Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel stands at the southern end of the port, right beside Meriken Park and the Port Tower, and it takes full advantage of the water. The hotel lists 323 rooms in categories from Standard and Moderate through Comfort and Executive up to Suites, so there is a choice for most budgets. Many guests choose it for the setting: you step out into the park, the harbor promenade and the Harborland shopping area, and you can watch the ships and the illuminated tower from your room or from the bar. The hotel has five restaurants and bars, including a terrace and dining venue called All Flags with a large seating area, a steak house, a Chinese restaurant and a view bar, plus a sports club, a beauty salon and a free shuttle bus. It is a convenient and good-value waterfront base.
Location and getting around
The hotel's address is on Hatoba-cho, about fifteen minutes on foot from JR Motomachi, JR Kobe and Hanshin Motomachi stations, or about five minutes by taxi. For Sannomiya, the hotel runs a free shuttle bus that takes around twenty minutes, which is a useful perk for connecting to the central station, the shopping streets and the Kitano slopes.
A shuttle from Shin-Kobe station for Shinkansen arrivals runs only on weekends and holidays, so check the schedule if you arrive by bullet train. From the airports, the usual route is a limousine bus to Sannomiya and the shuttle onward, or the ferry to Kobe Airport and the Port Liner.
Rooms and facilities
With 323 rooms, the hotel has enough room types that you can trade price against view and size. Harbor-facing rooms are the draw, and higher categories add space and executive privileges. Dining on site means you can eat well without leaving the building, from steak to Chinese dishes to casual cafe meals, and the bar has a view of the harbor. The sports club and beauty salon add options for rest days, and parking is available for guests who arrive by car.
Who it suits
First-time visitors who want to be on the water, families who appreciate space and a choice of restaurants, and couples who want evening views without a luxury price. Things to know: the walk to the stations is a little long if you are carrying luggage or arriving late, so use the shuttle or a taxi; weekends and events can be busy; and if your plans center on Sannomiya, Kitano and the ropeways, you will be riding the shuttle or trains daily. For travelers who prioritize the waterfront, it is a sensible choice.
Why stay here
- ✓323 rooms
- ✓Harbor-view rooms
- ✓Five restaurants and bars
- ✓Steak house and Chinese restaurant
- ✓View bar
- ✓Free shuttle bus to Sannomiya
- ✓Sports club and beauty salon
- ✓Parking available
Good questions
Is there a shuttle to Sannomiya?+
Yes, the hotel runs a free shuttle bus to Sannomiya station that takes about twenty minutes. A Shin-Kobe shuttle runs only on weekends and holidays.
How far is it from the nearest station?+
The hotel is about fifteen minutes on foot from Motomachi and Kobe stations, or about five minutes by taxi.
Can I eat at the hotel?+
Yes. It lists five restaurants and bars, including a steak house, a Chinese restaurant, a terrace restaurant and a view bar.
