Green Hill Hotel Onomichi

The hotel stands out for its unparalleled location directly on the waterfront, adjacent to Onomichi Station, making it the primary gateway for the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. Guests consistently highlight its convenience for exploring the town and accessing transportation. The hotel offers spacious rooms for a Japanese property, many boasting scenic harbor views, which greatly enhance the stay. It is an ideal choice for cyclists embarking on or completing the Shimanami Kaido, offering direct access to bike rentals and ferry services. Sightseers and tourists will also find it perfect for exploring Onomichi's attractions, while couples can enjoy romantic vistas and easy access to dining. For a more comfortable stay, guests recommend requesting a room with a harbor view to fully appreciate the picturesque surroundings. Additionally, if the room temperature is an issue, guests can ask the front desk to unlock the windows for fresh air, as they are typically kept locked.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities designed to enhance guest convenience and comfort. Many guests appreciate the dedicated bicycle storage racks located within the hotel, making it an excellent base for those undertaking the Shimanami Kaido cycling adventure. For relaxation after a day of exploration, massage chairs are available on various floors, though some guests noted their condition could be improved. While free Wi-Fi is provided, a significant number of guests reported it to be unstable and slow, often disconnecting, which can be frustrating for those needing reliable internet access. Rooms are generally well-equipped with thoughtful amenities such as a Dyson hairdryer, complimentary mineral water, and local citrus jelly or lemon drink mix. The hotel also offers coin laundry machines for guest use, though some reviews indicate a limited number of machines, which can lead to queues.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and comfortable, often noting their surprising spaciousness for a Japanese hotel. The beds are frequently praised for their comfort, ensuring a restful night's sleep, and many rooms offer lovely views of the harbor or surrounding area through large windows. However, a recurring concern is the room temperature control, with many guests finding their rooms too warm due to a centralized air conditioning system that often lacks individual adjustment or cooling options, especially in cooler months. This issue is compounded by windows that are typically locked shut, preventing fresh air circulation and leading to musty smells or humidity after showers, as bathroom ventilation can be ineffective. While overall cleanliness is high, some specific reviews mentioned minor issues like hair in the bathroom, dust, or water marks on fixtures, and some bathrooms were described as small or dated.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as delicious and excellent, and by far the best among hotels some guests experienced during their trip. The buffet style offers a wide variety of options, including both traditional Japanese dishes and a commendable attempt at Western-style breakfast items, such as actual scrambled eggs. Guests appreciate the quality and selection, ensuring they are well-fed before embarking on activities like cycling. The restaurant staff are noted for their attentiveness, constantly checking and refilling the buffet to ensure availability, though some mentioned popular items like salmon could run out quickly. While breakfast is a highlight, feedback on dinner options was more mixed, with some guests finding the menu limited, despite the food quality being good. Dining with a view of the harbor is an added bonus.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is its most celebrated feature, offering unparalleled convenience for all types of travelers. It is situated directly across from Onomichi Station, often connected by a pedestrian walkway, and is just steps away from the ferry pier and bicycle rental shops, making it the perfect starting point for the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. Guests find it incredibly easy to access local attractions, including the Temple Walk, shopping streets, and various restaurants, all within walking distance. The hotel's position right on the waterfront provides beautiful views and a pleasant promenade for strolls. While the hotel does not have its own dedicated parking, an adjacent coin parking facility is available. Guests can receive a discount voucher, though some still found the overall parking cost to be high compared to other areas.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high commendation for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their responsive and accommodating nature, even with limited English proficiency, as they make genuine efforts to assist. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient. Many guests appreciate the staff's willingness to store luggage before check-in or after check-out, which is particularly beneficial for those cycling the Shimanami Kaido. Specific services like assisting with luggage forwarding (TA-Q-BIN forms) and providing local restaurant recommendations are also frequently mentioned as positive aspects of their experience. Overall, the staff's commitment to providing excellent customer service significantly contributes to a positive and memorable stay for most visitors.

Additional Information
A notable point for guests is the hotel's Wi-Fi connectivity, which many found to be unreliable and slow, often disconnecting, making it challenging for work or entertainment. Another common issue is the centralized air conditioning system, which can lead to rooms being uncomfortably warm, especially during transitional seasons, as individual temperature control is limited and windows are typically locked. Guests should be aware that while the hotel offers a discount for the adjacent parking facility, the overall cost can still be significant. Thoughtful complimentary amenities include local citrus jelly and bottled water in the room. The hotel also provides massage chairs on guest floors, which are a welcome feature after a long day. Some guests noted the absence of a public bath or onsen, which might be a consideration for those seeking such facilities.