APA Hotel Kagoshima Tenmonkan

This hotel is highly regarded for its central location in the vibrant Tenmonkan district, making it an ideal choice for sightseers, business travelers, and solo travelers looking to explore the city's dining and entertainment scene. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and overall good value. While the hotel offers a convenient base for couples and individuals, some aspects like the two-building setup and limited laundry facilities might require planning. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room in the newer East Wing for a more modern experience, and be prepared for potential outside noise due to the lively surroundings.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a comprehensive range of in-room amenities, including high-quality items like Gillette razors, body towels, and hair care products, which guests appreciate. Free bottled water is also a welcome touch. Rooms are equipped with a large TV that supports PC and smartphone connections, enhancing entertainment options. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests reported issues with slow speeds or connectivity in certain rooms. The coin laundry facilities are convenient, though limited in number, sometimes leading to wait times. Most rooms feature a generously sized bathtub, allowing for relaxation. However, the air conditioning system is centralized, meaning individual room temperature adjustments for heating or cooling are not always possible, which some guests found inconvenient.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally praise the hotel's cleanliness, noting that rooms are well-maintained and tidy. The comfortable beds and quality linens contribute to a restful sleep for most. While many found the room size to be adequate, especially for single occupancy, some double rooms were considered narrow, and older sections of the hotel showed a slightly dated appearance. Feedback on pillows was mixed, with some finding them too firm or flat, though extra pillows can be requested. Noise levels from outside, particularly from the lively street below, were occasionally mentioned, but many rooms were surprisingly quiet. Some guests reported minor issues with ventilation in bathrooms or occasional oversights in cleaning, such as unreplenished water bottles.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast offered at the hotel receives mixed reviews. Most guests found the food quality to be satisfactory, with some appreciating the inclusion of local dishes like Keihan (chicken rice) and the availability of curry. However, many guests felt the breakfast was somewhat basic, lacked sufficient variety, and was not always worth the additional cost. Some noted that the food could be cold, and the coffee quality was perceived as low. The restaurant space itself was described as a bit unconventional by some. Given the mixed feedback, many guests opted to explore the numerous dining options available in the surrounding area instead of dining at the hotel.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location in the heart of the Tenmonkan district, placing guests within easy walking distance of countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities along the Tenmonkan arcade. Its proximity to public transportation, including tram stops, makes it highly convenient for exploring the city. Guests can also easily walk to the ferry terminal for trips to Sakurajima or reach the train station within a reasonable distance. While the vibrant surroundings offer great convenience, the area can be noisy, especially at night. Parking is limited on-site, but affiliated paid parking is available nearby, though navigating the narrow, one-way streets to access it can be challenging.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives praise for being friendly staff, helpful, and attentive. Many guests highlighted the quick check-in and check-out processes, as well as the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, such as providing extra pillows or information about parking. Housekeeping services are also frequently commended for their efficiency. However, some guests experienced inconsistencies, reporting instances of unsmiling or unhelpful staff, particularly regarding English proficiency, which could lead to communication difficulties. There were also isolated reports of staff refusing specific requests, such as assistance with restaurant bookings or luggage assistance between the hotel's two buildings.

Additional Information
The hotel operates across a two-building setup, with the main reception located in the newer East Wing. Guests staying in the older West Wing may find it inconvenient to travel between buildings for check-in, check-out, or breakfast, especially with luggage. The housekeeping policy for consecutive stays involves daily towel replenishment and amenity refills, but full room cleaning and sheet changes typically occur every few days or upon specific request, which some guests found unexpected. Unlike some other properties, VOD movies are not offered for free at this location. Some guests noted that certain buildings have only a single elevator, leading to potential wait times. Additionally, the hotel does not provide no extra beds for children, which might be a consideration for families. After midnight, security measures require guests to use a card key for entry via a back entrance.