Kobe Sannomiya Union Hotel

The hotel offers a memorable stay, particularly noted for its spacious bathrooms and large bathtubs, providing a comfortable and relaxing experience for guests. Its free bicycle rental service is a standout feature, allowing guests to explore the city with ease. The hotel is well-suited for sightseers and couples looking for a quiet retreat, as well as business travelers seeking good value and essential amenities. Families also find it accommodating due to available children's amenities and diverse breakfast options. To make the most of your visit, guests recommend taking advantage of the complimentary bicycles for local exploration and being mindful of the varying breakfast hours, especially on weekends.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the range of convenient facilities available, including free Wi-Fi, though some found the connection to be slow. The hotel provides vending machines with reasonably priced items, an ice machine, and a microwave for guest use. A coin laundry is also on-site, although some guests noted issues with its availability or operating hours. Rooms are equipped with various charging cables for different devices, and a selection of amenities like lotions and shampoos can be picked up at the front desk. Complimentary coffee and drinks are available in the lobby, and there is a small souvenir corner. However, some guests found the elevators to be slow and occasionally crowded.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests found their rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with many praising the exceptionally spacious bathrooms and large bathtubs that allow for comfortable relaxation. The beds are generally considered comfortable, and the rooms, especially on higher floors, are noted for being quiet, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Many rooms feature convenient charging stations by the bed. However, some guests reported that the room size itself was quite small, particularly for two people or families. A few reviews mentioned minor issues such as peeling wallpaper, occasional dust or hair in less visible areas, or a slight unpleasant odor in the bathroom.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet receives widespread praise for its variety and quality, often featuring local specialties like beef tendon stew and Akashiyaki. Many guests highlighted the hotel's signature curry rice, which is available late into the night and is considered both delicious and good value. The breakfast area also thoughtfully provides children's books. However, some guests experienced slow replenishment of dishes during peak breakfast hours. A few reviews noted issues with flies in the breakfast area, and some found the juice to be watered down. The breakfast hours can vary, which occasionally caused inconvenience for guests with early plans.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient, being within a 10 to 15-minute walking distance from the main station, which most guests found manageable. The surrounding area is quiet, offering a peaceful environment away from the immediate hustle and bustle, yet still providing easy access to restaurants and convenience stores. For those traveling by car, the hotel offers easy access to the highway. While some guests found the distance from the station a bit far, especially with heavy luggage, the availability of free bicycle rental and a shuttle service to the station (though some noted it might be limited or discontinued) helps with accessibility. Parking is available, but some guests found the contracted options to be expensive or a bit distant.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlighted their positive interactions, noting the staff's willingness to provide tourist information, assist with ordering food, and ensure a smooth experience. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as quick and efficient. Guests appreciated the staff's accommodating nature, including offering room upgrades, facilitating early check-ins, and providing luggage storage. However, a few isolated incidents were reported where guests felt staff were unresponsive, lacked empathy when issues arose, or demonstrated poor internal communication regarding reservations or services. There were also concerning reports of staff entering rooms without permission.

Additional Information
The hotel offers several unique features that enhance the guest experience. Guests can enjoy free welcome snacks and drinks at the front desk upon arrival. The hotel's signature curry is available for purchase and can be enjoyed in the lobby or taken to the room, with a convenient system for obtaining containers. For those needing to do laundry, a coin laundry facility is available, though it does not operate 24 hours. The hotel also provides smoking rooms, which guests noted did not have a lingering smoke odor. A unique aspect mentioned by some is that the hotel's water is sourced from Rokko Mountain, though opinions on its taste varied.