Yokohama's BEST Big Bedroom Homestay: Unbelievable Views!
Yokohama's BEST Big Bedroom Homestay: Unbelievable Views! - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the Yokohama homestay – the one with the unbelievable views. They promised, and boy, did they mostly deliver. Forget the perfectly polished travel blog reviews; this is the real, slightly chaotic, truth.
First Impressions – Viewtiful! (And Slightly Chaotic Check-In)
Let's be honest, the main reason you’re looking at this place is the view. And it's… whoa. Just whoa. Seriously. Picture this: sprawling city lights glittering like a dropped treasure chest against a velvet night sky. Absolutely breathtaking. You can stare for hours, and I, uh… I may have. Several hours. Now, the check-in? Slightly less breathtaking. The "contactless" part mostly worked, except for the keycard which refused to cooperate with my clumsy attempts at digital finesse. Eventually, a very patient staff member, bless their soul, sorted it out. First impression: View = 10/10. Check-in experience = 6/10, but honestly, the view almost made me forget… almost.
Accessibility – Mostly a "Yes, But…" Situation
Alright, let's get real. I've got a friend who uses a wheelchair, and the accessibility situation felt a bit like a mixed bag. The elevator was a godsend (thank you elevator!), making access to the rooms a breeze. However, navigating the common areas, and especially the restaurant, seemed like a bit of a… well, a challenge. The listing promises Facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't see anything immediately obvious. I honestly felt a bit guilty I couldn't give a firm answer on this point. Exterior corridor access to some rooms is a plus. So, for accessibility, it's a solid "ask before you book" situation.
Rooms & Amenities – The Good, the Okay, and the "Where’s My Bathrobe?"
My room, thankfully, was massive. The big bedroom part of the name is accurate. Seriously, space for days! The extra-long bed was perfect for sprawling out and contemplating… well, the view, mostly. Blackout curtains? Absolutely crucial. Seriously, I slept like a baby. The soundproofing was also excellent, a huge plus, especially considering the lively city below. Air conditioning? Crucial, even in the cooler months. Free Wi-Fi in the room? Yep, and it actually worked. The Internet access – LAN was also available, but who uses a LAN cable anymore? Just me? Fine.
However… and there’s always a however, isn’t there? My bathrobe went missing. I swear it was there during the initial room tour and then… poof! Vanished! A minor inconvenience, I know, but kinda annoying when you're trying to embrace the whole spa-vibe. (More on the spa later, trust me). Also - where were the slippers? I'm a slipper-kinda-guy!
There was a coffee/tea maker, but the coffee sachets tasted suspiciously like… sadness. Bring your own good coffee, folks. There’s a refrigerator, which is always a win, and the mini-bar was… well stocked with temptations. Bathtub with a view? You betcha! I did miss a complimentary tea bag, but that's just quibbling. I had plenty of tea to last me the trip, though.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking – From Sushi to Slightly Soggy Salad
Alright, let’s talk food. The Asian breakfast was… interesting. The buffet was okay, featuring your usual suspect Japanese and Western fare, like some really lovely miso soup, and some frankly disappointing scrambled eggs. But the a la carte options in the restaurant were where things got interesting. I devoured a plate of sushi that was simply to die for. The sushi chef really knew what they were doing! The salad in the restaurant, however, looked a bit… forlorn. It was a sad affair of wilted lettuce and a barely-there dressing. The coffee shop was a lifesaver in the mornings, and I may have indulged in the occasional bottle of water from my room or the bar. (Dehydration is a serious problem, people!) They also had a desserts in the restaurant, which, of course, I sampled.
The Poolside bar, which had a very nice view, was a delight at happy hour, and, because it was Tokyo, they had a full breakfast! They also had a Vegetarian restaurant, as well as a Western cuisine in restaurant option, should you not prefer sushi.
Spa, Sauna, & Self-Care – My Personal Heaven… (and a Slight Disaster)
Okay, this is where things get REAL. The spa was a selling point for me. I mean, imagine: a massage after a long day of exploring, followed by a soak in a pool with a view? Sign me up! The massage itself? Pure bliss. I swear, the masseuse found knots I didn’t even know I had. The spa also featured a sauna and a steamroom, both of which were seriously relaxing. I spent a solid two hours just melting away my stresses.
But… here's the slightly disastrous part. I decided to try a body scrub. And, well, let's just say the therapist was… enthusiastic. I emerged afterwards feeling smoother than a baby's bottom, but also covered in a fine layer of… grit. It was like I’d been sandblasted. I spent the next half hour trying to scrub the scrub off me in the shower. The foot bath, on the other hand, was perfect.
The Fitness center was small but functional, and I, uh, made my way in there once… mostly to admire the view. Okay, my gym trips were few and far between.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – The World is Your Oyster (Or Your Massage Table)
Beyond the spa, the homestay had the standard selection of options for relaxation. I felt like I could have enjoyed a foot bath, but since I found out there was a Body scrub, and after my body scrub experience, the thought was a bit… daunting, to say the very least. In the end, I spent most of my time lounging around. The terrace was lovely, and the pool, as mentioned, had that killer view. They also have a shrine, yes, a literal shrine on site!
Cleanliness, Safety & COVID-19 – Reassuringly Prepared
I was, admittedly, a little nervous about traveling post-pandemic. But I have to give them credit: the homestay took safety very seriously. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were all masked up. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, and the rooms felt sparkling clean. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Definitely!
Services & Conveniences – The Useful, the Unnecessary, and the Missing
They offer pretty much every service you can think of. Daily housekeeping was impeccable. The concierge was helpful, except when I asked about local ramen shops, and they directed me to… a chain. (I eventually found a legendary ramen place on my own, but that’s another story). There's Laundry service but no self-serve option. There’s an elevator (thank goodness!), and luggage storage. Baby sitting services, yeah, but I didn't use those. The dry cleaning service was a plus, and I could Cash withdrawal at the atm below
They also had a convenience store, which was incredibly handy for grabbing snacks and drinks at 2am when your jet lag has you wide awake. Air conditioning in public area was a lifesaver.
Getting Around – A Breeze… Or a Taxi Ride
Car park [free of charge]? Nice! Airport transfer? Available. Taxi service? Absolutely. I mainly used taxis, which were readily available. But if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also bicycle parking.
The Verdict – Worth the View, Despite the Slightly Messy Edges
Look, this Yokohama homestay isn’t perfect. It has its quirks, its minor flaws, and a few areas where they could improve. But the view? The views alone are worth the price of admission. The spa is fantastic, and the staff, for the most part, are lovely. Would I stay here again? Absolutely. Just… maybe I'll skip the body scrub next time. And definitely remember my own good coffee!
Escape to Paradise: HEAVEN HOTEL, Playa Del Carmen Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is… well, this is my trip to Yokohama. Prepare for rambles, gushing, mild panic, and the occasional existential crisis. We're going big, we're going human, and we’re definitely not going to stick to any kind of rigid schedule. My "Big Bed Room, Homestay Yokohama" adventure awaits… and so does the potential for epic disaster.
Day 1: Yokohama - Or, How I Forgot My Charger and Met a Squirrel
- Morning (Like, Late Morning - Jet Lag, You Know?): Wake up in the aforementioned "Big Bed Room." It's… big. Like, could probably fit a small family in here big. The windows look out onto a tiny, impeccably manicured Japanese garden. I take a beat, and start to love it. First Impression 10/10. Slowly realizing I forgot my phone charger. A wave of existential dread washes over me. How am I supposed to document my Instagram-worthy meals, my philosophical musings on the aesthetic beauty of vending machines (which, let’s be honest, is a thing), and my crippling fear of accidentally ordering something involving octopus tentacles? Deep breaths. Plan B: Beg for help (preferably from the host).
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: The host, Mrs. Tanaka (sweetest lady ever, by the way), saves the day! She loans me a charger (bless her soul). We have the most awkward, yet charming, conversation about the weather and my rapidly dwindling ability to speak any real Japanese. Eventually, I stumble out of the homestay, armed with a fully charged phone and the vague intention of exploring the neighborhood.
- Afternoon: Yokohama's streets are a glorious sensory overload. Neon signs, tiny, perfect storefronts selling things I can’t even begin to guess… I'm wandering aimlessly, which is my natural state. I stumble upon a park. The actual park. Then, a rogue, fluffy squirrel, dashes across my path like he's on mission impossible. I chased after my bushy tailed friend and failed (it was a spiritual moment). At the very least, my Instagram story is finally filling up.
- Evening: Dinner at a random ramen joint I found after wandering for a long while. The noodles, heavenly. The broth, a symphony of umami. The price? Surprisingly reasonable. The table arrangement? We sat at the counter next to a businessman hunched over his noodles. He gave me a smile. Felt like a movie moment. Followed by a near-disastrous attempt to navigate the train system (my brain short-circuited when faced with the ticket machine), and a victorious return to the homestay. Collapse into the big bed. Day one, complete.
Day 2: Minato Mirai 21 - Skyscrapers, Ferris Wheels, and Existential Ferris Wheel Angst.
- Morning: Sleep in. Need this. Also, re-charging my batteries (both literally and figuratively). Try to sketch the gardens. Nope. Fail hard.
- Afternoon: Head to Minato Mirai 21. Those skyscrapers are INSANE. Like, straight-up sci-fi. The Landmark Tower is… well it is a landmark. I ride the elevator to the top. The view is stunning, panoramic, and makes me feel incredibly small. And then, I start to think. Why am I here? What am I doing with my life? Is that Ferris wheel as scary as it looks? (Spoiler alert: it is).
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: I actually get on the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel. My stomach is flipping the entire time. The view at the top… again, stunning. But mostly, I'm just clinging to the seat, muttering prayers, and trying not to throw up. I had to pretend it was all part of the journey.. I do my best to get some shots, but I am unable to feel anything.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant I found after wandering some more. Had some amazing gyoza. My mood improved vastly. Followed by more wandering, more accidental wrong turns, and a deep appreciation for the fact that Google Maps exists. Back to the Big Bed Room, and the sweet relief of horizontal rest.
Day 3: Chinatown - Dumplings, Chaos, and the Search for Inner Peace (Good Luck With That).
- Morning: Wake up. I’m starting to get the hang of things. (Maybe.) Head to Chinatown.
- Afternoon: Chinatown. Wow. Is all I can say. The sheer noise, color, and the smell of deliciousness… it's overwhelming in the most wonderful way. I’m in dumpling heaven. Seriously. I eat more dumplings than a human being probably should, with absolutely no regrets. I get bamboozled by a fortune teller (said I needed more balance in my life - he wasn't wrong). The whole place is a beautiful mess and I love it. (See picture of me smiling while holding a fortune cookie)
- Late Afternoon: After the dumpling feast, I went for a walk to try to find a temple to reflect. I find a temple. It’s quiet, peaceful, and everything I need. Then, I remember the fortune teller's words. Sigh. Inner peace is proving elusive. It’s also not the only problem. I am running low on currency.
- Evening: Dinner at a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place with the most amazing noodles. I may or may not have accidentally ordered something with a bunch of chili peppers in it. My mouth is on fire. I am also almost broke. I am exhausted. Yet somehow, I am happy. Back to the Big Bed Room, content and content to collapse.
Day 4: Yamashita Park - Seas, Gardens, and the Epiphany that I’m Actually Okay.
- Morning: Breakfast? More like a light grazing on the snacks I bought from a convenience store. I am really just starting to get the hang of this trip.
- Afternoon: Yamashita Park is simply perfect. (And I need this!) The sea breeze, the roses, the gentle lapping of the waves… It’s like a giant, beautiful exhale after the chaos of the last few days.
- Late Afternoon: I sit on a bench. I watch the boats. I breathe. For a moment, just a moment, everything feels right. I realize that I'm actually enjoying myself. That I'm capable of navigating a foreign city, even if I do get lost every single day. That my lack of a plan is, ironically, the best plan of all.
- Evening: Last dinner at a local place. More delicious food. Saying goodbye to Mrs. Tanaka (tear). The Big Bed Room, still big, feels more like home now.
Day 5: Departure - Sadness, Gratitude, and the Promise of Return (and More Dumplings).
- Morning: Pack. This is always a melancholy exercise. Saying goodbye to the Big Bed Room.
- Afternoon: A final stroll through the neighborhood. Buy some last-minute souvenirs (more snacks). One last cup of matcha. The melancholy deepens.
- Evening: Wave goodbye to Yokohama. I already know I’ll be back. This trip wasn’t perfect, it was often awkward, occasionally chaotic, and sometimes even a little bit scary. But it was real. It was mine. And that, my friends, is what matters.
Postscript: Send more money. And maybe a better charger. And definitely a book on basic Japanese phrases. Until next time, Yokohama!
Escape to Paradise: Namhae's Stunning Ocean View Pool Villa!
Yokohama's BEST Big Bedroom Homestay: Unbelievable Views! – FAQs (And My Hot Takes!)
Okay, so "Unbelievable Views"... Seriously? Is it *really* that stunning? I'm a jaded traveler, you know.
Alright, Mr. "Been There, Seen That." Look, I'm usually cynical too. *Especially* about marketing hype. But the view? Seriously. I nearly choked on my morning coffee – literally – the first time I saw it. It’s that panorama of Yokohama… the harbor, the Landmark Tower, the Ferris wheel… all sparkling like a freaking postcard. And it's *constant*. You wake up to it, you eat breakfast (ahem, if you bother), you work (if you're one of those guys), you stare blankly at it at 3 AM after a questionable ramen decision… It's a view that actually *does* what it says on the tin. It’s unbelievable. Seriously.
(Okay, fine, there was *one* morning when it was foggy. But even that was kinda cool in a "mystical Japan" kinda way. For like, five minutes. Then I wanted the sun back.)
What's the room *actually* like? Big? Like, "I can cartwheel without hitting anything" big?
Look, Japanese apartments… let’s just say space sometimes comes at a premium. This room, however, is an absolute *freaking palace* by comparison. I didn’t cartwheel, mostly because my coordination is…let's call it "evolving". But I could probably do a decent interpretive dance routine without knocking over a thing. (Maybe. Probably not. Okay, probably knocking a few things over. But the point is, it's *big* for Japan!) You've got breathing room. You can actually *spread out* your luggage without feeling like you’re living inside a suitcase. Comfort is key, my friend, and this room delivers.
Homestay? So, are you living with a super-strict, overbearing host family who's going to nag me about everything?
Okay, this is where things get even better. The host family (bless their hearts!) are *fantastic*. They're not hovering, not judging, and not generally up in your grill. There's a lovely lady named Mrs. Tanaka, who’s basically a living ray of sunshine. She's super friendly and welcoming, but absolutely respects your privacy. I’m not saying she doesn’t occasionally leave a little note reminding me to take out the trash (I'm a disaster, alright?), but it's all done with a smile. And Mr. Tanaka? He's a quiet, kind soul who seems happy just to see you enjoying the space. It’s like… living with a very chill, very polite, and secretly very hilarious family.
(Also, she makes *the* best miso soup. Seriously, I’d move in permanently just for the soup.)
How's the location? Is it convenient for getting around Yokohama and Tokyo?
Location, location, location, they say! This place is pretty ace. Yokohama's a fantastic city to explore on its own, and this homestay's super well-connected to public transport. Getting into central Tokyo is a breeze too. The train station is walkable (a little uphill, but manageable – good for burning off all that ramen!), and from there, you’re basically plugged into the whole damn country. Tokyo Disneyland? Easy. That weird cat cafe you've always wanted to visit? Done. I'm talking serious access.
(Okay, one time I missed the last train and had to take a cab. It cost me a fortune. Learned my lesson! Check those train times, people!)
What amenities are included? Wi-Fi? Laundry? Do I have to survive on convenience store dinners for the entire stay?
Comfort! Comfort is key! Wi-fi is generally reliable (praise the internet gods!), laundry facilities are available (saved my life more than once!), and – this is important – a kitchen space is provided. I'm a terrible cook (seriously, I once set off the smoke alarm making toast), but even *I* managed to whip up some basic meals. And sometimes, Mrs. Tanaka would even *leave* a little something extra… A few homemade sushi rolls (delicious!). A little snack. It’s the small things, people, the small things.
(However, don’t expect a fully stocked pantry. You're still going to need to go shopping. Don't forget the coffee. Coffee is a life necessity).
Anything I should be aware of before booking? Hidden drawbacks? The catch? Spill the tea!
Alright, okay, let’s get real. No place is perfect. Here’s the deal:
* **The Uphill Climb:** As I mentioned, the walk from the station *is* uphill. Fine for most, but if you're a chronic complainer (ahem, like me on a humid day) consider it a workout.
* **Sharing Spaces:** You're in a homestay. You're sharing a common area, kitchen. You will probably see and hear other people. This is the nature of the beast. Embrace it!
* **Noise:** Japanese houses tend to be well-built. The biggest noise is the distant sounds of the city, but for anyone sensitive, this might be a big deal.
* **The Ramen Problem:** Seriously. You will eat so much ramen. Budget accordingly.
But honestly? None of those are dealbreakers. The view, the space, the family... all of that combined is worth it. Seriously. Book it. Go. You won't regret it. (Unless you hate incredible views and delicious miso soup, then you're probably just broken inside).
Okay, you've convinced me. What's the *biggest* thing that stood out?
Okay, buckle up, because this is where I get *really* sappy (and maybe slightly drunk on memories). Here's the thing: I was having a *rough* time. Personal life was a mess, the world was being generally terrible… you know the drill. And I arrived at this place, utterly exhausted, and the first thing I saw? That view. And then Mrs. Tanaka, beaming and saying, "Welcome!" Then, I got into my gigantic room and felt…*relief*. Like, actually, physically, mentally, soul-deep relief.
I remember the first night. Jet lag. I couldn't sleep. So I sat by the window, staring at the lights of Yokohama twinkling below, and I just… *breathed*. The air was fresh. The city was alive. I was... okay, for the first time in a long time.
I know it sounds dramatic, but that room, that view, that family… it was more than just a place to stay. It was a sanctuary. It was a reboot button. It was… well, it was exactly what I needed.
Comfort Inn
