Hotel Pearl City Kobe

A warm, relaxing feel and an old-style radio and alarm clock in the room gave the place a nostalgic charm I miss in many modern hotels. Everything was impeccably clean, and the amenities, including the spa and reading room, were tranquil and well maintained, good places to unwind after being out in the city. The staff were courteous, bilingual in Japanese and English, and genuinely attentive. Communication was easy, and service was prompt throughout. I'd highly recommend it if you're looking for a clean, cozy hotel with an authentic feel in Kobe.

Handy if you're flying to or from Kobe airport, and the price was fair at $90 a night. But dinner isn't served at the hotel restaurant, the exterior is poorly maintained with weeds everywhere, and the window was really hard to open. The AC was useless, parking isn't available at the hotel so you have to use a nearby lot for 600 yen a night, and there was a gross cigarette smoke smell.

The front desk was really nice, and service was decent. It’s handy for Kobe Airport, with a 7/11 just across the street and IKEA about an 8-10 minute walk away. Getting to many of the main sights takes longer, so you’ll need the train. The room was okay, though I only realized at check-in that I’d booked a smoking room and wished I hadn’t. There’s no microwave anywhere in the hotel, which made heating bentos a real hassle. Tattoos aren’t allowed in the spa, either. And being right by the main road gets noisy when motorcyclists rev their engines late at night.

The room was really spacious and had a nice view. I only stayed one night and didn’t get to try the buffet breakfast. My only possible gripe is that the hotel could think about upgrading the room keys.