OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resorts

We were on a cross-country road trip in Japan, travelling as a group with two cars, and felt we were doing our best to respect local customs. Parking turned into a frustrating back-and-forth after check-in. The first option was the loft parking, but our car was clearly too large to fit, so they moved us to the basement. The slip said that lot would be locked at 10 pm. We asked about the outdoor parking, and were told our car was too small because that space was meant for big cars. For context, we were driving an MPV. They seemed reluctant to let us use the outdoor lot and kept giving excuses, though eventually they did. We tried to be understanding, then saw the cars parked there. I’ll attach pictures and let you decide whether the service here is worth it.

We really liked the hotel’s look and atmosphere during our stay at the end of October. The public bath was surprisingly elegant, and there was plenty of entertainment aimed at kids too. Breakfast was never too busy, with a good range of fresh food. The bonito sashimi, keema curry, and local sweet potato tempura were highlights for us. I’d come back if I return to Kochi.

The room was quiet and clean, and the shower pressure was great. Still, the space is tight for two people, and our three large bags made it hard to spread everything out and open them properly. There are no bottled mineral waters in the room; each floor has a Coway dispenser with hot and cold water, and an empty jug is provided. The onsen was pleasant, especially the outdoor bath, and the water wasn’t too hot. It could get crowded on weekends, so an early or off-peak visit is better. Free yosakoi shows run at 9 pm each day. We watched one but lost interest after about half an hour. Laundry costs add up. There are three Electrolux washers and three dryers on the eighth floor, and they were usually available when I went. A wash takes 30 minutes and costs 400 yen; drying is about 100 yen per 15 minutes. You can only pay by credit card at the laundry room touchscreen. We drove a rental car and paid 1,100 yen a day for the vertical parking machine. Parking was straightforward: staff at the terminal guide you in, but you need to unload your things and fold in the side mirrors first, then take the ticket when you leave the machine. The hotel is on a quiet side street, and the big C temple is about a 10 minute drive away. We also walked out for dinner.

The breakfast is the main reason I’d return. There was a generous spread, with crispy croissants and pastries, a great sushi selection, really tasty rice, and plenty more. I also loved how much wood they used, right down to the bathroom cabinets and shelves. The hotel sits by a canal bordered with cherry blossom trees. Family Mart is two or three blocks away, and the main downtown area is easy to reach by trolley from a stop one block away.