 - Total Collapse: Okay, post-ramen coma activated. Lights out. I'm probably going to be dead to the world.
Day 2: Rice Fields and the Power of Perspective (And Maybe a Laundry Disaster)
- 07:00 - Wake Up: I'm hoping the sun has not risen and I'm still asleep.
- 08:00 - Quick Breakfast: Hopefully the hotel offers a buffet. I need fuel for my adventure and can't start my day without coffee.
- 09:00 - Rice Field Ramble: I've been told Nagaoka is known for its rice fields. My plan is to rent a bicycle and take a leisurely ride. Quirky Reflection: Nothing, and I mean nothing, makes you feel like you're on the other side of the world like a sprawling field of… well, rice. I’ll take photos. I'll attempt to look like a sophisticated traveler. My actual skill? Tripping over my own feet.
- 12:00 - Lunch (Attempt 1): Hopefully I've spotted some cute cafe during my bicycle shenanigans.
- 13:00 - Afternoon Exploration: I'm thinking of visiting a local temple or shrine. Just… something cultural to get me out of my own head. Messy Note: Don't get too caught up in the scenery. Keep an eye out for snakes.
- 15:00 - Laundry Fiasco… Okay, so here's the thing. I'm a disaster. Last time I did laundry on the road, I came out with everything smelling vaguely of old gym socks. Wish me luck.
- 17:00 - Evening Snack & Reflection: I'm going to try a local dessert and just… think. About life. About the fact that I'm in Japan. About how I haven't embarrassed myself TOO much yet.
- 19:00 - Dinner: Back to ramen, or perhaps some local sushi? Decision, decisions… Ahhh, the joys of being a solo traveler! (Which is often code for "eating alone and feeling slightly pathetic.")
- 21:30 - Early Night: I'm already feeling the effects of jet lag.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Taste of…Something
- 07:00 - Wake Up: I'm still sleeping.
- 08:00 - Breakfast: Coffee and an attempt to leave everything in the hotel room.
- 09:00 - Last-Minute Souvenir Scramble: I need to buy something! Something to prove I was here! It will be anything! A sticker! A stuffed animal! A pencil with my name on it!
- 11:00 - Check Out: Fingers crossed for a smooth checkout process.
- 12:00 - Travel to Niigata Airport (KIJ): Another train ride. Another chance to get lost. Another opportunity for disaster. I'm ready!
- 14:00 - Departure: Goodbye, Nagaoka! Goodbye, potential ramen-induced food coma!
And that's the plan. A little messy, a little ambitious, and probably stuffed with delightful imperfections. But hey, that's life, right? Wish me luck! I'll try to remember to report back… if I haven't been swallowed whole by a rogue vending machine or become permanently lost in the rice fields.
Escape to Paradise: FLC Grand Samson Beach Hotel Awaits!
Nagaoka's NEW PLAZA Hotel: The Slightly-Less-Polished-but-Absolutely-Charming Rundown
Okay, spill it! Is the New Plaza Hotel *actually* a hidden gem? Or is it just… a hotel?
Okay, look, "hidden gem" sounds a little… *much*, you know? It's not like they're hiding a secret portal to Narnia in the lobby. But it *is* a genuinely pleasant surprise. I’d say it's a "discovered delight," more like. I mean, it's not the Ritz (thank god, frankly, I can barely afford instant ramen), but it’s clean, the staff are lovely (more on *that* later), and it’s got a certain… *charm*. The kind of charm that comes from a place that’s maybe seen a few parties in its day. Let's just say, it's got character. And that, folks, is worth something.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they… tiny? (I'm claustrophobic!)
Alright, honesty time. Yes, the rooms are… compact. Let's call it "efficiently designed." Think of it as a cozy Japanese apartment, only with less… clutter, thankfully. I wouldn't recommend trying to cartwheel in there, but you'll have enough space to, you know, breathe. More or less. The bed was surprisingly comfy, though! I slept like a log. And the bathroom... well, it was a classic Japanese "all-in-one" situation. Which, for me, is a win! Saved a ton of time! And hey, they had a bidet. Bliss!
Breakfast: Yay or nay? And what's the vibe?
Breakfast? Oh, you *have* to get breakfast. It's not just food; it's an experience! It’s a buffet, don’t expect cutting-edge cuisine – but there's a lovely variety! Think fresh bread, a great selection of Japanese staples (rice, miso soup… the works), and even a Western option with scrambled eggs. What I loved most was the vibe. The whole breakfast area felt like a small, bustling community.
Here's a little anecdote: One time, I saw this elderly Japanese gentleman, probably 80, meticulously dissecting a piece of fish on his plate. He was clearly enjoying himself. Watching him – the quiet focus, the sheer appreciation – was better than any Michelin-starred meal. It actually makes you feel like you are witnessing and being a part of a real local life. It's heartwarming!
The staff are all incredibly helpful. One morning, I fumbled my way through ordering coffee. The waitress, bless her heart, just smiled gently and brought me a whole pot! She couldn't speak much English, but her kindness transcended language barriers. I still remember her and that pot of coffee fondly!!
Okay, I'm in! What about the location? Super convenient or a trek?
Location? Actually, the New Plaza is pretty brilliantly situated. It's super close to the train station. *Super*. Like, stumble-out-of-the-hotel-and-you're-basically-there close. That's a huge win, especially if you're lugging around suitcases like I always am. And the surrounding area? Lots of little shops, restaurants... all within easy walking distance. I wandered around getting lost a few times – which is part of the fun, isn't it? Just be sure to have Google Maps handy, because my sense of direction is… questionable.
Any downsides? Be honest!
Okay, here's the messy truth. There are, of course, a few minor imperfections.
First, the wifi can be a little… temperamental. Don’t expect to stream HD movies. Bring a good book. (Or, you know, actually *talk* to people – imagine!)
Second, the elevators… well, let's just say they're not exactly high-speed. If you're on a high floor, be prepared for a bit of a wait. Stairs are an option, if you're feeling energetic.
Third, the decor. It's… *dated*. Think classic 80s/90s hotel aesthetic. It's not exactly minimalist chic. But it's clean, and everything works, so I can't complain *too* much.
Honestly? None of those things truly bothered me. The genuine warmth of the staff and the overall atmosphere more than made up for it. You can find yourself at home here, I definitely did.
What’s the best thing about the New Plaza Hotel?
That's easy. The *people*. Seriously. The staff, from the front desk to the cleaning crew, are just incredibly kind and helpful. They’re not just doing a job; they genuinely seem to care. I ran into some problems during my trip and the staff worked tirelessly to help me solve them.
I remember one incredibly stressful day. My phone died, I was lost, and I’d accidentally left a bag on the train. I was panicking. I went to the front desk, near tears, and explained the situation in my broken Japanese and frazzled English. The woman at the desk, (who I later learned was called Ms. Tanaka, I hope I remember her name correctly!!) just smiled, calmed me down, and *immediately* started taking action. She helped me call the train company, she found a charging cable for my phone, and even offered me a cup of green tea to calm my nerves. She spoke very little english but she was able to fully understand the problem.
She was an absolute *lifesaver*. I honestly felt like the entire hotel rallied around me. It was more than a hotel; it was a place where somebody cared. It's those little touches, that human connection, that make all the difference. That's what makes the New Plaza Hotel truly special. *That's* the hidden gem. And it’s the reason I’ll be back. Ms. Tanaka, if you're reading this, thank you! You made my trip.
So, should I stay there?
Look, if you're after a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel experience, then maybe the New Plaza isn’t for you. If you demand absolute perfection, you probably should look elsewhere. But. If you're looking for a comfortable, conveniently located hotel with a genuine heart, a place that feels a little bit like home, and somewhere that offers a genuinely warm welcome? Then yes. Absolutely. Go. Stay. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It really, *really* is a good choice. You won't regret it. Just remember my name so you can thank me later!
