Sheraton Kagoshima

The Sheraton Kagoshima, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise from guests for its modern amenities, exceptional service, and breathtaking views of Sakurajima volcano. Opened in May 2023, it has quickly established itself as a premier accommodation in the region, blending Western comfort with traditional Japanese hospitality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Sheraton Kagoshima is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating often around 4.5 out of 5 stars across various platforms. Guests frequently describe their stays as "excellent," "amazing," and "luxurious." The sentiment highlights a pleasant surprise for a Sheraton-branded hotel, with many considering it among the top Sheraton properties in Japan.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the Sheraton Kagoshima:

• Onsen Facilities: The natural hot spring baths (onsen), including indoor, open-air, cold plunge pools, and saunas on the 5th floor, are a major draw and considered a standout feature, offering an excellent and relaxing experience. There's also a footbath (ashiyu) with natural spring water.
• Sakurajima Views: The panoramic views of the active Sakurajima volcano from many rooms, the club lounge, and some restaurants are frequently mentioned as spectacular and a highlight of the stay.
• Exceptional Staff & Service: The staff are consistently described as friendly, helpful, attentive, and excellent, even with occasional language barriers which are usually overcome with tools like Google Translate.
• Modern Design & Cleanliness: The hotel's modern and sophisticated design, featuring subtle references to Japan's landscape and culture, along with its immaculate cleanliness, receive high marks.
• Value for Money: Many guests find the hotel offers amazing value, especially considering the facilities and services provided, with typical nightly rates often in the low $100s USD or redeemable with Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Certificates.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Sheraton Kagoshima are noted for their quality, comfort, and design:

• Spacious and Well-Appointed: Rooms are generally described as large, spacious, and well-appointed, with some reviewers specifically mentioning rooms being 35 square meters or more.
• Modern and Elegant Design: The interiors often feature a soft, light wood-grain tone reminiscent of Kagoshima's natural surroundings, with modern furnishings and elegant touches.
• Comfortable Beds: Guests frequently praise the comfort of the beds and pillows, contributing to a good night's sleep.
• Sakurajima Views: Many rooms, particularly the "Sakurajima View" rooms and suites, offer stunning, unobstructed views of the volcano, often cited as a favorite aspect.
• Thoughtful Amenities: Rooms include amenities like separate toilet rooms, bathrobes (different ones for room and onsen use), slippers, pajamas, hairdryers, and complimentary tea. Some rooms feature a daybed by the window, enhancing the viewing experience.

4. Dining Experience

The dining options at Sheraton Kagoshima are well-regarded:

• Diverse Offerings: The hotel features multiple dining venues, including Daily Social (all-day buffet), Flying Hog Grill (grill restaurant with Sakurajima views), Satsumagma (Japanese izakaya style), and &More by Sheraton (coffee house/lobby lounge).
• Excellent Breakfast Buffet: The breakfast buffet at Daily Social is consistently praised for its excellent quality, wide selection of local and Western dishes, tasty baked goods, and even ice cream.
• Local Cuisine Focus: Restaurants showcase local Kagoshima specialties such as black beef, Kurobuta black pork, and Jidori chicken, often utilizing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
• Club Lounge Breakfast: For those with club lounge access, breakfast is also offered there on certain days, though the main restaurant breakfast is generally preferred for its wider selection.
• Evening Cocktails: The Club Lounge offers evening cocktail service with impressive city and Sakurajima views, although some guests find the format (timed sessions) to be less ideal.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Sheraton Kagoshima are a significant highlight:

• Hospitality and Friendliness: Staff members are frequently described as very friendly, helpful, and kind, embodying the excellent hospitality expected in Japan.
• Attentiveness: Guests appreciate the attentive service, from bellmen to concierge, ensuring a pleasant and smooth stay.
• Language Proficiency: While some staff may have limited English, front desk and concierge staff are generally proficient, and guests find that Google Translate can easily bridge any communication gaps.
• Efficient Check-in/Check-out: The check-in process is often described as pleasant and brief, with a convenient check-out time of noon.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location offers a good balance of accessibility and a pleasant environment:

• Proximity to Public Transport: The hotel is conveniently located just across from the Takenohashi tram station, making it easy to get around the city.
• Shuttle Service: A free shuttle bus service runs regularly (every 30 minutes from 8:30 to 21:30) to and from Kagoshimachuo Station, which is about a 15-minute walk or an 8-minute taxi ride away.
• Neighborhood: Situated in a pleasant residential area with a river walk nearby, offering scenic views of Sakurajima from the riverside.
• Attractions: The hotel provides easy access to major attractions like the Sakurajima ferry port, Sengan-en garden, and the Tenmonkan shopping district. Kagoshima Chuo Station (1.1 miles) and Korai Bridge (less than 0.6 miles) are also nearby.
• Airport Access: Kagoshima Airport is approximately 40 km (24 miles) away, with shuttle buses available to Kagoshima Chuo Station.
• Parking: On-site parking is available for a fee.

7. Value & Pricing

Sheraton Kagoshima is generally considered to offer excellent value for its price point, especially given its five-star facilities and service.

• Price Range: Typical nightly rates are often in the low $100s USD (e.g., around $110 USD or 17,100 JPY before taxes for a 2-night stay minimum). Initial opening rates were higher, but settled quickly.
• Loyalty Program Benefits: It's a Category 4 Marriott Bonvoy hotel, allowing for 35k Free Night Certificate redemptions, which many guests find to be amazing value. Elite members also appreciate benefits like room upgrades and lounge access.
• Offers: The hotel sometimes offers promotions, such as 10% off regular rates for Club rooms and Suites with club privileges during certain periods.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Club Lounge Experience: Some guests found the Club Lounge to be "meh" or not overly impressive, particularly regarding the evening session which is often broken into timed blocks, leading to a crowded atmosphere where guests try to consume as much as possible. The food selection in the lounge, while wide, might not always be noteworthy.
• Language Barrier: While generally manageable, some staff outside the front desk and concierge may have limited English proficiency.
• Onsen View: While the onsen facilities are excellent, the communal bathhouse structure does not allow for views of Sakurajima.
• Tram Platforms: The tram platforms can be narrow, potentially posing a challenge with luggage when traveling to/from Kagoshimachuo Station.
• Early Check-in: Early check-in might not always be possible, with rooms typically ready at the standard 3:00 PM check-in time.
• Absence of Automatic Toilet Lid: A very minor "first-world problem" noted by one guest in a new, nice hotel.

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