As a number of post-pandemic changes are finding their way into the business and leisure travel industries, one hotel group in Japan has been offering the clean and comfy accommodation travellers demand all along.

While Covid-19 is still lingering in our lives, some countries are seeing a decline in the number of cases, and are taking steps to gradually reopen their businesses and economies. In time, this pandemic will eventually come to be a thing of the past. By then, our travel behaviours will surely have changed, and safe, clean, and comfortable accommodation will be a priority more than ever before. Looking back, it was only a few months ago when the Agoda team, a trusted hotel booking website, recommended Daiwa Roynet Hotels as our accommodation in Japan.

A quick search on Agoda shows that Daiwa Roynet Hotels are highly rated by guests who have stayed in their properties, often receiving excellent ratings for cleanliness, location, service, and room comfort. Having stayed there ourselves, we can attest to the ratings, too. We later found out that safety, security, cleanliness, and cordial omotenashi (hospitality) is their promise to make every guest stay comfortable.

Daiwa Roynet Hotels (DRH) is a local hotel chain with over 50 properties throughout Japan. Most of their properties are strategically located within shopping and business districts, as well as near to popular attractions. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi, for example, is located less than 1km away from the famous Shinsaibashi shopping district and Dotonbori. All Daiwa Roynet Hotels are also conveniently accessible via Japan’s extensive transport system, a plus point for any type of traveller.

DRH offers a wide range of room types. Whether it is a standard room for the business traveller, deluxe rooms, or larger suites that can comfortably take in a family of four, there is definitely a suitable room for everyone. We were fortunate to check in to a Junior Suite at the Kyoto’s Terrace Hachijo Higashiguchi property, and were delighted by the space, comfort, and natural lighting that allowed us to unwind and rest with ease. In addition, there are DRH properties providing a massage chair in the room for guests to relax their sore muscles after a long day. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka Kitahama even have dedicated rooms for the ladies, with special amenities and a foot massager exclusively made available to lady travellers.

When it comes to cleanliness, daily cleaning services are provided, but the hotel encourages guests to participate in their Earth-friendly stay through a no-daily cleaning exercise. A gift will be given in appreciation for guests’ participation in the eco-friendly initiative, which by the way can be redeemed at the concierge. In addition, all rooms have an air purifier, something that we will all welcome for better air quality in the room we sleep in.

Positioning themselves as an economy hotel, guests will find facilities such as a 24-hour self-service coin-operated laundry room, beverage vending machines, free computer usage, laptop rental, photocopy, and printing useful. Newer properties are also equipped with gym facilities.

With so much to see and experience in Japan – art, culture, food, history, and nature – guests are encouraged to go out and explore as much as possible. One of their properties, the Kyoto Ekimae, would be a perfect hotel choice to do all that as it is connected via an underground walkway to the Kyoto Station, a major railway and transportation hub in the city.

Breakfast is available at all Daiwa Roynet Hotels between 6.30 to 10am with a buffet spread of local and Western cuisine using seasonal and locally sourced produce. We find that the foods served in the restaurants are not only fresh, but the dainty Japanese dishes are very appetising too. Grilled mackerel, sushi, karaage (Japanese fried chicken), natto (fermented soybean), tempura, miso soup, and tofu are some of the dishes served, yet they are simple enough to introduce guests to local Japanese cuisine. For a more Western-tuned palate, you’ll find seasonal grilled vegetables, potato gratin, pasta, salad with homemade dressings, ham, sausages, and more. The buffet spreads served in different restaurants may vary depending on the location, and restaurant specialises in cuisines such as Italian, Vietnamese, or Japanese. Some properties go beyond serving only breakfast, and guests can dine in for à la carte lunch and dinner.

Looking back, we had a pleasant stay at Daiwa Roynet Hotels. They kept their promises in offering a clean and comfortable stay for their guests. When we do get to travel again, though it could be many months later, if given a chance, we will definitely choose Daiwa Roynet Hotels on our next visit to Japan.

For further information on Daiwa Roynet Hotels, and room deals, visit agoda.com.