Okura Kobe

Booked a Deluxe room and it was really good, great value for money. Room was large, we were just 2 of us but could have easily accommodated 3 travelers with suitcases. Room was recently renovated as I could tell from the surfaces and cleanliness of the bathroom and carpet. This hotel is more like a resort with indoor pool, large gym, tennis courts and kids play room. The sports facilities are actually accessible to a separate club private members. I had a room facing the city and the hills and the view was perfect. Rooms are very well soundproofed and couldn't hear neither any neighbors nor the street. Hotel has direct access to the Kobe waterfront area with it's shopping mall and restaurants.

We recently stayed at the Hotel Okura in Kobe and we truly enjoyed our stay. What sets this hotel apart is their absolutely exceptional customer service, even when measured by Japanese standards. They truly go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Every staff we interacted with from the moment we arrived to the moment we left was exceptionally helpful and welcoming. I would like to say a special thank you to the bell captain who arranged to modify our dinner reservation so we can have time to watch the fireworks. Arigato! We are planning to return to Kobe in the future and we are definitely going to stay here again. Our room was very spacious. Although it was a bit older room it was very clean and comfortable. We stayed on a standard (lower) floor but we booked one of the larger rooms. We had a south view room on the 12th floor and the view was spectacular, it included the ocean, Meriken park and the Port Tower. I have to note that we arrived exactly at check-in time, we requested for this view on a higher floor, and since it was available the staff kindly granted it. I can imagine that this must be a common request so maybe if someone checks in during the evening this won’t necessarily be available. I think to get a full view one needs to be maybe above the 10th floor, the view (south, north etc.) also might depend on the room type. It is possible to book rooms on higher floors. We watched the fireworks from our room and it was spectacular. They have free coin laundry for guests, a supermarket, ice machine, microwave, and the usual amenities available for use. They also have a swimming pool for extra charge. The location is amazing. I don’t think any other hotel has this view. The frequent free shuttle bus to and from the train station is a big help, although in good weather and without luggage it’s an absolutely walkable distance. Overall we had a wonderful stay! Thank you very much!

The very friendly staff upgraded us to a higher floor with harbor view, which was so lovely that next time I would book it directly. As we were traveling by car, I brought my own bottles to have my very own Negroni bar with a view, as the hotel bar unfortunately closes early and has no view. DIY but probably the bar with the best view in town. The lobby is similar to the legendary one in Tokyo with a beautiful mid century aesthetic. Calm and peaceful. If you are traveling by EV, there are EneChange chargers in the hotel garage, which was very convenient. Started to Awaji Island with a full charge in the morning! As others have pointed out, the charge for gym use is excessive, so I skipped work out. For staying guests it should be included. You can walk to the harbor for a cruise, which is highly recommended. The restaurant area is a bit far, but manageable. Overall, the hotel is in need of a refresh on some areas, such as the bathrooms, the shops and driveway, but the friendly staff, cozy lobby and nighttime views make this a no brainer at a very affordable rate. Will surely be back when visiting Kobe again.