Hotel Riverge Akebono

My family (of four) visited Fukui in early August 2016 specifically to visit the dinosaur museum. We chose to stay at the Hotel Riverge Akebono because it is supposed to be family-friendly (it is), because it had a dinosaur-themed room (it does), because it is supposed to be close to the station (it isn't), because it is supposed to have a good breakfast (it doesn't), and because there are many dining options in the neighborhood (it does and it doesn't). It is a family-friendly hotel. Early August means summer vacation for Japanese elementary students and there were many families with children. There were a few kids running around in the lobby and halls, opening doors to look at you when you walk past, wandering around without supervision at the breakfast buffet, and making noise in the rooms. Just kids being kids. It didn't really bother me, but it might be an issue with you. This hotel has two large dinosaur-themed rooms and we reserved one two months in advance. Since my family was in Fukui for the dinosaurs, this was a major reason why we stayed here. Our room had dinosaur decorations on the walls and beds, numerous dinosaur toys, and several dinosaur books. My (young) children enjoyed playing with the toys, and one cried when we left because he could not take them with him. There were a couple of toys that you are allowed to take home with you. The hotel says that it is 10 minutes from JR Fukui Station. If you are reasonably fit and unencumbered with luggage and/or other people, know exactly where you are going, and if the traffic signals are consistently green, then yes, it will probably only take 10 minutes on foot to get to the hotel from the station. It took us 20 minutes (no luggage, no rain/snow, with basic hotel-provided map, with young children) to get there from the station. Another Trip Advisor reviewer mentioned in 2015 that the breakfast is so great that even locals pay to go. Sadly, this is most likely no longer the case. The breakfast buffet is not bad, but it is definitely nothing special. There is ample variety, but nothing is outstanding. "Bland" is the best word to describe it. It is not a reason to choose this hotel. There are only one or two "family restaurants" in the immediate neighborhood, and they close early. There are a multitude of smoky "izakaya" taverns and bars catering to men one block over across the main road. Nothing too seedy, but definitely not Disneyland. By the time my family had come back from the dinosaur museum, checked in, and had a bit of a rest, it was already 7:00 PM. The closest convenience store (Circle K) was within the "entertainment" area, but it was sold out of anything that would pass for dinner by the time we got there. We ended up wandering back to the JR Fukui station area to have a meal. Everything in the hotel's vicinity was not appropriate for/appealing to young children. If I had to do it again, I would have stayed at a hotel right by JR Fukui Station.

The rooms were of modest size but well appointed with just about anything that one would need from toiletries to tv and free wifi. There was a menu of different room choices but unless you are doubling up I did not find any real appreciable differences among them. Of particular note is the breakfast buffet which is so well-known that it often attracts local, non-hotel guests as clients. There is a coin operated laundry right in the hotel--the washing machines worked wonders but the driers often took 2 to 3 repeated cycles to get clothing dry.

We stayed here 2 nights for our end year holidays. We got the room on the new building. The room was great, comfortable, and clean, not too small. They also have a full amenity kits (included the water in a room). One concern about this is the complimentary drink water, it is not in a bottle, but in a small jug). Breakfast was the great and the strong point of this hotel (as said in advertisement). The room for breakfast is also big enough for all the guests, but the last order is a little bit to early (for me). Overall, this is one of the good (and not expensive) hotel in Fukui. One comment is it a little bit far from the main station, especially in winter with snow or rain.

The Hotel Riverge Akebono is a gem. It was built in the mid 1990s; however, it has been well maintained and some rooms have been completely updated. Sitting by the river in Fukui, in cherry blossom season, hotel rooms with views of the river have spectacular scenery. My room was an "executive single" and beautifully appointed in contemporary decor with an emphasis on browns and soft textured beige, featuring some of Fukui's stunning papers. The breakfast buffet, for which you pay extra, is a feast for the senses. Local pickles, everything freshly cooked or baked. Try the awesome array of pickles and the little freshly baked rice rolls. Yum! For all the above reason I am giving the Riverge Akebono four stars. A short drive from the station, or a 15 minute walk. Enjoy.

Clean and quiet hotel, room (epsecially bathroom) still a bit small compared to many European hotels, but still OK. Room was clean, staff was friendly and speaks more or less english (sufficient to get most of my questions answered). Good breakfast buffet, Japanese as well as a bit western stile (bread, jam) food. You should visit the public bath and the restaurant/beer garden, great view over city/river.

This was one of the best hotels we stayed at in Japan. Very practical. Clean (getting a bit old and would be even better with some renovation). Has everything you need in a modern hotel like internet connection for free, PC in the lobby that you can use. A relaxing japanese bath on the top floor of the new building with a view of the city. And really... a very very nice breakfast. Japanese and western breakfast buffé. It's really great. And the breakfast room is also cozy. Not a gigantic room. It's small and the staff are really helpful and friendly. Price is good for what they offer. Not far from the station. Would recommend a taxi with luggage though. If you are with a backpack, you can walk but it's maybe a 20 minute walk or more depending on how fast you walk. They introduced us also a really delicious Japanese "soba" restaurant nearby. Traditional and tasty soba. We love soba so this was really a treat. I will definitely stay there again if we are going to Fukui.

First off, the staff was very, very nice. Very professional. But, I was so disappointed in this hotel. The carpet was absolutely filthy, from the lobby to our room. Our room smelled terrible....like the carpet was just giving off a bad odor. Definitely unpleasant. The towels (which had a posting nearby asking people not to take them) we beyond thin and useless. Don't worry...we left them there for the next unfortunate traveler. So glad I only had to endure one night here.

Very nice sento bath at top. Very good breakfast buffet. My wife always wished she could eat her whole day's menu there.

..and enjoy the lovely Riverge Akebono. So nice to be able to open the window(slightly). Very clean and comfortable, pleasant staff. Excellent buffet breakfast with many selections. Quiet. Towels a bit thin, my only insignifigant complaint.