KUMU Kanazawa by THE SHARE HOTELS

KUMU Kanazawa by THE SHARE HOTELS: A Contemporary Blend of Design and Kanazawa Tradition

KUMU Kanazawa by THE SHARE HOTELS stands out as a Michelin Key Selected property, frequently praised for its exceptional design, prime location, and outstanding hospitality. Guests consistently commend the hotel for offering a unique and immersive experience that beautifully intertwines contemporary aesthetics with the rich cultural heritage of Kanazawa.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for KUMU Kanazawa is overwhelmingly positive. The hotel boasts an impressive overall rating of 8.9 on platforms like Agoda, with Michelin Guide guests awarding it a stellar 19.4 out of 20. Reviewers frequently use terms such as "excellent stay," "super beautiful," "trendy design," "cozy and comfortable," and express that they "loved every bit about the hotel". The sentiment highlights a strong appreciation for the hotel's modern approach to hospitality rooted in local culture.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of KUMU Kanazawa:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel features an "unapologetically contemporary post-industrial design" where bare concrete meets traditional Japanese elements, creating a stylish, clean-lined, and organic atmosphere. The timber interiors and latticed-screen windows add to its charm and originality. Shared spaces are particularly lauded for their inviting design, fostering connections among guests. The concept of "KUMU," meaning to join, draw out, or pour, is reflected in the interconnected spaces and the hotel's mission to link the city's traditions with the future.
• Location: Its central location is a major draw, allowing guests to easily walk to popular attractions such as Kanazawa Castle, Omicho Market, the samurai district, art museums, and Oyama Shrine.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives consistent accolades for being "super friendly," "kind," "helpful," "warm," and "attentive". Many guests appreciate their English proficiency and willingness to provide recommendations and assist with reservations for local eateries and attractions.
• Amenities: Notable amenities include comfortable shared lounges (referred to as "Tea Tables" or common lounges) on the 3rd and 5th floors, a wooden deck rooftop offering views of Kanazawa Castle Park, and an on-site laundry room (available for a fee). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and bicycles are available for rent. A welcome drink is also a pleasant touch.

3. Room Quality

KUMU Kanazawa offers a variety of rooms, including both modern Western and traditional Japanese-style rooms featuring tatami mats and futons. Guests describe the rooms as clean, modern, comfortable, and some are noted for being spacious, exceeding typical Japanese hotel standards. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a bath or shower, free toiletries, slippers, and a hairdryer. The design incorporates custom-designed furniture and clever space-saving solutions like suspended cupboards. Bunk and Loft rooms are also available, catering to families or larger groups.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's dining options contribute positively to the guest experience:

• Breakfast: The breakfast is highly praised, often highlighting locally sourced ingredients. It typically includes a meal set with freshly baked breads, salads, egg dishes, ham/sausages, juices, and coffee. A buffet breakfast option is also mentioned.
• Tea Salon (KISSA & Co.): Located on the ground floor, the tea salon serves as a vibrant social hub, offering light fare from midday into the evening. It specializes in local tea varieties, such as Kaga twig-roasted tea by GEN GEN AN, complemented by Japanese wagashi sweets from local artisan TARO. The salon also serves coffee and alcoholic beverages. An exquisite restaurant and a lounge bar are also available at the property, offering diverse culinary creations with local ingredients.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at KUMU Kanazawa consistently receive glowing reviews. Guests frequently highlight their "incredibly warm and helpful" demeanor, describing them as "super friendly" and "very kind". The staff's attentiveness and willingness to go the extra mile, such as providing sightseeing advice and making restaurant reservations, significantly enhance the guest experience. The ability of the staff to communicate in English is also a valued asset for international travelers.

6. Location & Accessibility

KUMU Kanazawa boasts an "excellent location" in the heart of the city, making it an ideal base for exploring Kanazawa. It's within walking distance to numerous key attractions:

• Oyama Shrine (approximately 5 minutes walk)
• Omicho Market (walking distance)
• Kanazawa Castle (centrally located, near the castle)
• Samurai district (walking distance)
• 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (about a 15-minute walk)

For transportation, the hotel is about an 8-minute drive or a 20-minute walk from Kanazawa Station. It's also conveniently located just a minute's walk from the "Minami-cho Oyama Jinja" bus stop, served by the Kanazawa Loop Bus and other local lines. Komatsu Airport is approximately a 34-40 minute drive away, and airport transfer services are available for guests' convenience.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally consider KUMU Kanazawa to offer "incredible value for money" and describe it as "incredibly clean and affordable". While an average room price of $151 is noted, which is slightly higher than the city's average of $109, many feel it provides a premium experience that justifies the cost. Some reviews mention that pricing can be "a bit expensive during the red leaf season," but otherwise, it's considered good value. An accommodation tax is typically not included in the price and must be paid at the property.

8. Common Complaints

Recurring complaints are notably absent in guest feedback. While one review mentioned that a room was "small but had everything we needed", this is not a widespread sentiment, as other guests describe rooms as spacious and comfortable. The only minor point of consideration might be the slight increase in price during peak seasons, which is common for popular destinations.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. michelin.com
3. booking.com
4. booking.com
5. champ-magazine.com
6. booking.com
7. thesharehotels.com
8. visitkanazawa.jp
9. kanazawahotels.net
10. navitime.com
11. michelin.com
12. kanazawahotels.net
13. gltjp.com