Staying with Kids in Sendai: A Family-Friendly Break at Almont Hotel Sendai

I had heard that Almont Hotel Sendai, near Sendai Station, was known as a family-friendly hotel. Since the children were still getting used to longer trips, I decided to stay there with my sister, niece, and nephew.
I was born and raised in Sendai and have always loved the city, but I had never stayed at a hotel near Sendai Station. Spending a night there gave me a chance to experience my hometown from a different perspective.

• Tohoku
• Miyagi

A Smooth Start with Kids in Tow

An elevator and staircase were directly ahead as soon as we entered.
An elevator and staircase were just ahead as we entered the hotel. Since the front desk and lobby are on the second floor, taking the elevator made it easier to get upstairs with a stroller and luggage.

When the elevator doors opened, we found ourselves in a spacious lobby with warm wood finishes and soft lighting. A large sofa area occupied the center of the space, giving us plenty of room to sit before and after check-in. The children immediately made themselves comfortable. “I don’t want to leave!” one of them said.

A self-service Nespresso machine was also available in the lobby, offering three coffee options from 1 to 10 p.m. The coffee was surprisingly good, close to what you might expect at a café. While the children relaxed on the sofas, the adults enjoyed freshly brewed coffee.

A Twin Room with Beds Wide Enough to Share

We stayed in a twin room with a calm, neutral color scheme. Two semi-double beds were arranged next to each other, each spacious enough for an adult and child to sleep together comfortably.
A large window offered views of Sendai and brought plenty of natural light into the room. Even with the children and our luggage, there was enough space to move around comfortably.

A Welcome Gift for Children and Handy Amenities

At check-in, the children received a welcome gift set with slippers, a toothbrush, and a bath sponge. The children were thrilled. They liked the bag itself too, so we took it home as a small keepsake from the stay.
At check-in, the children received a welcome gift set with slippers, a toothbrush, and a bath sponge. The children were thrilled. They liked the bag itself too, so we took it home as a small keepsake from the stay.

Matching Samue-Style Loungewear for Children.
The in-room loungewear was a comfortable two-piece outfit in a traditional samue style, with a loose-fitting top and matching pants. I hadn't expected children's sizes to be available, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that the loungewear came in sizes from SS to LL for children.

The children were delighted to wear the same design as the adults. My niece, who is 85 centimeters tall, wore size SS, and the slightly oversized fit looked especially cute on her.

A Long Soak with Date Masamune’s Crescent Moon

For a hotel near Sendai Station, having a large public bath was a real bonus. Being able to stretch out in the spacious tub was one of the highlights of the stay.
The bathing area had the fresh scent of hinoki cypress, while a bold gold wall design echoed the large crescent moon on the helmet of Date Masamune, the samurai lord who founded Sendai.
The large public bath uses Komeiseki, an artificial mineral bath. By the time I stepped out, I felt warmed through, and my skin felt noticeably smoother. After a long soak, the fatigue of the trip seemed to melt away.

With special permission, I toured and photographed both the women’s and men’s public baths.

The changing area had lockable lockers, a cold-water dispenser, an ice machine, and coin-operated washing machines. The washing machines would be especially useful for longer stays, or when children unexpectedly get their clothes dirty.
High-performance hair dryers were also available in the changing area.
The women’s bath had keypad entry, providing an extra layer of security.

A Breakfast Buffet Packed with Miyagi Favorites

Breakfast was what I had been looking forward to most, and it lived up to the praise I had read from other guests. The buffet featured more than 60 dishes, from familiar Japanese and Western breakfast favorites to Miyagi specialties. The selection was so extensive that you could sample a wide range of the region’s local flavors without leaving the hotel.
Even as someone who grew up in Sendai, I was impressed by the variety of local specialties. There was so much to choose from that I couldn’t try everything.

The children’s eyes lit up as they chose their favorite foods. Watching them choose what to eat for themselves, I could see why a buffet can work so well for children who don’t like sitting through a long meal.

The children enjoyed the breakfast so much that they went back for seconds, which made me smile.
Children’s plates, cutlery, and disposable bibs were available, and a limited-time kids’ menu is offered during summer vacation and other extended holiday periods. That gives me another reason to come back.

Partway through breakfast, my niece began to get fussy, and I started to feel a little flustered. A nearby staff member noticed, came over to speak to us, and quickly brought her a toy.
I later learned that the staff regularly offer toys to children during breakfast. My niece soon settled down and was smiling again, much to my relief.

A Relaxed Stay in Sendai

Traveling with a young child can make a hotel stay seem daunting. At Almont Hotel Sendai, the children’s amenities, practical facilities, and helpful staff made the stay easier.

Just a five-minute walk from Sendai Station’s West Exit, the hotel is convenient for families arriving with children and luggage. The Date Masamune-inspired bath and Miyagi dishes at breakfast also added a local touch to the stay.
By the end of the stay, the children were relaxed—and so were the adults.