Hotel Seagull

Hotel Seagull staff were very welcoming, especially as I arrived way past the usual booking in time.The free Hotel Seagull bus from Kansai airport in the middle of the night was a big plus as I had not previously traveled to Japan. As a courtesy, and because I was aware that many Japanese hotels and hostels have a curfew, I called the staff from Sydney to let them know I would be on the late flight and they were really helpful. The room was really well equipped with a small en-suite, (deep tub for soaking travel kinks away), traditional Kutaka (gown) and all the essential shower items. An outdoor courtyard with ornamental garden provides a pleasant place to write the odd postcard or have coffee. The hotel is not at the luxury end of the market, which is partly why I chose it, and at $58 per night it was a good deal. Its proximity to Kansai for travelers arriving late in the evening was a plus for me. The area it is located in, Izumi, is worth a look too -- from the a tiny temple, to across the road, the super trendy IzumiSano (shopping centre) all within a short walk from the Hotel. For me it was a pleasant introduction to Japan.