Route-Inn Grantia Akita Spa Resort

Pros: We planned to use Akita as our base for day trips to the historic samurai village of Hakunodate and to Lake Tazawa, but the Route-Inn Grantia turned out to be a destination of its own. The staff was friendly (though I was glad to be able to speak Japanese), the service impeccable, and our room small but meticulously clean and well appointed (toiletries and tea provided; towels and jinbei for the onsen changed daily). Our floor featured a coin laundry and a vending machine with cup noodles. A Japanese breakfast buffet with a range of options is available for purchase for 850 yen/day, even if you don't include it in your reservation. I also highly recommend the restaurant on the premises, which serves a delicious rendition of the Akita specialty kiritanpo. Make sure to save time for the onsen! There are a variety of baths of different temperatures, both indoors and out.

Cons: There aren't many dining options around the hotel; you may want to either eat at the hotel restaurant or closer to Akita Station.