The Aster Plaza is not really a Hotel, nor is it a Hostel. It appears to be a function centre, that has accommodation on the upper few floors. Its in a great location for visiting the Peace Park and Museum. Approx a 5min walk straight up the street. WE arrived by bullet train. The easiest way to the Aster Plaza is the bus. Take the No,24 bus for “Yoshijima”from platform A-3 near south gate of Hiroshima JR Station, and get off at “Kako-machi”which is next stop from the Peace Park stop (about 25 minutes ride). You will see Aster Plaza across the road. Approx 190yen, pay cash in machine near driver.
We had a family of 4. Kids aged 15 and 12. We originally booked a Japanese style room for the 4 of us. However this was our first experience with a Japanese style room. After coming from Kyoto where we had two "double" rooms, the Japanese room seemed quite small. The price for the Japanese room was approx $280 total for 2 nights. We paid more than that per room per night in Kyoto. Ended up changing to 2 "double" rooms for an additional $28 total, ie $308 for two nights for 2 rooms, simply fantastic value. The rooms are your standard Japanese Western room, small bathroom (clean and does the job), 2 single beds (quite comfy), small fridge, kettle and LCD TV. Very little English content on the TV, but that seems standard for Japan. Thankfully the Sumo wrestling was broadcast in English every afternoon. Note there's usually an English button on all Japanese remotes, so if a program has English content it can be changed, but don't expect a lot of choice. Our 2 rooms overlooked the river (8th floor) and faced the Peace Park. They have washing machines and dryers, coin operated, 100yen, ask at reception. They also have a fully equipped kitchen if you need it, ask for key at reception. We didn't see anyone else staying in the hotel. It felt like we had the place to ourselves. This could be dependent on the type of functions being held at the Plaza. The reception staff were very very helpful, and had great English. The Aster Plaza isn't in the middle of the restaurant district, but there was a couple of small Okonomiyaki (google it, Japanese pancake, especially famous in Hiroshima) restaurants across the road. Ask reception to direct you to the Hana-Hana restaurant, small husband and wife setup. Our best meal in Japan.
Don't forget to go to Miajima Island to the south of Hiroshima, easy to get to from the Aster Plaza. I have already recommended the Aster Plaza to friends. You can't book online, but you can email them at reserve@hiyh.pr.arena.ne.jp to make a booking.

the aster plaza is a very good hotel, i stayed in a western style room. walking distance to the peace memorial park.
for 3700 yen it is a very good deal for the otherwise very expensive japan.
bathroom was clean, and the room was very quiet.
as i stayed on the 9th floor I could enjoy a wonderful view over hiroshima at day and night.

The accommodations at Aster Plaza were clean and excellent value. We stayed in the Japanese style rooms (2) with our teenage children and enjoyed our stay. This is basic, clean lodging provided by friendly and knowledgeable staff. We used the laundry facilities which were a welcome addition to our stay. The fridge in the room was useful. I would not recommend the internet service offered in the common area as it timed out by the time the page refreshed. There is a wonderful noodle house across the street which I would highly recommend. An excellent breakfast buffet is offered next door at the Four Seasons Restaurant. The tram to Hiroshima Port is easily accessible for the ferry to Miyajima.

I stayed at this hotel because it was recommended as a good, clean, inexpensive option and close to the Peace Memorial Park. My teenage son and I booked a single room each, with a private bathroom for only 3,750 yen. I was a bit hesitant, as we had stayed at some very nice, more expensive hotels in Japan, but was pleasantly surprised. Nothing fancy but comfortable enough with a clean, basic bathroom. There was a TV, desk area, little fridge, good A/C and jug for tea. We had Rooms 913 and 914 and they had fabulous, panoramic views of the river, bridges, city and mountains beyond. To get to the hotel, catch a cab for 1200 yen or take the bus going to the Peace Memorial Park from the bus stands outside the Station. Get off one stop past the Memorial stop. Look across the road and you will see two large, modern, white buildings. The Aster Plaza Hotel is in the one on the left with the curved front. The one on the right houses a Four Seasons Hotel that serves a good buffet breakfast for 1,000 yen until 9.30. There is a 7 Eleven close by with an ATM and freshly, packaged food for snacks. You can easily walk to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum from the hotel. There are Internet terminals on Floors 8 and 9 that cost 100 yen for 15 mins and the phones in the rooms charge home rates for long distance calls. They now take credit card and the rooms must be booked direct through their website. Courteous English speaking staff. I think it is owned by the City. If you want a basic but clean, budget priced room with your own bathroom, this is recommended. They also have a Japanese style room for the same price but I looked at it and found the tatami mats were a bit smelly - perhaps because of the heat & humidity in July. I think the pillows were the typical Japanese ones with the husk filling which may be hard for some.