5-Star Hotels in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

This hotel is in a prime, bustling location in Kobe, surrounded by luxury brands downstairs, making it super convenient to get around. The room wasn't as old as I expected and was quite spacious. The 'harbor view' was pretty much non-existent though. Amenities and bedding were excellent. Interestingly, check-in is on the top floor, where all the restaurants are located too, and it gets quite busy with diners.

Grand Mercure Awaji Island boasts unparalleled sea views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and the Seto Inland Sea. Its excellent location, however, makes it best suited for guests traveling by car. Our sea-view room was spacious and comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling windows that made the morning sea sunrise a daily spectacle. Both breakfast and dinner offered a wide variety of dishes; we especially recommend the Awaji Island milk and local onion specialties. However, dining options nearby are limited, meaning you'll likely rely on the hotel's restaurant for dinner. Without a car, finding other dining spots would require a taxi. The hotel service was attentive, and the front desk staff spoke fluent English, providing helpful guides to local attractions. While the rooftop open-air hot spring bath isn't natural, it was uncrowded, peaceful, and incredibly relaxing with its sea views. On the downside, the facilities are a bit dated, and there's a noticeable lack of family-friendly entertainment options. Overall, this hotel is ideal for guests seeking serene sea views and a relaxed pace, offering particularly excellent value for money during the off-season.

A companion left first, and before the check-out time came, and before the key was handed over to the counter, someone knocked on the door. I was taking a bath in the room at the time. I was a little embarrassed, and I was afraid that the other person would just open the door and come in, so I opened the door while wearing a bath towel. The service staff was frightened and left quickly. After check-out, due to poor communication, we did not get on the shuttle bus. We had to ask the hotel to call a taxi and give us a phone number so that we could contact us by ourselves. Afterwards, they showed that our phone could not be used, so we changed the call. The hotel assisted. The hotel helped solve the incident later, but I was a little overwhelmed at the moment. There are free Yakult, hot spring baths (two of which can be reserved) and late-night snacks (udon noodles); the breakfast is Japanese-style and quite rich. It's a bit far from Kinosaki Onsen.

I booked a corner suite, and the room was huge with an amazing view. It had a massive jacuzzi, which was perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of shopping – I felt completely refreshed and ready to go again the next day! Though, I have to say, for Kobe, the price wasn't exactly cheap, so it really depends on what you're looking for. During the day, there are malls and an Aeon supermarket around the hotel, but there are no convenience stores nearby at night, which was a bit inconvenient. So, remember to stock up before heading back to the hotel. I didn't book breakfast as it seemed to be a set menu, which I'm not a fan of. Overall, it was a good experience. I'd definitely choose this hotel again if I come back to Kobe.

The hot spring is really big, and you can enjoy both the upstairs and downstairs pools for free. There's a shuttle bus to Sannomiya Station. The room views are absolutely stunning, perfect for couples. Breakfast was just okay, but overall, it's a great stay.

The location is fantastic, right in the heart of Kobe's artificial island at Shimin Hiroba (Citizens' Plaza). It's incredibly convenient for the airport, and the hotel even offers a free shuttle to Sannomiya Station, which is excellent – though I only found that out on my last day, unfortunately! The surrounding scenery gives you a real sense of Japan's booming high-growth period. The hotel epitomizes Japanese service style, and the rooms are really spacious, much larger than many other Japanese hotels I've stayed in, with plenty of room for all your luggage. Breakfast was incredibly rich and varied, and the 30th-floor restaurant offers panoramic views of Kobe Port. It's a shame the weather wasn't great during my stay, but I hope to visit Kobe again on a sunny day next time!

Close to the outlet mall but transportation isn't very convenient. It's a 30-minute drive to Kobe, and dining options nearby are limited. The hotel claims to be fully renovated, but it's only partially so. If you're driving, it's an option worth considering.

Staying 2 night in the hotel , hotel lobby my look abit dated. Rooms are spacious for Japan hotel standard. Hotel provide daily skin care and there is an ice machine on every floor. It also provide shuttle bus in every 15 min to your ne of the station. Shopping mall in 10-15 minutes walking distance we took a taxi from The shopping mall cost 1000yen. Breakfast from the hotel are impressive .

Overall, a wonderful place. We highly recommend it. It was a wonderful walk from the station to the hotel, and we were greeted with the utmost courtesy, explained everything, and shown around. We were shown to our room and given instructions. We booked a traditional room with futons, and the view from the window was simply stunning. The onsen includes two hot springs, a comfortable changing area with massage chairs, a sauna, and a cold plunge pool. They give free passes to seven public baths in the village. There's a shuttle that takes you to various walking spots. The prices are reasonable. The breakfast buffet was wonderful. We were very satisfied and would love to come back!

We had a pleasant stay at Grand Nikko Awaji Hotel which is located at Awaji Yumebutai (淡路夢舞台). It takes less than 50 minutes from Kobe Sannomiya to Awaji Yumebutai by bus. The hotel room is clean and spacious, and all rooms face the sea. The hotel is part of Awaji Yumebutai complex with direct access to conference centre and various attractions such as Hyakudan-en Garden (百段苑) and Akashi Kaikyo Park (明石海峡公園).