Nice location and a good view, but the mattresses and pillows are super cheap and uncomfortable, the decor is very 1980's, and the room smelled like a cheap deodorant was used to cover up the smell of smoke. The carpet also felt like it had no pad in it. The room was the equivalent of a motel 6 in the US.

If you must have an english speaking staff, and there is no other hotel in Kobe with that, then go ahead and pay the extra. Just know that you are not getting a romantic getaway room.

Firstly we would not recommend this hotel, but I will mention the good points to start with. We picked this hotel for the location and it was in easy walking distance to Harborland (samll shops and restaurants), the shuttle bus from the train station is great and the staff were very welcoming on arrival.

We booked our rooms from Japanican for 13000 yen, they are on the 23rd floor and the view was of the east and not very attractive in daytime but pretty lights at night. Not sure if it is just these rooms but the beds were horrible, very very hard and you can feel the springs on your back and every time you move they make a 'boing' sound. Sleeping at a ryokan is more comfortable!!!

We also thought the pool would be great at the hotel as the days are so hot in June, but the outside pool does not open until 15 July and the price to use the indoor pool was ridiculously expensive (3,150 yen per person) and if you want to use the gym it costs 3,675 or 4,200 for the pool too.

Another thing to note is that the Okura water bottles in the fridge are not complimentary like in all the other Japanese hotels we have stayed in, they cost 315 yen, I would suggest picking up some water from a vending machine for 100 yen.

We would not stay here again but we may be spoiled as we just came from the Westin Miyaka in Kyoto which was miles ahead in facilities and ambience and cheaper.

Like the Okura in Tokyo, you'll leave impressed with the service and attention to details. Rooms are clean with plenty of room, a bit outdated but still comfortable. Free wired internet in all rooms. Meeting facilities are very nice, a top the 35 floor with beautiful views of the bay and downtown area. Food was exceptional, lots of flavor with a good representation.

I stayed there with my wife for 1 night as part of a weekend break. A stylish hotel that offered many diversions during our brief stay. Our room wasn't cheap and that is certainly the biggest disadvantage of any stay, we paid 16,000 yen for the 1 night. The room was comfortable with a pleasant view of the Merikin Park / harbour. It is a gentle 10 minute stroll into downtown Kobe from the hotel. The staff were extremely polite and helpful. I used the gym whilst I was there and that was resonably priced and perfectly adequate, although if you are a runner there is quite a nice loop to be run around the park. We will stay there again on our next visit to Kobe.