For those who didn't do their homework, DO NOT mix up Hotel Metropolitan Morioka (Main Building) and Hotel Metropolitan Morioka New Wing. Although under the same management, the two hotels are separated by a junction and a few minutes walk. The former is attached to Morioka station, while the latter is some 300m away by the river, no sheltered walk way. It's one bus stop away from Morioka station, the nearest bus stop is Asahibashi, but most patrons will just walk from Morioka station, it's probably faster even with luggage (barrier free). By the way, most of the city's attractions are actually across the river, and thus closer to the New Wing rather than Morioka station, they are well within walking distance.
Technically, I was allowed to check-in as early as 2pm, this is considered very early by any standard, not just in Japan, typically most hotel chains only allow check-in from 3pm or 4pm onwards. My room was a standard twin room, furniture are a little dated, but in general the room is well-maintained, and quite spacious by Japanese standard, offers a good view of Morioka station too, albeit diagonally. The hotel doesn't offer any complimentary bottled water, but you can grab them from vending machines located at the carpark level of the hotel (B1), or convenience store at Morioka station, or from MaxValu supermarket a further 500m walk away. Chargeable beverages (including mineral water) are also available inside in-room fridge, but they naturally cost a little more. Ice machine is located beside the lift, on every floor I suppose. My room comes with a 40" Mitsubishi LCD, a Sharp humidifier, Daikin air-conditioning system, in-room safe, as well as general appliances such as kettle, hairdryer etc. Wi-Fi connection was good even though it's a shared connection, and there are plenty power sockets. My bed is a Simmons Beauty Rest with two pillows, one a memory pillow, the other a soft pillow, it is obvious the hotel has a good emphasis on clients' comfort.
One little thing that fascinates me is the room key, it's not any magnetic card, the attached keychain is made of cast iron, known as Nanbu Tekki in Morioka, and is a local signature product. You place the whole bunch of key on the key rest to initiate the room's electricity supply, very unique! I felt like keeping it as a memorabilia (just kidding), but anyway, miniature cast iron souvenirs are available for sale at hotel lobby, but if you are keen on actual Nanbu Tekki products, you can find them in some souvenir shops inside Morioka station, or enquire from the Tourist Information Center there, who will be able to advise you on the well-known shops within the city or probably arrange for a factory visit.
Breakfast was at Giovanni (L2), who serves a good range of buffet breakfast that includes both Western and Japanese cuisines, plenty variety of juices and jam, and yummy ice cream for dessert. One thing I can't understand is that they didn't include Morioka's signature noodles, I suppose that's probably because Giovanni is basically a western style restaurant after all, and visitors to Morioka are spoilt for choices all around Morioka station anyway.
To conclude this review, I'll leave a statement like Arnie did in Terminator... I'll be back!