Aki Grand Hotel

I don’t know where to start. This hotel was built in the late 80’s and there what you’ll get if you visit now. We arrived without dinner reservations and asked if we could eat at their restaurants and was told it’s fully booked. We asked if they could call and check again and yes, they still had a spot after we insisted. Got to the restaurant and it was totally empty!! Two guests arrived after us and that was it for the night!! In the evening they took us on a boat to the shrine knowing we could not see it as it’s under construction 🙄 and we had to pay for the boat also! Seriously, stay at a hostel as you’ll have a better experience. What looks like a nice spot is clearly not!

Unfortunately, this was a terrible experience, not to mention terribly overpriced. I adore Japan with a burning passion and I have a very soft spot for Miyajima and Hiroshima, had some of the best times of my life here. That being said, this hotel did NOT deliver. Starting with the front desk where nobody was speaking English and they were almost unable to check me in. Requested for the manager, yet there wasn't one on duty, apparently the manager is only there in the morning. Understanding what the front desk gentleman was saying was painfully hard. He couldn't even explain where the restaurant is. There is no business centre at the hotel, no ear plugs either so in case someone is having a party next door, which happened to me, good luck with your sleep. The futon is dreadful (and I usually choose to sleep on futons while in Japan because I like the experience). When asked to add another futon, because I felt as if I was sleeping on the floor, the hotel staff came and brought it for me and then expected me to set it up myself, which I have never experienced in Japan up until that point, because their customer service is usually unsurpassable. Even sleeping on two futons was still uncomfortable. Come morning, had at least some hopes for breakfast but that was also terrible. Eggs and other food that was supposed to be warm was just plain cold, no tablecloth at the restaurant and you bring your food on a tray like at a school cafeteria. The food selection was plentiful, but everything had an unfortunate taste. This is one of the worst hotel experiences ever. Only giving it 2 stars because it overlooks my beloved Miyajima, but for the love of God, what a waste of an incredible location.

A wonderful onsen hotel with helpful staff and delicious food, highly recommend

Hotel has some amazing views. Its centrally located between iwakuni and Hiroshima but the train is close to take you in either direction. You can also get a taxi if you dont mind spending some money but its worth it to go to Hiroshima. The ferry is close to take you to the next island. Staff is great. Housekeeping is great. Breakfast was super traditional. Theres a gift shop. You can walk to the convenience store or restaurants close by. It was a very nice stay.

Taking into account that the hotel is a bit old I think that the price is higher than worth it. The positive thing is the views that you have from your room (if you book the room on sea side).