Hotel Miyajima Villa

The hotel offers a memorable stay, distinguished by its rooftop onsen providing panoramic views and the unique inclusion of massage chairs in many guest rooms, ensuring ultimate relaxation after a day of exploration. Its prime location directly opposite the ferry terminal makes it exceptionally convenient for all travelers. Guests consistently highlight the attentive and friendly staff, the spacious and comfortable accommodations, and the generous array of complimentary amenities. This makes the hotel an excellent choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway, families (especially those with small children) due to its family-friendly features, and solo travelers looking for comfort and convenience. Sightseers will appreciate the easy access to local attractions. To maximize your experience, it is advisable to book well in advance, as reservations open three months prior to arrival. Additionally, consider visiting the Itsukushima Shrine early in the morning to avoid crowds, and take advantage of the hotel's luggage storage and lounge access after check-out.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests highly praise the hotel's extensive facilities, particularly the rooftop onsen, which offers stunning views of the bay and mountains. This traditional Japanese bath features a unique tatami floor, providing a comfortable and non-slip surface, and is well-stocked with quality shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and cosmetics. Many appreciate the complimentary popsicles available after a relaxing soak. The inviting lounge area is a significant draw, offering free coffee, tea, soft drinks, ice cream, and local Momiji manju throughout the day and late into the night, creating a cozy space for relaxation. Most rooms are equipped with a massage chair, which guests find incredibly soothing after sightseeing. The hotel also features a convenient on-site bakery with delicious fresh bread, a bar offering a good selection of drinks and light meals, and well-maintained laundry facilities including washers and dryers. Free Wi-Fi is available, though some guests noted it could be weak in certain rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high marks for its cleanliness and the overall comfort of its rooms. Guests describe the accommodations as spacious, beautiful, and well-equipped, with various layouts including unique loft rooms and large family rooms. The beds are generally found to be comfortable, often featuring a traditional futon style on a raised platform, which is particularly appreciated by families with young children. However, some guests accustomed to Western-style mattresses found the beds and pillows to be quite firm. Rooms are thoughtfully designed with ample outlets, effective air conditioning, and privacy screens or shoji. While many found the bathrooms to be spacious and modern, some noted that certain designs were less functional, lacking sufficient space for toiletries or towel hanging, and a few mentioned an angled step near the door. Noise levels are generally low, contributing to a peaceful stay, though a few guests observed minor sound transfer from hallways.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience is a highlight for many guests, with both breakfast and dinner served buffet-style. The breakfast buffet offers a wide and diverse selection of both Japanese and European dishes, consistently praised for its quality and variety. A standout item is the French toast, which is frequently lauded as exceptional and a must-try. The dinner buffet is equally impressive, featuring a high-quality spread of local ingredients, including an abundance of fresh oysters prepared in various ways. Guests also appreciate the complimentary alcoholic beverages, such as wine, beer, and sake, available during dinner. While the food quality is generally excellent, some guests found the buffet to be on the pricier side, and a few described the dining area as having a "canteen-like" atmosphere rather than a fine dining ambiance. Nevertheless, the generous selection and delicious local specialties make for a satisfying culinary experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, situated directly across from the ferry terminal, making arrivals and departures exceptionally convenient, especially for guests with luggage. This prime spot allows for easy walking access to all of Miyajima Island's main attractions, including the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, the bustling shopping street, and the starting points for mountain hikes. Guests appreciate being able to explore the island's sights without needing additional transportation. While the hotel is in a busy area during the day, the island becomes notably quieter in the evenings, offering a more serene experience for overnight guests. The proximity to a convenience store also proves useful for quick purchases.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend their warm welcome and willingness to go above and beyond to assist with various needs, from providing local information and booking tour tickets to offering support in unexpected situations, such as helping with a sprained ankle. The check-in and check-out process is generally described as smooth and efficient, with many appreciating the option for early luggage drop-off and post-checkout storage. While the vast majority of guests report outstanding interactions, a very small number of isolated incidents mentioned perceived communication challenges or issues with price transparency during check-in. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service significantly enhances the guest experience, making visitors feel valued and well-cared for throughout their stay.

Additional Information
A notable and unique feature of the hotel is its tattoo-friendly policy for the onsen, which is a welcome aspect for many international travelers. Guests planning a visit should be aware that booking well in advance, ideally three months prior, is highly recommended due to the hotel's popularity. For families with small children, the hotel is particularly accommodating, offering rooms with beds on raised platforms to prevent falls and providing amenities like baby chairs and cutlery in the dining areas. Guests are encouraged to utilize the provided pajamas and slippers for comfortable wear throughout the hotel, including the lounge and onsen. It is also important to note that swimming is not permitted at the beaches within walking distance of the hotel, a detail some guests found surprising.