At this laid-back hot spring hotel in Kobe’s historic Arima district, I found a comfortable blend of Japanese tradition and modern amenities. During my stay, the efficient staff, soothing public baths, and peaceful location just steps from Zempuku-ji Temple made quite an impression. While the rooms aren’t particularly spacious (a common issue in Japanese hotels), and the on-site restaurant closes relatively early at 8:30 PM, these minor drawbacks are outweighed by the property’s genuine charm and excellent location.
The hotel particularly shines for couples and solo travelers looking to experience authentic Japanese onsen culture without breaking the bank. With free WiFi, 24-hour security, and easy access to both cultural sites and public transportation, it’s an ideal base for exploring the greater Kansai region. If you’re a first-time visitor to Japan who wants to escape the big-city hustle but still stay connected, you’ll appreciate being just a train ride away from Osaka while enjoying the peaceful rhythms of a traditional hot spring town.
Good To Know
- Merveille Arima is a hotel located in Kobe, Japan, a 5-minute walk from Zempuku-ji Temple and 0.4 miles from the Philatelic Culture Museum.
- The hotel has a rating of 7.3/10 based on 72 reviews and offers amenities such as free WiFi, non-smoking rooms, air conditioning, and a 24-hour front desk.
- Guests can enjoy Japanese cuisine at the on-site restaurant and a buffet breakfast, with a check-in from 3 PM to 7 PM and check-out by 11 AM.
- The hotel’s accommodations feature air conditioning, desks, electric kettles, fridges, and flat-screen TVs, with some rooms offering balconies and shared bathrooms with bidets.
- Relaxation options at the hotel include a sauna, hot spring bath, and daily housekeeping, with safety features such as CCTV, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and a 24-hour security team.
Hotel Overview
The Merveille Arima is a hotel located in Kobe, Japan, within a 5-minute walk of Zempuku-ji Temple and a 0.4-mile distance from the Philatelic Culture Museum.
Rated 7.3 out of 10 based on 72 reviews, the hotel offers free WiFi, non-smoking rooms, air conditioning, and a 24-hour front desk.
Guests can enjoy Japanese cuisine at the on-site restaurant and access amenities like a sauna, hot spring bath, and daily housekeeping.
Check-in is from 3 PM to 7 PM, and check-out is by 11 AM.
The hotel doesn’t accommodate children or pets and accepts only cash payment.
Amenities
Complimentary WiFi and non-smoking rooms create a comfortable environment at the Merveille Arima.
Guests can enjoy air-conditioned accommodations with desks, electric kettles, fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms feature balconies and shared bathrooms with bidets.
The hotel offers an on-site restaurant serving Japanese cuisine and a buffet breakfast.
Relaxation amenities include a sauna, hot spring bath, and daily housekeeping. Guests can store their luggage at the 24-hour front desk and purchase snacks from the vending machine.
The property ensures safety with CCTV, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and a 24-hour security team.
Guest Services
Guests can check in from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and must check out by 11:00 AM.
The hotel has a no-children and no-pets policy, and extra beds or cribs aren’t available.
Payments are accepted in cash, though the accommodation tax per person per night isn’t included in the price.
Guests are advised to notify the property of their arrival time in advance, as cancellation policies may vary by accommodation type.
The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk, baggage storage, and a safe deposit box for guests’ convenience and security.
Safety & Security
Safety and security measures at Merveille Arima include CCTV in common areas, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers. The hotel also has 24-hour security and provides guests with safety deposit boxes.
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| CCTV | Cameras in common areas |
| Smoke Alarms | Installed throughout the hotel |
| Fire Extinguishers | Located on each floor |
| 24-Hour Security | Staff monitoring the premises |
Guests can feel secure during their stay, knowing these safety features are in place to protect them.
Nearby Attractions
The Merveille Arima hotel is surrounded by a variety of nearby attractions and temples.
Visitors can easily explore the Onsen-ji Temple, Nenbutsu-ji Temple, and Gokurakuji Temple, all within walking distance.
The Arima River Kasen Shinsui Park offers a peaceful setting for a stroll.
Kin no Yu, a popular hot spring area, is also nearby.
For those looking to venture further, the hotel is conveniently located near the cities of Osaka, Amagasaki, Sakai, Hirakata, and Akashi, providing easy access to explore the region’s cultural and recreational offerings.
Guest Reviews
Overall, guests have rated the Merveille Arima hotel quite positively, with a solid 7.3 out of 10 based on 72 reviews.
The staff has received an impressive 8.0 rating, indicating excellent service. Guests have also praised the hotel’s cleanliness, with a 7.6 score.
However, the free WiFi has received a slightly lower rating of 6.9, suggesting room for improvement in this area.
The hotel’s facilities and comfort levels have also been rated favorably, with scores of 7.2 and 7.4 respectively.
Reservation Information
When booking a stay at the Merveille Arima, guests can reserve now to take advantage of special prices and availability.
The hotel’s cancellation policies vary by accommodation type, so travelers should notify the property of their arrival time in advance. Guests can pay with cash, and the accommodation tax per person per night isn’t included in the room rate.
The Merveille Arima enforces a strict no-children and no-pets policy, and cribs or extra beds aren’t available.
Getting There
Reaching the Merveille Arima is straightforward, as the hotel is located just a 5-minute walk from the Zempuku-ji Temple.
Guests can easily navigate to the property from Itami Airport, which is situated 14 miles away. Driving is an option, with ample free parking available on-site.
Public transportation is also accessible, with the Philatelic Culture Museum just 0.4 miles away and Tenjin Gensen only a 6-minute walk.
The hotel’s central location in the Arima-cho area provides convenient access to various temples, parks, and other popular attractions in the Kobe region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Swimming Pool Available for Guests?
The hotel does not have a swimming pool available for guests. The amenities focus on other leisure facilities like a sauna and hot spring bath, but a swimming pool is not mentioned as one of the available features.
Do They Offer Any Special Packages or Discounts?
The hotel doesn’t seem to offer any special packages or discounts based on the information provided. However, guests can check the hotel’s website or contact them directly to inquire about any current promotions or deals.
What Is the Dress Code for the On-Site Restaurant?
The on-site restaurant has a casual dress code. Guests can dine in comfortable, everyday attire. There’s no need for formal or business casual wear when enjoying the Japanese cuisine served at the hotel’s restaurant.
Can Guests Request Early Check-In or Late Check-Out?
Guests can request early check-in or late check-out, but they’re subject to availability and may incur additional fees. The standard check-in time is 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM.
Are There Any Restrictions on Guest Activities or Noise Levels?
The hotel has policies that prohibit certain activities and set quiet hours. Guests cannot bring children or pets, and must be mindful of noise levels during their stay. Specific details on activity restrictions are available from the hotel.
The Sum Up
The Merveille Arima offers guests a serene and authentic Japanese experience in Kobe’s historic Arima-cho district. With its free WiFi, on-site restaurant, sauna, and hot spring bath, the hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers. Situated near cultural attractions, the Merveille Arima provides a comfortable base for exploring Kobe’s rich heritage and natural wonders, thanks to its attentive staff and commitment to guest satisfaction.