Mitsui Garden Hotel Okayama

The hotel was perfectly located for our needs, which was to use it as a base to travel over 4 days to other places such as Naoshima Island to see the art, Kurashiki to see a very well preserved village that is about 20 minutes by train away , Himeji to see the castle and Osaka to attend Expo25. The Hotel is very close to the station where there was a multitude of places to eat, as well as very close to several food streets, lined with restaurants. As well it was close to AEON mall for some shopping. The hotel also offered coffee and tea facilities and kits such as toothbrushes etc. and a sitting area which we did not use. The staff were friendly and helpful regarding restaurants and shopping. The room was reasonably laid out with a sofa area and enough room to put down a suitcase and leave it open. So the room whilst not spacious , was adequate in size. We could also open the window to let in fresh air or adjust the aircon to suit

Chosen for proximity to rail station, maybe 3 minutes walk, behind Granvia Hotel. And another very helpful tourist information office, also at the station. A first class 4 star hotel with good public spaces and comfortable, modern rooms. Hardly any interaction with staff who seemed friendly enough and were on hand but transactions mostly digital/electronic. Didn't attempt breakfast in austere room off lobby but complimentary coffee and refreshments available from 1 pm but not during morning. The other great advantage was the Aeon Mall immediately behind the hotel where we ate twice (excellent range of inexpensive restaurants). Couldn't find other restaurants although plenty of Japanese eateries in nearby streets. Aeon Mall had massive Hands store (formerly Tokyu Hands) and UniGlo with prices roughly half of UK prices in some cases. Shopped up a storm consequently. Station also had impressive range of restaurants and we enjoyed a tempura meal there one evening. We appreciated the free lounge gear provided by most Japanese hotels and the spa facility was tempting but our time too short. As well as a day out in charming Kurashiki (30 minutes by train), we walked to the famous Ujo/Crow Castle, with splendid cherry blossom and by the river. Discovered Schlossgasse Mozart on the way back with delicious cakes beautifully presented and boxed for take-away. Only in Japan. Third day we took train to Takamatsu, thereby adding the island of Shikoku to our collection. It's former castle proved a most tranquil setting with great history. The several kilometer-long bridge from the mainland was apparently built in 10 years between the 1980's and 1990's and was worth the journey alone. Spectacular.

Modern hotel, very nice, a stone's throw from the station and the center of Okayama. The staff was very kind and always available to our requests. The room was spacious, quiet and comfortable, the bathroom clean and quite comfortable. The breakfast buffet has an incredible choice. During the day, guests have access to a small bar area with tea/coffee, water and some snacks; very quiet and silent, we took advantage of it upon returning from a very long day spent in Hiroshima.

Although not sumptuous, the room was clean and comfortable, at about 200 square meters. The breakfast buffet is just fantastic, with a wide selection of wonderful Japanese dishes, fresh fruits, and a few western items. But the staff... the staff! They could not have been more friendly or helpful. We got caught in the typhoon and, after we checked out, the staff was kind enough to check us right back in, quickly, and cordially. It's an easy, quick walk from Okayama station and... I'd love to come back!

Excellent hotel with onsen facility! Great for relax after spending a full day exploring Okayama. It is located within walking distant (5 - 7 mins) from the train station. Lots of eateries nearby too. AEON shopping mall is directly opposite the hotel. Very convenient.