Ark Hotel Kumamotojomae

“Great location with Castle view”

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 str… more

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. Disliked · 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.

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“Stale smoke smell but free drinks with a great view..”

The first thing that hits you upon entering the room is the smell - it's stale smoke. You get used to it, but out of the 10 hotels I stayed at on this trip to Japan this was the only one. The building seems like 80s vintage, so a bit rough round the edges. No keycards here - it's old fashioned pro… more

The first thing that hits you upon entering the room is the smell - it's stale smoke. You get used to it, but out of the 10 hotels I stayed at on this trip to Japan this was the only one. The building seems like 80s vintage, so a bit rough round the edges. No keycards here - it's old fashioned proper keys. I had a castle view despite being on a lower floor - it'll be 50/50 depending which side of the building you are allocated I guess. There was local lemongrass tea, with Kumamon on the packaging, which was a nice touch. No USBs, though an adapter was provided, though the one I use (USB-C) had been torn off and just bare wires remained. Room was made up each day, which is unusual. The best thing about this is the free drinks on the 10th floor, overlooking the castle. There's tea/coffee and a drinks machine (cola etc) and it's open daytime/evening with no limit on the number of drinks. That was great. I'd rate this higher, but that stale smoke is really offputting.

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“Decent hotel in a great location”

The hotel is not luxurious but it is comfortable enough. The staff is very friendly but the great majority does not speak English. Rooms are small as in most japanese hotels but i foind it clean and quiet. Breakfast has a great variety in a buffet style but does not offer gluten free bread and, eve… more

The hotel is not luxurious but it is comfortable enough. The staff is very friendly but the great majority does not speak English. Rooms are small as in most japanese hotels but i foind it clean and quiet. Breakfast has a great variety in a buffet style but does not offer gluten free bread and, even if you bring your gf bread as I did, it does not have butter, only margarine. Gluten intolerant people will be able to eat rice, sweet potatoes and some salad. There are no fresh fruits. It’s very hard in general to communicate that you are gluten free in Kumamoto as they do not seem to have a word for gluten. Finally, the hotel is very close to the castle, and despite being closed, it’s worth to walk on its surroundings. Also, there are many restaurants and shops at a 5-10 minutes walk from the hotel.

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“No housekeeping but free breakfast instead”

Ugly building from the outside. Inside a clean well-equipped room. Housekeeping didn't work Mondays but we were offered free breakfast instead. Upon our return from the breakfast (a well furnished buffet with Japanese and western fare) we found a bag with clean sheets, towels, tooth brushes etc.