Hotel Cycle

Hotel Cycle in Onomichi, Japan, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its innovative cycling-centric concept, stylish design, and exceptional hospitality. It is widely considered an ideal base for those embarking on the renowned Shimanami Kaido cycling route.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Hotel Cycle enjoys an overwhelmingly positive reputation, with guest ratings frequently ranging from "Exceptional" to "Outstanding," often scoring between 9.0 and 9.9 out of 10. Guests describe their stays as "superb," "perfect," and highlight a strong desire to return. The general consensus is that the hotel offers a unique and highly satisfying experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Hotel Cycle for several standout features:

• Cycle-Friendly Design: The hotel is specifically designed for cyclists, allowing guests to ride their bikes directly to the 24-hour front desk and even into their rooms, which are equipped with bike hangers. An on-site Giant bike shop and repair space further enhance this appeal.
• Stylish and Modern Aesthetic: The hotel, a renovation of a former warehouse within the Onomichi U2 complex, blends industrial origins with organic warmth, creating a hip, contemporary, and comfortable atmosphere.
• Prime Waterfront Location: Situated directly on the water, the hotel offers beautiful views and is an excellent starting point for the Shimanami Kaido.
• Exceptional Dining: Both breakfast and dinner receive rave reviews for quality and local ingredients.
• Outstanding Service: The staff are frequently described as extremely friendly, attentive, and helpful.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Hotel Cycle are characterized by their unique, stylish, and comfortable design. They feature charcoal-toned walls and atmospheric dim lighting, fostering a relaxing ambiance. Beds are equipped with comfortable mattresses, often Simmons, ensuring a good night's sleep. Bathrooms are spacious, modern, and include bathtubs and often separate rain showers. Thoughtful amenities include organic toiletries, U2's original blend coffee and tea, and custom-made local Bingo denim pajamas. Each room is also practical for cyclists, featuring dedicated bike hangers.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Hotel Cycle is a major highlight. Breakfast is frequently described as "superb" and "exceptional," with some guests calling it the best they've had at a hotel. The restaurant, "The RESTAURANT," serves multiple dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast options cater to various dietary needs, including Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, and American choices. Additionally, the complex houses a cafe and a bakery, while the Kog Bar offers drinks and snacks with a beautiful night view. Takeaway breakfast options are also available if requested in advance.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Hotel Cycle consistently receive top marks, with staff performance often rated around 9.2. Guests praise the staff for being "extremely friendly and attentive," "wonderful," and "going above and beyond" to ensure a memorable stay. Many appreciate the multi-lingual capabilities of the staff, who are helpful with everything from local recommendations to luggage forwarding services for cyclists. The unique ability to check-in with your bicycle is also a noted convenience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel Cycle boasts an "amazing" and "fantastic" location right on the waterfront in Onomichi. It is ideally situated as the starting point for the scenic Shimanami Kaido cycle path, which connects Honshu and Shikoku. The hotel is easily accessible, being just a 5-minute walk from JR Onomichi Station. The larger Onomichi U2 complex, where the hotel is located, offers various shops, a cafe, a bakery, and a Giant bike shop. Nearby attractions include Daisan-ji Temple, Ushitora Shrine, Hodo-ji Temple, and Senkoji Park, which can be reached via a 20-minute walk or the Senkoji Temple Mountain Ropeway.

7. Value & Pricing

While Hotel Cycle's average room price of around $236-$246 is higher than the average $119 for other hotels in Onomichi, guests consistently perceive it as offering "exceptional value for money." Its unique amenities, prime location, and high-quality service contribute to this perception, with value ratings often scoring perfectly at 10.0.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points of criticism have been noted:

• Room Lighting/View: Some guests have mentioned that the rooms can feel a bit "dark" or may lack a prominent view.
• Parking Fees: Public parking is available nearby, but charges apply (approximately JPY 2000 per day, with a JPY 1000 voucher provided by the hotel).
• No Extra Beds/Cots: The hotel does not have the capacity for cots or extra beds.
• No Pets Allowed: Pets are generally not permitted at the property.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. agoda.com
3. booking.com
4. booking.com
5. onomichi-u2.com
6. michelin.com
7. azuremagazine.com
8. gltjp.com