Toyoko INN Sakaihigashi Station — Hotel in Sakai

I did not know the hotel chain to which this hotel belongs, and it was a pleasant surprise, though it is very Japanese businessman oriented.||For a very affordable price you get a very well equipped room, although small, a confortable bed and an abundant Japanese breakfast of decent quality (don’t expect the fancy Japanese breakfast you can get in more expensive hotels, though). You can get additional discount if you subscribe to the hotel chain loyalty program (they give you a little present as well).||A PC and a printer are available in the lobby to check your e-mails and print what you need. Very close to the hotel (below a viaduct) there is point of bicycles-sharing. For a very modest fee you can use a bicycle in bike-friendly Sakai, hometown of the Shimano company.||Stayed on...

One of an extensive chain of Toyoko Inns (with big blue neon name signs) all over Japan, all catering to mostly business travelers. Efficient, basic and usually well-located for travel connections. Clean and affordable--no frills or extra services. Cooked breakfasts (sort of all-you-can eat of Japanese fish, rice, and vegetables) eaten on tables right in the front lobby. (Paying parking lots all around this one, since it's by a train station.) Area quite dark at night, because of the expressway overpass. ||P.S. Members get first dibs on available rooms. "Guests," however, can still book directly in English online--and see room availabilities immediately for specific dates. Best to plan ahead for...

One of an extensive chain of Toyoko Inns (with big blue neon name signs) all over Japan, all catering to mostly business travelers. Efficient, basic and usually well-located for travel connections. Clean and affordable--no frills or extra services. Cooked breakfasts (sort of all-you-can eat of Japanese fish, rice, and vegetables) eaten on tables right in the front lobby. (Paying parking lots all around this one, since it's by a train station.) Area quite dark at night, because of the expressway overpass. ||P.S. Members get first dibs on available rooms. "Guests," however, can still book directly in English online--and see room availabilities immediately for specific dates. Best to plan ahead for...