Hotel Arthur Kitahama Base

Not far from Beppu JR Station, about a 10-minute walk with luggage from the right-hand exit of the JR station. The hotel room isn't very big. There's a hot spring sauna with three pools plus a cold plunge pool. On the first floor, you can pick up yukatas and toiletries. The elevator is tiny. There are smoking rooms on both the first and sixth floors. There's a shopping mall and many Lawson convenience stores nearby, making it quite convenient for getting around.

The hotel was exceptionally clean. Although the room was a bit small, it felt new, and a great perk was being able to pick up amenities from the lobby entrance after check-in. They offered a wide variety, including makeup remover, toner, coffee, and tea, which was incredibly helpful! Shampoo, conditioner, and body soap were already provided in the room. The hotel also featured a natural hot spring bath (onsen) with free-flowing water and a sauna, which left my skin feeling wonderfully moisturized. While the buffet selection wasn't extensive, the food was delicious. We chose this hotel to enjoy the Hit Parade show, and because it was so clean and convenient, I'd definitely like to stay here again.

I just realized I didn't take any photos! The hotel's location is pretty good; it's right off the main road, just a short turn into a smaller street. It's very close to the JR station, where the tourist information center is located. You can buy 'hell' tickets and bus day passes there. If you're taking the bus to Kumamoto, the stop is right across the street, in front of Lawson. Don't be alarmed when you enter the hotel and see a cafe – the front desk is right beside it, inside the cafe. You can store your luggage there. Japan now mostly has self check-in, but the front desk staff will assist you. They'll give you information about the hotel. After checking in, you'll grab a black bag containing towels yourself. If you need anything else, you can pick it up from the table nearby. They don't offer cleaning service for stays less than five days, which I found a bit inconvenient – having to do some chores even when on vacation! Every day, you put your trash bin outside your door, and hang used towels outside the door. When you return in the evening, the trash bin will have a clean bag and you bring it back in. For towels, remember to pick up a new black bag from the first floor when you come back; I initially thought they'd also be hung outside, but they weren't. For check-out, I used the self-service machine. Just insert your room card into the machine for it to be collected, and you're all set. The hotel itself is quite clean, and there's a hot spring available, though I didn't go as I'm not a big fan.