Kurashiki Ivy Square

“Sight for the eyes!”

The great: amazing architecture, definitely a hotel filled with history. Very pretty inside and out, and in fact is a tourist attraction on its own. From one of the exits (not the one at the main lobby) it literally opens up to the Historical Bikan area, great for sightseeing. We had the breakfast … more

The great: amazing architecture, definitely a hotel filled with history. Very pretty inside and out, and in fact is a tourist attraction on its own. From one of the exits (not the one at the main lobby) it literally opens up to the Historical Bikan area, great for sightseeing. We had the breakfast buffet here two out of three days, selection was great and yummy. Central open air section had ponds on koi and turtles, and beautifully lit up at night, very romantic. We got a family room which was spacious with 4 beds (two inside a tatami area which can be sealed off), comfy sofa and armchair, spacious bathtub, mini eating area. Spotted some of the normal rooms which may be a bit cramped but I have no complaints for our room at all. All rooms are either on level 1 or 2 only. We used the coin laundry and dryer extensively. Not so great? Location is near the Bikan but considerably far from the train station, about 15min walk and not entirely covered the whole way. Think there was a bus but we didn't try it. Taxi one way from station to hotel was 930yen when we took it, so quite reasonable esp if you have a lot of luggage or are a big group. Because it's further away from the station and most restaurants at the Bikan itself close by 6pm, not that much choice in terms of dinner (though they have a high class restaurant on premises). Nearest conbini is probably the one right at the beginning of the Bikan. I would recommend going to get food at the nearby Pizza Nola if it's open. That being said, I think besides the ryokans, this is one of the better hotels (well priced and really really pretty) in Kurashiki and I'll probably choose it again if I come back again. :)

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“Great Beds, Luxurious Bathrooms, Clumsy Check-In”

In relation to the things you want to see in Kurashiki, the hotel is perfectly located. Just a few hundred meters from the Venetian-style canals, the temple on the hill, etc. The rooms are small but well-designed with really nice bathrooms. It's quiet, the beds are just right in terms of firmness/… more

In relation to the things you want to see in Kurashiki, the hotel is perfectly located. Just a few hundred meters from the Venetian-style canals, the temple on the hill, etc. The rooms are small but well-designed with really nice bathrooms. It's quiet, the beds are just right in terms of firmness/softness, so the sleep quality is good. And wow - you can drink the water from the taps! The only complaint is the clumsy check-in process. We arrived in the middle of the day when there was plenty of time at the reception, but they wouldn't take our passports (which need to be photographed) or prepare the forms that always need to be filled out - everything had to wait until 3 p.m., when all guests were now forced to line up in long queues to go through the slow check-in process. Horrible "service" towards the guests, who are, after all, paying a decent amount of money for their rooms.

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“Well located interesting building”

We have found Japanese beds pretty uncomfortable in the main - always very very hard. These were not too bad...a little bit soft. The air con and heating was good and the room was reasonably spacious. The bathroom had the best lighting of anywhere we stayed ion ur Japanese trip. The laundry was fa… more

We have found Japanese beds pretty uncomfortable in the main - always very very hard. These were not too bad...a little bit soft. The air con and heating was good and the room was reasonably spacious. The bathroom had the best lighting of anywhere we stayed ion ur Japanese trip. The laundry was fantastic - you could set a code on there machine so you could be sure that your items were safe. We had tried using the provided app for recommendations but when we got to recommended places - they were closed. Sp the next day we asked the staff for specific recommendations and for reservations and their suggestions were fabulous! Disliked · The welcome at breakfast time was lovely but the food was pretty average. We had enjoyed amazing breakfasts at other properties we stayed at and this was just....food and average coffee. Not something I looked forward t in the morning. We didn't use the bar as it had usual opening hours. It didn't open until late. IF I returned to Kurashiki I would certainly consider staying here again. I would hope to book further in advance and hopefully secure a better room than the twin bedded option with no lounge area that we had. This was all that was available - and it was as promised so Im not complaining. The price was fair.

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