Itsukushima Iroha

Itsukushima Iroha, a Michelin Key Selected property in Hatsukaichi, Japan, consistently receives stellar reviews for its blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern luxury on the picturesque Miyajima Island. Guests frequently describe their stays as exceptional and unforgettable, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail and personalized service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Itsukushima Iroha enjoys an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, with an impressive overall rating of 9.5 on platforms like Agoda and Booking.com. Guests consistently rate it as "exceptional" and praise it for providing a truly memorable experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Itsukushima Iroha for several standout features:

• Exceptional Service and Hospitality: The staff's warmth, attentiveness, and willingness to go above and beyond are frequently cited as a major highlight.
• Prime Location: Its location on Miyajima Island offers easy access to major attractions and beautiful views.
• Beautiful Design and Ambiance: The hotel masterfully blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comforts, creating a serene and authentic atmosphere.
• Excellent Amenities: A spacious lounge with complimentary refreshments, a public bath, and a rooftop hot tub with stunning views are highly appreciated. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the property.

3. Room Quality

The Japanese-style rooms at Itsukushima Iroha are consistently praised for their beauty, comfort, and spaciousness. Many feature tatami-mat flooring and traditional designs. Guests describe them as "gorgeous," "new and modern," and "very comfortable." Rooms come with private bathrooms, often highlighted for their traditional design, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and DVD players. Some rooms offer breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea, including the famous Torii gate, or views of Mount Misen. Suite rooms are particularly large, with some exceeding 90 square meters.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Itsukushima Iroha is a significant draw, with both breakfast and dinner receiving high praise. The on-site restaurant, Miyajima Yohei, specializes in Japanese cuisine, utilizing local ingredients from the Seto Inland Sea and Hiroshima.

• Traditional Breakfast & Dinner: Guests frequently commend the "delicious breakfast and dinner", particularly the exquisite traditional Kaiseki dinner. Vegan options can also be accommodated.
• All-Inclusive Option: Since its renovation in December 2022, Itsukushima Iroha offers an all-inclusive plan that covers dinner, breakfast, drinks in the restaurant, lobby, and guest room refrigerator, and even room service, allowing for a seamless stay without additional payments.
• Ambiance: The dining rooms often offer ocean views.

While dining is generally excellent, a few guests have noted that the dinner, with its extensive choices, could sometimes lead to inconsistencies in dish quality or a lack of ambiance in the dining room.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Itsukushima Iroha are consistently lauded as one of the hotel's strongest assets. Reviewers use terms like "exceptional," "very friendly," "helpful," "warm," and "attentive" to describe the hospitality. Many guests report staff going "above and beyond" to ensure a wonderful stay, offering personalized recommendations for sightseeing and making special occasions memorable with gestures like room upgrades and birthday cakes. The ability of some staff members to communicate impressively in English is also noted.

6. Location & Accessibility

Itsukushima Iroha boasts an "amazing" and "fantastic" location on Miyajima Island, situated on Omotesando Avenue. It is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the iconic Itsukushima Shinto Shrine and Miyajima Pier. This prime spot allows guests easy access to the bustling shopping street, a variety of authentic eateries, and other attractions like Mount Misen (accessible via ropeway, a ten-minute walk from the shrine) and Momijidani Park. The island itself is a romantic and peaceful place, especially in the evenings when day tourists have departed.

7. Value & Pricing

Itsukushima Iroha is considered a luxury experience, and its pricing reflects that. With an average price of around $569 per room, it is significantly higher than the average hotel room in Hiroshima, which is about $125. However, guests frequently state that it offers "unparalleled value for money" due to the high level of comfort, exceptional service, and extensive amenities provided. Lower rates can occasionally be found, with some starting around $296. The all-inclusive plan further enhances its value by covering meals, drinks, and room service.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Dinner Consistency/Ambiance: Some guests felt that the dinner, despite its variety, could sometimes lack perfection across all dishes, or that the dining room lacked ambiance with no music.
• Minor Room Details: Occasional mentions of small bath towels and window shades that were difficult to use have surfaced.
• Onsen Availability: In at least one instance, a guest reported the public bath (onsen) being out of use without prior notification, which was a disappointment.
• Noise from Street: Rooms facing the street can sometimes experience a bit of noise during the day.
• Limited Late-Night Dining: As with many places on Miyajima, external dining options close early (around 4-5 PM), and the hotel's full prix fixe dinner needs to be reserved in advance, which can be an issue for guests not wanting a complete meal or arriving late.

Sources

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