In my experience, this sleek city hotel in Kamakura’s Koshigoe district hits most of the right notes. You’re perfectly positioned – just a hop from Koshigoe Beach and an easy trip to the city’s star attractions like the grand Hachimangu Shrine. The modern rooms feel fresh and well-maintained, while the staff consistently goes above and beyond. The in-house restaurant dishes up satisfying Japanese meals throughout the day.
The downsides? Street noise can be noticeable until about 10 PM and picks up again with early morning activity. Also, the garden views some websites advertise aren’t quite as expansive as photos suggest.
This place is ideal for independent travelers who want a contemporary home base with easy beach access and good transport connections. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors to Kamakura who appreciate attentive service but don’t need the full luxury treatment. If you’re a light sleeper, request a room facing away from the street.
We included this hotel in our 20 favorite hotels in Kamakura.
Good To Know
- Hotel Ao Kamakura is situated in the Koshigoe neighborhood of Kamakura, near Koshigoe Beach and popular attractions like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Sankeien gardens.
- Guests highly rate the hotel’s location, modern design, comfortable rooms, attentive staff, and cleanliness, though some report noise from the street.
- Accommodation options include Standard Rooms, Superior Twin Rooms, Tatami Rooms, Suite Rooms, and Superior King Rooms.
- The on-site restaurant serves traditional Japanese cuisine, including sushi, hot pot dishes, tempura, and bento boxes, providing an immersive culinary experience.
- Hotel policies include check-in from 3 PM to 12 AM, check-out by 11 AM, and no children or pets allowed, with enhanced sanitation protocols in place due to COVID-19.
Location and Proximity
The hotel is situated in the Koshigoe neighborhood of Kamakura, just steps away from the peaceful Koshigoe Beach.
It’s a short 4.7-mile drive from the iconic Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and 15 miles from the beautiful Sankeien gardens.
For those arriving by air, the hotel is 27 miles from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
With its prime coastal location and proximity to Kamakura’s top attractions, Hotel Ao Kamakura offers guests a convenient base to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Guest Reviews Highlights
Guests overwhelmingly praise Hotel Ao Kamakura’s excellent location, rating it 9.2 out of 10.
The hotel’s modern design, comfortable rooms, and attentive staff also receive high marks. Reviewers highlight the warm welcome, complimentary drinks, and beautiful sea views.
The hotel’s cleanliness (9.8) and comfort (9.7) are standout features. However, some guests note noise from the busy street until 10 PM and in the early morning.
Accommodation Options
Hotel Ao Kamakura offers a range of accommodation options to suit various needs and preferences. Guests can choose from Standard Rooms with a queen-sized bed, Superior Twin Rooms with two twin beds, or a more spacious Tatami Room that accommodates up to four people. Those seeking a luxurious stay can opt for the Suite Room with a king-sized bed or the Superior King Room. All rooms feature modern amenities and stunning sea views. The diverse selection ensures travelers can find the perfect fit for their Kamakura getaway.
| Room Type | Bed Configuration | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Room | 1 Queen Bed | 2 Guests |
| Superior Twin Room | 2 Twin Beds | 2 Guests |
| Tatami Room | 2 Twin Beds | 4 Guests |
| Suite Room | 1 King Bed | 2 Guests |
| Superior King Room | 1 King Bed | 2 Guests |
Dining and Cuisine
At HOTEL AO KAMAKURA, guests can savor the flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine at the on-site restaurant, 鎌倉 松原庵 青.
The restaurant serves meals throughout the day, offering guests a chance to indulge in classic Japanese dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The menu features:
- A variety of freshly prepared sushi and sashimi
- Hearty hot pot dishes, showcasing seasonal ingredients
- Delicate tempura and kushiage (deep-fried skewers)
- An assortment of bento box lunches for a satisfying midday meal
With its focus on quality ingredients and authentic preparation, the on-site dining at HOTEL AO KAMAKURA provides guests with an immersive culinary experience during their stay.
Amenities and Facilities
Beyond the acclaimed dining experience, HOTEL AO KAMAKURA offers an array of amenities and facilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay.
The hotel has a restaurant serving Japanese cuisine for all meals, as well as free WiFi and private parking at ¥1,300 per day. Guests can enjoy the outdoor terrace and take advantage of the meeting/banquet facilities, though an additional charge may apply.
The hotel also provides room service and daily housekeeping. Accommodations range from standard rooms to superior twins, tatami rooms, suites, and superior king rooms, catering to a variety of needs and preferences.
Policies and Procedures
Guests must check in between 3:00 PM and 12:00 AM, with check-out required by 11:00 AM.
The hotel doesn’t accept children or pets, and no cribs or extra beds are available. Payment is accepted in cash, and guests must provide a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
Special requests must be communicated in advance and are subject to availability and potential additional charges.
Different policies apply for group bookings of more than 5 rooms.
The hotel has implemented enhanced sanitation protocols due to COVID-19.
Languages spoken at the hotel are limited to Japanese.
Additional Information
The hotel has implemented enhanced sanitation protocols due to COVID-19 to ensure guest safety.
Guests must communicate any special requests in advance, as they’re subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
Different policies apply for group bookings of more than 5 rooms.
Reservation options include direct booking with a price match guarantee.
The hotel only provides service in Japanese.
Reservation and Contact
HOTEL AO KAMAKURA offers straightforward reservation options, allowing guests to book directly with a price match guarantee.
The hotel’s website provides a seamless reservation process, and customers can inquire about availability and rates with ease.
The staff at HOTEL AO KAMAKURA are available to assist with any special requests or inquiries, ensuring a hassle-free booking experience.
Guests can book directly through the hotel’s website or by contacting the reservation team.
The hotel accepts a variety of payment methods, including cash, to accommodate guest preferences.
Multilingual support is available, with the staff fluent in Japanese.
Special group booking policies apply for reservations of more than 5 rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Late Check-Out Available Upon Request?
Late check-out is not mentioned in the hotel’s policies. It’s best to contact the hotel directly to inquire about the availability and any potential fees for late check-out requests.
Can Guests Request a Specific Room Type?
Yes, guests can request specific room types at this hotel, subject to availability and any additional charges. The hotel offers various room options, including standard, superior twin, tatami, suite, and superior king rooms.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Packages Offered?
The hotel doesn’t seem to offer any specific discounts or special packages. However, guests can inquire about any current promotions or deals when making their reservation directly with the hotel.
What Are the Payment Methods Accepted at the Hotel?
The hotel accepts cash payments. Guests must show a photo ID and credit card at check-in. No additional information is provided about other accepted payment methods.
Can the Hotel Arrange Airport Transfers or Transportation Services?
The hotel doesn’t offer direct airport transfer services, but they can provide information and assistance in arranging transportation to and from the hotel, such as taxis or rental cars, for an additional fee.
The Sum Up
Hotel AO Kamakura offers travelers a serene seaside retreat in the historic town of Kamakura. With its excellent service, stylish accommodations, and proximity to the picturesque Koshigoe Beach, the hotel provides an ideal base to explore the region’s cultural gems. Theres some good the on-site Japanese cuisine, relax on the outdoor terrace, and enjoy the tranquil ambiance that captures the essence of this captivating coastal destination.