GGuest UserThe first thing I'll write about Richmond Hotel Premier Sendai Ekimae is the good location. It's right next to Aobadori Station, but there is only a stairway down. An elevator is located not too far away, and I'll get to that in the last part of this review.
The lobby of the hotel has a nice ambience, and the hotel offers one complimentary drink and a complimentary bowl of soba noodles. Since the majority of hotel guests take advantage of these offers, the lobby and bar can be crowded during both day and night (until 22:00).
The staff whom I interacted with, especially the young lady upon check-in, were all very friendly and helpful.
Water coolers are available on each floor next to the elevators, so if it's late at night and you're out of water, you don't have to go far. This is a good service by the hotel.
I really like the fact that from the ground level, you can take the elevator directly up to your room floor, bypassing the usually busy and crowded lobby.
When it comes to sound insulation between rooms, unfortunately this was not too good. I was able to hear my neighbours banging their limbs, suitcases, clothes hangers etc. against the walls. I didn't really hear talking, but that's probably because my neighbours were Japanese and talked to each other in low tones (non-Japanese people should emulate this). As for noise from the streets, my room faced another building (which was what I requested), so I didn't hear much traffic noise.
The shower temperature in my first room fluctuated badly. It would be hot for about 30 seconds, then it turned cold for a minute, then hot again for 15 seconds, then cold again for a long time. The hotel staff helped me switch to a different room, and the shower temperature in the second room was fine.
The furniture in the rooms are a bit old, but that's not a big issue. The fridges on the other hand are too small and not cold, the hotel should purchase larger and better units.
A nitpick of mine is having to use the television to choose the 'Do Not Disturb' sign for the cleaners. I'd much rather a switch next to the door, or the traditional sign to hang on the doorknob.
I did not have breakfast at the hotel nor did I use any of the facilities, so I have no comment on those services.
Overall, I had a good stay at this hotel and would recommend it to others. I hope that in the future the sound insulation between rooms can be vastly improved, and that the hotel can provide physical 'Do Not Disturb' signs or switches.
Side note: If you have large luggage and need an elevator, you have to walk south just a little along Atagokamisugi-dori, and soon you'll see an elevator to the underground station. When you get into this elevator, get to the lowest level, and when walking to Sendai station via the underground passage, there is another elevator in an oddly-angled corner.
Period of Stay: March 2026
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