HOTEL LiVEMAX Takamatsu Eki Mae — Hotel in Takamatsu

While hit hard by a manpower shortage that clouds many Japanese second-tier cities, this typical chain property does the job well and is within walking distance from both the train station and the city center.

There is profound evidence that this LiVEMAX Takamatsu hotel has been struggling in hiring enough people just one year after opening. Since September 2022 the front desk became unmanned until 3pm when it's time to check in. It also means they can't offer luggage storage, though with its location perhaps you should always use the station coin lockers nevertheless.

Since "November" the restaurant no longer served breakfast - it wasn't clear which November the sign means, but it could very well be 2021. A good news for English speaking guests is that there were two Nepalese front desk staff to help out during my mid-November stay, one of whom was reassigned to Takamatsu from Fukuoka. The bad news is probably there aren't so many overseas guests staying here after the art events came to a close.

Setting the manpower issue aside, this LiVEMAX delivers what it promises. I had the best sleep here, out of a total of four budget hotels across Kansai, as the mattress is a new Slumberland. Every room has a microwave, fridge and kettle, so I could serve a warm breakfast in-room. The desk is of decent size, while the bedside dimmer and all-off button is really handy. Room is compact, but for a solo guest it is an efficient and comfortable space.

The ground-floor self-laundry is well maintained. Detergent is sold separately at the front desk (50 yen), but you can use yours for sure. Tumble dryers are well cleaned, so I get fresh and dry laundry in just an hour (100 yen per hour).

It is a 10-minute walk from the rail stations, farther even from the ferry piers, so it might not serve as a great base if you're after the Setonaikai islands. But it is closer to the city core, with an Aeon supermarket just a stone throw away to the south. A 5- to 15-minute walk would take you to some really good local restaurants. A lack of on-site breakfast service shouldn't be an issue.

One thing to note is that the weekend room rate is rather high as the government subsidy is in effect, but otherwise this would be of...

twin room was v big. counter staff wasnt too friendly. no free bottled water nor water dispenser within hotel, only vending machines. a tad far from station but near a supermarket. self check in and out using machine. 2 pillows provided per bed and mattress was from slumberland, and was pretty nice to sleep on. robes provided in room but toilet doesn't have a laundry line. first hotel I've ever seen with a microwave in room. kettle felt dirty. shower curtain was moldy....

Its my worst hotel ever!! When i first came in hotel room. Air is so dusty and hot. So i turned on air conditioner first. AND i saw inside of air conditioner...

Its so DIRTY! Its covered with dust and mold... i couldnt took picture it. Feel like it makes me dirty and will be remind this memory again. Everyday i woke up, my throat felt pain. I dont want to breath this air, so i came back hotel late every day, even if i was so tired..

NEVER USE...