Where to Stay in Sendai: Our Stay at Richmond Hotel Sendai

On our recent trip from Aomori down to Nikko, we made a quick two nights stop in Sendai. It wasn’t a long stay, but the hotel left such a strong impression that it deserved its own note.

Tucked just a short walk from the station, this three-star stay welcomed us with a calm lobby, generous amenities, and little details that showed genuine care.

The lobby sits on the second floor, and although the reception area was busy, thanks to a long-weekend holiday in Japan, check-in was smooth and efficient. Right after, we were invited to pick up amenities, and this is where the experience truly stood out.

The range is generous: from children’s items to full set of adult skincare from Organics by Pure Mage. I’ve travelled to more than 20 countries, and this is the first time I’ve seen a hotel provide diapers, disposable bibs, wet wipes, and other thoughtful essentials. For adults, there’s a full set of organic facial care from cleansing oil, wash, essence, cream, even face masks along with coffee and tea. Everything is self-serve; you simply take what you need.

Just across the amenity corner is the lounge and the kids’ playroom. The lounge offers 24/7 free-flow drinks, ice cream, and snacks, and you can sit with a warm cup while watching little ones play. The playroom itself is well-designed, with soft-toy areas for babies, pretend-play toys, a magnetic wall, and an origami corner for older children.

Our room opened with a narrow hallway: bathroom on the left, then a separate toilet, followed by a door leading to the bedroom. With a toddler who wakes easily, this layout is perfect. I could quietly get some work done while little Nori slept undisturbed. Next to the bedroom door is a vanity equipped with a Refa hair dryer and even Salonia hair straightener which felt like such a luxurious touch for a three-star stay.

The beds were arranged as three singles pushed together, comfortably fitting two adults and two small kids. The room also came with an LCD projector that connects to your phone via Bluetooth, turning the space into a mini cinema.

There’s no in-house dining area, but guests receive breakfast vouchers to use at the restaurant on the ground floor. The breakfast options were lovely—pancakes or Sendai’s famous ox tongue—and children can enjoy the buffet. For younger babies, Wakodo pouch meals are available on request.

Overall, we left genuinely impressed by the facilities, amenities, and service. For a three-star hotel, the value you get at Richmond Hotel Sendai is truly exceptional.