Escape to Paradise: HOTEL R9 The Yard - Your Unforgettable Taketoyo Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Hotel R9 The Yard - Taketoyo? More Like TaketAwesome! (A Rambling Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Hotel R9 The Yard in Taketoyo, and lemme tell you, my brain is still buzzing like a particularly enthusiastic cicada. This isn't your polished, corporate review, oh no. This is real. This is me, post-spa, post-ramen, and still slightly smelling of chlorine. Let's dive in!
(Metadata Time! Because apparently, the internet gods demand it…)
- Keywords: Hotel R9 The Yard, Taketoyo, Japan, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Sauna, Swimming Pool, Onsen, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Family-Friendly, Clean Hotel, Covid-Safe, [Your Name] Review
- Meta Description: My chaotic, hilarious, and utterly honest review of Hotel R9 The Yard in Taketoyo! From the amazing spa to the slightly confusing breakfast buffet, I've got the inside scoop on this Japanese getaway. Is it paradise? Read on!
First Impressions & the Accessibility Angle (because, you know, real life)
The first thing that struck me? Clean. Damn clean. Like, surgically clean. This cleanliness runs throughout the hotel and is more than welcome.
Okay, here's where I get real for a sec. I'm not personally mobility-impaired, but I always pay attention to accessibility. Because good travel is for everyone. And guess what? Hotel R9 The Yard scores pretty well here. Wheelchair accessible facilities – check. Elevator – check. They've got, Facilities for disabled guests, which is always a good start. I noticed wider doorways and thoughtfully placed grab bars in some areas. This is a huge win, and it’s refreshing to see a hotel that prioritizes inclusivity. Now, I didn't personally use these things, but just seeing them there made me feel…well, inclusive. Seriously. Bonus points for that.
Rooms: My Little Fortress of Solitude (Mostly)
Okay, the rooms. They're…efficient. Not sprawling luxury suites, but definitely comfortable and practical. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver (especially after a humid day exploring). Wi-Fi [free] in the rooms! Woohoo! I spent way too much time catching up on cat videos. Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens. they’ve got it. All the essentials, and then some. I loved the Blackout curtains. Sleep is a precious commodity, and they delivered.
And the Bathroom? Clean, functional, and with…wait for it…a bathtub. Bless. My. Soul. After a long day of exploring, that tub was my personal little oasis. No complaints, except maybe that I wished the bathrobes were a little fluffier. Okay, maybe a lot fluffier. I'm a sucker for a good bathrobe.
Food, Glorious Food (and a few minor hiccups)
Let's talk about food. I'm a big fan. The Breakfast [buffet] was…an experience. A glorious, slightly chaotic, delicious experience. Okay, here’s the down-low. Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. All the good stuff. The A la carte in restaurant was also an option.
The buffet offered a mix of Western and Asian options. The bacon was crispy (important!), and the pastries were…well, let's just say I may have eaten several. There was a Coffee/tea in restaurant and a Coffee shop on-site, so if you're a caffeine fiend like me, you're good. The Poolside bar was a lifesaver, too. Nothing beats a cold drink after a dip.
Now, the "hiccup"? Sometimes, the signage was a little…lost in translation. I think I accidentally ended up with pickled ginger for dessert. But hey, adventure! And the staff were always incredibly helpful and accommodating with alternatives. The staff also provided Alternative meal arrangement which was awesome.
Spa Day: My Descent into Bliss
Okay, the Spa…This is where Hotel R9 The Yard truly shines. This is where my slightly stressed-out soul took a vacation of its own. Let's break this down. They had a Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and the most incredible Foot bath of my life.
Massage? Oh, yes. I booked in for a massage, and it was pure, unadulterated bliss. The therapist was incredibly skilled, kneading away knots I didn’t even know I had. I genuinely felt like a new human being afterward. The Sauna and Steamroom were also a welcome addition after a day of walking around sightseeing.
But the Pool with view? Forget about it! The pool was amazing and I spent all day just floating around, no one bothering me. It's just… dreamy. Truly.
And the Foot bath? Don't laugh, but that was the highlight. Seriously. They had these little foot basins with warm water, and it was the ultimate in relaxation. I’ve never felt so…centered. I could have stayed there all day.
Keeping it Clean & Staying Safe (Because, you know, Pandemic)
Look, let's be real. The world is a weird place right now. And Hotel R9 The Yard took COVID-19 protocols seriously, but without being intrusive, or giving you the feeling that they were obsessed. They had 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, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. They are prepared!
I felt safe, which in this climate is a huge deal.
Things to Do (Besides Blissing Out)
Well, besides the spa, pool, and eating… what did you ask? The hotel is located close to some temples and shops, but I was too busy lounging by the pool.
They offered Things to do, ways to relax, they had a Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They had everything you could want. Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The Contactless check-in/out was smooth, the Concierge was helpful. The Daily housekeeping was on point. Everything you expect from a well-run hotel.
For the Kids? (Maybe!)
Didn't have kids, but their offering included a Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
The Verdict: Paradise Found (Mostly)
Okay, so, is Hotel R9 The Yard a perfect place? Nope. Nothing is. But is it a damn good hotel? Absolutely. It's clean, well-equipped, and the spa is worth the price of admission alone. I'd go back in a heartbeat. It’s not just a hotel; it’s an experience. A messy, wonderful, relaxing, and sometimes slightly confusing experience. And I loved every (slightly imperfect, but completely human) second of it.
Final Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars (minus half a star for the slightly fuzzy bathrobes and the occasional language barrier on the buffet line). Go. Book the spa
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Federia, Livigno's Hidden Gem
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this ain't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered version of my Taketoyo adventure at HOTEL R9 The Yard. Get ready for a ride!
Day 1: Land of the Rising (and Slightly Rusty) Sun
7:00 AM: Wake-Up Woes & Ramen-fueled Dreams (aka, the reality of jet lag)
Ugh. Did I even sleep? The plane was a metal coffin of recycled air and screaming children. My internal clock is currently set to "Broke." Drag myself out of bed, heart racing from the caffeine rush of the hotel's instant coffee. It's… well, it's coffee. This is Hotel R9 The Yard, so I'm not expecting a barista. But the promise of that hot, murky liquid keeps me going.
- Rambling Thought: Did I pack enough socks? Honestly, that's the REAL question of any trip.
Before really diving in, I quickly searched for a good ramen place. I found a place around the corner, so I put it one my to-do list.
9:00 AM: Hotel Recon & the Glorious, Glorious Bathroom.
First things first: assess the situation. The room at Hotel R9 The Yard seems… efficient. Functional. Like a really well-designed shipping container. But hey, it's clean! And the bathroom… OH, the bathroom! The magic of a Japanese toilet is a religious experience. Warm seat? Check. Nozzle that does THINGS? Check. I spent a solid 15 minutes experimenting. (Don't judge me; you know you would too).
10:00 AM: Wandering Lost (But Loving It) in Taketoyo.
Okay, first mission: explore Taketoyo. I wandered, mostly without a plan, into the streets. It's a small town, so it's not overwhelming. I'm the awkward tourist, of course, snapping photos of everything. The tiny storefronts, the elderly ladies chatting, the vending machines that seem to sell… everything.
- Quirky Observation: The vending machines! They're everywhere. And some of them dispense hot drinks? Mind. Blown. And what about those street signs that are a combination of both Japanese and English? It's beautiful chaos.
12:00 PM: Ramen Revelation (And Bellyaching About the Heat).
Found the ramen place! It was delicious, exactly what I needed to start my day. Not too heavy, not too salty, just perfect. Then I just sat there, sweating my butt off. It's early summer here and the humidity hits you like a brick wall.
1:30 PM: Taketoyo Town. A Quick Walk.
I wanted to see a temple, so I decided to walk along the main street, and I must say the people were very kind. It's all too much beauty to handle.
4:00 PM: Back to the Room: The Dreaded Laundry Day
Oh, the joys of travel. I'm trying to do laundry on my own to save a little bit of money. It's probably not working the way I'd like.
7:00 PM: Hotel Delights and Dinner Delirium
Back at the hotel. The air conditioning is my best friend right now. Dinner? Uh… I found a convenience store and grabbed some snacks. The selection is mind-blowing! I'm talking bizarre, delicious, and questionable all in the same aisle.
- Emotional Reaction: The loneliness of traveling solo hits me a little bit here. But then I eat some weird snack and laugh at myself.
Day 2: The Sea, The Shrines and the Sweetest of Treats
8:00 AM: Breakfast Bonanza
Breakfast at the hotel. It's… functional. Toast, eggs, a weird, but also strangely addictive, mystery meat. Fuel for the day, I suppose.
9:30 AM: The Sea.
The Sea! This is what I wanted to do most, so I went to the sea. It was relaxing, perfect, and I could totally get used to this.
12:00 PM: Back Again.
I think I made a mistake by going too fast. I should have stayed longer. I should have taken my time.
2:00 PM: A Late Lunch
I had some problems with my lunch, but I managed.
4:00 PM: Hotel and Rest.
I basically just sat down and did nothing. I just need to rest.
7:00 PM: Dinner and Thoughts.
I ate a bunch of snacks, and I just sat there thinking about tomorrow.
Day 3: Departure, And the Everlasting Question of "What Now?"
7:00 AM: Goodbye, Taketoyo!
Packing up. The hotel, once a utilitarian box, now feels… familiar. I actually like the efficiency of this place. Sure, it's not fancy, but it does the job. Saying goodbye feels a little bittersweet.
- Honest Truth: I'm ready to move on, but I've also, in some weird way, enjoyed the simplicity.
8:00 AM: Head to the Station.
I'm headed to the station to go back.
9:00 AM: The Train.
The train arrives.
- Emotional Reaction: This is it. The trip is basically over, I had a great time.
12:00 PM: Arrive.
I arrive. Now I can do whatever I want.
Things That Went Wrong (Because, Let's Be Real):
- Packing Disaster: Forgot my charger adapter. Luckily, the hotel had one (crisis averted!).
- Language Barrier Mishaps: Pointing and miming my way through ordering food. It's a skill. A rusty one, but still.
- Navigational Failures: Got hopelessly lost trying to find a specific shop. Ended up discovering a different shop. Win?
Things I Loved:
- The bathrooms. Seriously, the bathrooms.
- The overall feeling of safety and kindness (especially in Taketoyo itself).
- The food, even the weird stuff.
- The feeling of being somewhere else.
Final Thoughts:
Would I recommend Hotel R9 The Yard Taketoyo? Yeah, I would. It's not a luxury resort, but it's clean, convenient, and a solid base for exploring. And if you're looking for a real, unvarnished travel experience? Well, then you've come to the right place. Just remember to pack extra socks. You'll thank me later.
Tokyo's Hidden Gem: Asakusa's TOKYO-W-INN Awaits!
1. So, **"Escape to Paradise"**... bit dramatic, innit? What *is* the actual vibe at HOTEL R9 The Yard, Taketoyo?
Okay, fine, "Paradise" might be pushing it a *little*. More like… *Existential Relief Point: Taketoyo Edition*. Think… industrial chic meets… well, Taketoyo. It's clean. Spotlessly, almost unsettlingly, clean. They've got these shipping container-style rooms, which, honestly, felt kinda cool and space-age-y at first. Then you realize you *are* in a metal box. But hey, it keeps out the… whatever might be lurking outside! (More on that later.)
The "Yard" part? That's the… slightly barren but functional outdoor area. Think picnic tables, a vending machine that *might* have something interesting lurking inside, and a general sense of… quietude. Which, depending on the day and the amount of caffeine I'd consumed, was either bliss or… slightly terrifying.
2. Those shipping container rooms… claustrophobia, anyone? Tell me the TRUTH!
Alright, alright, here it is: They’re… compact. Like, REALLY compact. Think… luxury camping, but indoors. You've got your bed (surprisingly comfortable, I must admit), a tiny desk, a tiny TV, and a bathroom that feels like it was designed for a small, well-behaved hobbit. Honestly, the shower was a triumph of engineering in that tiny space. I was expecting to clip an elbow every time I turned around. Didn't! Bonus points!
But yeah, if you're accustomed to sprawling hotel suites, prepare for a reality check. However, I am the kind of person who appreciates small, efficient living- unless you're stuck in a metal box. I ended up spending way more time outside, or at least, with the door cracked open for a bit of mental space. Air circulation is surprisingly important when you're trying to avoid spiraling into a minor existential crisis. (Again, more on THAT later.)
3. Parking. Crucial. What's the situation? Are we talking Hunger Games parking or… leisurely stroll and park?
Okay, this is one area where HOTEL R9 wins. Parking is plentiful. Like, *ridiculously* plentiful. I'm talking, you could probably land a small helicopter in the parking lot and still be fine. (Don’t try it, though. I'm not liable.) So, yeah. Parking: A+ . A HUGE relief after the (literal) car-crash experience of trying to navigate the nearby towns. Okay, I'm exaggerating a bit. But parking is stress-free, which is a win.
4. FOOD. Is there food? Or am I foraging for scraps in the Taketoyo wilderness? (Be honest!)
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. There isn't a *restaurant* in the hotel. Like, zero. Zilch. Nada. You're on your own. The vending machine? It's a gamble. I'm pretty sure I saw a bottle of suspicious-looking green tea in there. Decided to pass.
But fear not! There are options. Taketoyo town is… well, it's a town. You've got a convenience store a short walk away. (Essential for emergency snacks and... well, everything.) And a few local restaurants. I highly recommend exploring. Found a little ramen place that had the most amazing *something*… a dish that had this unbelievable, slow-cooked pork. (Forgive me. I’m still a bit fuzzy on the names. The beer may have been at fault)
My advice? Embrace the adventure. Pack some snacks. And don’t be afraid to stumble around and try things. (But maybe avoid the green tea).
5. Any hidden gems nearby? You know, things to actually *do* in Taketoyo? Besides… existing?
YES! Okay, this is where Taketoyo starts to become… intriguing. The hotel brochure (ironically, the *least* helpful source of information in existence) wasn't exactly brimming with tips. Google Maps, your friend. But here's a few things I can personally vouch for:
- **The Onsen!** (Japanese Hot Spring). You HAVE to go. I spent, like, a solid three hours just soaking and contemplating the meaning of life. (Or, you know, not. Just relaxing is fine, too.)
- **Explore the harbor.** Wandering around, watching the fishermen… it’s surprisingly peaceful.
- **Try to find the local temple.** (Just ask a local. My Japanese is… rusty. Like, really, really rusty. Let's just say, I managed to ask for “ice cream” and ended up being directed to a… very interesting-looking tea ceremony. But I didn't regret it. Kind of.)
Seriously, get out of your metal box and explore. Taketoyo might surprise you.
6. Okay, so. Let's get real. Any downsides? (Besides the potential for metal box claustrophobia, already mentioned.)
Alright, here's the brutally honest truth:
- **The soundproofing in the rooms… isn’t stellar.** I could *vaguely* hear my neighbor's TV. (And, um… I think I heard him snoring. Loudly. Very loudly. I may have gotten a pillow for the wall.)
- **The internet… can be a bit spotty.** If you're relying on it for work, maybe download everything you need beforehand. I was trying to upload a video of my cat and… let's just say, it was a test of patience. (The cat's, mostly.)
- **The location can feel a bit… isolated.** You're not exactly in the heart of the action, (which, again, can be a good thing…) but if you’re looking for non-stop entertainment, this might not be for you.
But honestly, these are minor complaints. It's clean, it's efficient, and it’s a decent base for exploring Taketoyo. I'd go back. (Maybe bring noise-canceling headphones and extra data.)
7. The most important question: Would you recommend it? And for *who*?
Okay, drumroll please… Yes, I would recommend HOTEL R9 The Yard, Taketoyo. But… it depends.
It's perfect for:
- Solo travelers on a budget.
- Anyone who appreciates cleanliness and efficiency.
- People who want a quiet, peaceful base for exploring the local area.
- Those who secretly want to experience what it's like to live in a high-quality shipping container.
Maybe not so perfectInfinity Inns
