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  5. Reviews of Ark Hotel Kumamotojo Mae -ROUTE INN HOTELS-

Reviews of Ark Hotel Kumamotojo Mae -ROUTE INN HOTELS- 3 stars

860-0846 Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Jotomachi 5-16 , Japan

#31 of 60 hotels in Kumamoto

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 161 hotel reviews

7.7

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    7.9

  • Comfort

    7.9

  • Location

    8.8

  • Facilities

    7.5

  • Staff

    8.5

  • Value for money

    8.0

  • Free WiFi

    8.0

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 10 May 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed with Castle View - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Aircon cannot adjust temperature, but thankfully the window can be opened to allow fresh air.

    Bed is super comfy, very good breakfast and nice view of the castle.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 April 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The staff weren't very friendly nor accommodating, it felt as thought they were trying to ignore me even though I was standing right there at the counter... the only one who actually did their job properly was probably the senior staff. Not very welcoming. They also didn't let me put my belongings there for me to pick up in the evening which was rather upsetting.

    It was really near kumamoto castle and rather accessible by bus from the bus terminal. The room was comfortable though the bed was on the hard side.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 14 April 2024

    8.0
    Great location with Castle view
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed with Castle View - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The room is a bit small and the bed is too small for 2 persons to sleep comfortably though is clean. Space is too tight if with 3-4 luggages, to move around.

    We stayed 3 nights here. The location is perfect to walk to Kumamoto castle which is about 10-15 minutes at leisure. We booked a castle view room which can see the castle though not fully at 8th floor. Within 5-10 minutes walk to the back of the hotel has many restaurants and shopping arcade to stroll. From here we travelled to Mount Aso, Takachiho gorge within 1.0-1.5 hours drive. The car park is a multi level stacking system but is very efficient and fast each time we park and retrieve the car. Parking charge per night is 900 yen, however is only for small cars. Hotel front desk staffs are very friendly and helpful. some able to speak reasonably good english. We were recommended a restaurant just 2-3 minutes walk turning right and another right at the first lane from the hotel because we wanted to try the Sashimi Horse meat and BBQ meal which is excellent. Check in and check out is fast and efficient. If you do not wish housekeeping for the first night, they give 2 tokens where you can get redeem drinks at the Kiosk. There is a lounge access at level 10 where you can get free cofee/tea or soft drinks and overlooking the Kumamoto castle view which is excellent at night. Highly recommend this hotel which is value for money.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 April 2024

    8.0
    Nice enough room in a quite dated hotel, but perfect location for Kumamoto Castle.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Hollywood Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Why does breakfast finish at 9am? They literally kick you out the room at 9:01… so early! Unnecessary refills of amenities every day, even when we opted for reduced eco cleaning option. Who needs 2 new plastic hairbrushes, 2 new pairs of disposable slippers and 2 new toothbrushes every day of their trip? It’s an unnecessary amount of plastic and so wasteful - it makes a bit of a mockery of the idea of it being “eco” cleaning, and makes it look more like an attempt to save on maid’s wages as they just don’t have to tidy & make the bed. The main ceiling light also didn’t work in our room for the duration of our stay. Pillows can be quite uncomfortable - stuffed with weird bits of cut up plastic straws, and duvet cover was made of a synthetic plastic material than felt hot and not like cotton. We were told by a male receptionist on arrival that we couldn’t check in until 3pm and so, after a long journey, had to unpack our bags in the lobby and get changed in the communal toilets. When we tried to leave our bags at reception, a different receptionist said we could go to our room after all. It would have been nice if we could have done this straight away, but I got the impression that the first guy was a stickler for the rules!

    Free soft drinks in the afternoon - massive variety. Good breakfast selection & delicious French toast. Option to get one free vending machine credit per person for each night of your stay if you opt for eco cleaning option - a great idea. Location is right next to the castle, with lovely views.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 March 2024

    7.0
    Great view. Communication could be better.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed and Castle View and No Cleaning Service - Smoking
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    So I was given a smoking room. I did not request one but it didn't bother me too much as I do smoke , just not inside the room because I hate the smell it leaves. And there was a lingering smell present. It would have been nice to be informed upon check in that the room was a smoking room at least as it could have been a make it or break it thing for some.

    Good value for money and location, right in front of Kumamoto castle. Check in staff was very thorough with the facilities available and aspects of my reservation (chose the no-cleaning option, but would still have fresh towels in the morning and could ask housekeeping to empty my bin). Room was fine, standard business hotel room size for Japan, with all the typical amenities but could get more from the amenity bar in the lobby. The highlight of this hotel is the top floor common area which offers a great view to Kumamoto Send free soft and hot drinks after 3pm.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 25 March 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed with Castle View - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Location is good.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 19 March 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed with Castle View - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The cleanliness.

    The location was good.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 February 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Hollywood Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Facilities are old. Wi-Fi is slow.

    The staff was a great help and friendly. The room is clean.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 January 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Facilities are dilapidated, the water pipe in the bathroom is difficult to use

    The top floor of the hotel has a first-class view, and with free drinks, it’s a great experience.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 January 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Twin Room with Castle View - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing so far

    Location is good

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 2 January 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Family with young children
    • Hollywood Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    I don't like Aircon because this's hotel use Central Air system( We are can't control Aircon temperature)

    I like staff . They are very kind and very good service for we are family

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 December 2023

    9.0
    Very pleasant and convenient hotel
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed with Castle View- Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night

    The hotel staff are very welcoming and ready to respond very quickly to any problems. Everything was perfect in terms of in-room facilities. The location of the hotel was very convenient, only 2 minutes walk from a very busy street. Kumamoto castle is also right next door, very convenient for visiting. There are also many shops and restaurants nearby.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 10 December 2023

    9.0
    Value for money..cheapest so far for my past Japan hotel stay..
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Location near castle n best hotel room rate..unbelievably cheap,value for money,overnight parking fee is reasonable 900yen

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 4 December 2023

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Our car cannot park into the hotel’s car park because of the the height limit.

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 30 November 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed with Castle View - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    There is no air conditioning, only a heater in the winter.

    The location is near the castle. See a view of the castle.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 30 November 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    None

    Good location

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 24 November 2023

    8.0
    The Hotel sign is very small compare to the other hotels nearby. Street bus alight at no 10 or no 11 . Ask for direction
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Hollywood Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Too dark at night. Hotel should brighten the sign with bright Neon light like nearby hotel.

    The breakfast lounge , you have full view of the Castle. Room is rather small but ok for Asian couples like us.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 8 November 2023

    8.0
    Good location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed with Castle View - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Bed and pillow are too soft

    Good breakfast

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 2 November 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The view was fantastic, very close to Kumamoto castle. You can enjoy some drinks on the top floor watching the castle light up at night.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 27 October 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Group
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    It’s not downtown Kumamoto but was well located for exploring the city and day tripping.

    Big well run hotel that was able to accommodate the comings and goings of our group. Well set up for bus, taxi pick up and drop offs. Good shops and food places one block back.

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 15 October 2023

    9.0
    Splended overnight stay on our trip through Kyushu. Well-located for those who intend to visit the castle at opening hou
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Hollywood Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Wifi was slow.

    Very good loction near the castle, which is a must-see. Breakfast buffet was surprisingly varied with lots of japanese cuisine specials. Helpful staff.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 6 October 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nil

    The counter counter staff was exceptionally helpful. Even went to help me picked my car and drove to hotel because I was lost and parked nearby.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 2 October 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed with Castle View- Smoking
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    No

    Location is good

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 25 September 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Small Double Bed with Castle View - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    good place to see Kumamoto castle

    Stayed in September 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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