Valie Hotel Hiroshima

This hotel offers a practical and well-located stay, often described as an old-school yet comfortable option, particularly appealing to sightseers and walkers due to its prime position near major landmarks. Its signature feature is its exceptional proximity to Hiroshima Castle and the Peace Memorial Park, making it an ideal base for exploring the city on foot. Guests frequently highlight the friendly staff, cleanliness, and the convenience of free coffee and tea in the lobby. For those sensitive to smoke, it is advisable to confirm the non-smoking status of your room and be aware of the hotel's centralized air conditioning system, which can impact room temperature control. Additionally, guests should note the hotel's policy regarding room keys.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the convenience of free tea and coffee available in the lobby, providing a welcoming touch. The hotel also offers laundry machines, though some guests found them to be in a less-than-ideal condition or located on smoking floors, leading to queues. For added convenience, microwaves are available on every floor, alongside vending machines and an ice machine. While the Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests experienced inconsistent connections or difficulty connecting devices in their rooms, suggesting potential router issues.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The rooms are consistently described as clean and well-maintained, with fresh towels provided daily. Most guests found the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some noted that the pillows were too large or firm. Room sizes are generally considered good for Japan, and bathrooms are often praised for their cleanliness and nice showers, despite being compact. However, a significant recurring issue is the pervasive smoking odor, which many non-smoking guests reported permeating into their rooms, even on non-smoking floors, through ventilation or windows. Additionally, the centralized air conditioning system often led to rooms being uncomfortably warm, with no option to cool them during certain seasons, forcing guests to open windows. Some rooms were noted to have an outdated decor or dim lighting.

Dining & Food Quality
While the hotel does not feature its own restaurant for breakfast, guests highly value the complimentary tea and coffee available in the lobby throughout the day. This amenity is frequently mentioned as a positive aspect of their stay. For dining options, guests noted the convenience of numerous convenience stores and cafes located nearby, offering easy access to meals and snacks. Additionally, local eateries, including popular udon and okonomiyaki establishments, are situated within close walking distance, providing authentic dining experiences.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight for guests, placing them within easy walking distance of many key attractions. It is notably close to Hiroshima Castle and the Peace Memorial Park, making it an excellent base for sightseeing. The shopping street and downtown areas are also readily accessible on foot. Public transport is convenient, with a tram station nearby, and the hotel is about a 15-minute walk from the Shinkansen station, facilitating wider travel. Parking is available, though some guests found it to be expensive or noted a confusing payment system, while others mentioned a lack of on-site parking.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for being exceptionally friendly and helpful. Many guests highlighted their willingness to assist with various requests, and some appreciated that staff members could communicate in English, which is often rare in the region. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as efficient and smooth. Guests also found the luggage storage service convenient for early arrivals or late departures. However, a frequently mentioned operational detail is the requirement to hand in the room key at the reception every time guests leave the hotel, which some found inconvenient.

Additional Information
A notable operational detail that frequently surprised guests is the hotel's key policy, requiring guests to hand in their room key at the front desk every time they exit the building. Furthermore, after midnight, the main door is locked, and guests must buzz in to gain entry, which some found unusual. A significant recurring issue is the pervasive smoking policy; despite booking non-smoking rooms, many guests reported a strong cigarette odor permeating from smoking floors through ventilation or open windows, impacting their comfort. While the hotel offers some flexibility for early check-in, it may involve a waiting period, and extending the check-out time typically incurs an additional fee.