Etajimasou Hotel & SPA Hiroshima

Etajimasou Hotel & SPA Hiroshima, nestled on Etajima Island overlooking the serene Seto Inland Sea, offers a luxurious retreat that has garnered significant acclaim, including being selected for the MICHELIN Guide Hotel Selection 2025. While it did not receive a Michelin Key in 2025, the hotel was a recipient of three crowns at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2024, recognized as the highest in Asia for Luxury All Inclusive Hotel and Luxury Small Hotel, and the highest in the world for Luxury Hot Spring.

Here's a comprehensive review:

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Etajimasou Hotel & SPA Hiroshima is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as exceptional, heavenly, and a perfect blend of luxury and tranquility. The hotel consistently receives high ratings, with particular praise for its cleanliness (9.7/10), comfort (9.8/10), and staff performance (9.7/10 to 10.0/10). Reviewers often express a strong desire to return, highlighting a sense of deep relaxation and satisfaction.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Etajimasou:

• Stunning Views & Location: The breathtaking ocean views from the rooms and the tranquil beachfront setting are repeatedly mentioned as major draws.
• Exceptional Service: The staff's attentiveness, helpfulness, and ability to create a welcoming atmosphere are frequently praised, even with language barriers.
• Onsen Experience: The hot spring facilities, including the clean onsen and the option of a private onsen, are highly regarded for their relaxing qualities and skin-improving properties. The hotel also won the 2024 Best Hot Spring Hotel award.
• Design & Ambiance: The aesthetically impressive rooms, impeccable cleanliness, and thoughtful decor contribute to a luxurious resort atmosphere.
• Unique Amenities: Guests appreciate thoughtful touches like complimentary late-night curry rice, an all-you-can-drink bar, and small bags and slippers provided for strolling around the grounds. The lounge also offers sake and wine tastings almost all day.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Etajimasou Hotel & SPA Hiroshima are described as aesthetically impressive, matching their online depictions, with large windows offering breathtaking sea or mountain views. Guests highlight the comfort and spotless cleanliness of the accommodations. The hotel offers various room types, including Japanese-Western style rooms, deluxe twin rooms, and options with private balconies. Many rooms offer ocean views, allowing guests to relax while gazing at the Seto Inland Sea. Some rooms feature a simple yet high-quality design, with comfortable bed mattresses.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features two restaurants serving both traditional Japanese and French cuisines in a romantic ambiance. Breakfast is typically traditional Japanese. While some guests have found dinner to be "disappointing" or "underwhelming for the price paid" and "too mild", others have praised the use of locally produced ingredients, reflecting a love for Etajima. A notable highlight mentioned by guests is the complimentary late-night curry rice and an all-you-can-drink bar. There have been observations about the absence of a sommelier for wine pairing options. The hotel welcomed Chef Dai Kurachi as its new head chef in spring 2025, suggesting a potential evolution in the culinary offerings.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Etajimasou consistently receive perfect or near-perfect ratings (9.7/10 to 10.0/10). Guests commend the team for being incredibly helpful, gracious, friendly, and attentive. Many reviewers note that the staff go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay, building rapport despite potential language barriers. Services like pier pick-up and assistance with booking local restaurants and taxis are appreciated.

6. Location & Accessibility

Etajimasou Hotel & SPA Hiroshima is situated on Etajima Island, offering a peaceful getaway away from bustling city life. It provides direct access to the beach and offers free parking. While it's a bit "off the beaten path" and requires a ferry to reach the island, guests appreciate the tranquility. The hotel offers a free shuttle service from the nearest port (Nakamachi Port) for added convenience. Nearby attractions include the Naval History Museum (8.8 km) and Etajima Park (11 km).

7. Value & Pricing

Etajimasou is considered a luxury property, and while some guests find it to be "not cheap," many believe it offers good value for the quality of service and amenities provided. Room prices can start from approximately US$187, with an average price around US$449, which is noted as a higher price point compared to the average hotel room in Hiroshima. However, the overall luxurious experience, exceptional service, and amenities often justify the cost for guests seeking a peaceful and indulgent escape.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• Dining Quality: Several guests have expressed disappointment with the dinner, describing it as "too mild and underwhelming for the price paid" or wishing for a more traditional Japanese dinner. Some also noted a lack of a sommelier and limited wine pairing options.
• Onsen Variety: The onsen facility has been described as lacking variety, with only two warm pools and a steam sauna, and a cold plunge pool that wasn't cold enough for some. The atmosphere was also sometimes disrupted by guests socializing, diminishing the peaceful ambiance.
• Location Accessibility (Minor): While appreciated for its tranquility, the island location means a ferry ride is necessary, which might not suit everyone's schedule or budget.

Sources

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