Kurashiki Ivy Square — Hotel in Kurashiki

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...

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...

I enjoyed an overnight stay in a lovely, comfortable, spacious twin room. Everything was clean, modern, well-presented and nicely designed. There was a beautiful ceramic piece on display. Huge tv, very good lighting, desk with accessible powerpoints (yes!), lots of drawer and wardrobe space, table with two chairs, safe, and small fridge. The bathroom and toilet were separate, and both were lockable. Lovely wood and generous bench space in the bathroom. The deep bath had a moulded "seat" in it. Good quality green tea and drip coffee. ||The hotel is located in an historic red-brick cotton mill. It has interesting and attractive buildings, covered in ivy (some autumn colour left in places). Amazing tall sculpted trees at the entrance. It's more of less beside the historic Bikan Quarter where many of Kurashiki's main sights, museums and boutique shops are located. A walkable distance from the station. The hotel has a restaurant and a shop selling souvenirs and foodstuffs (mostly sweets). Ceramic classes are also on offer. There's a communal bath, a laundry and vending machines. ||The staff were very helpful. One had to phone three different cab companies to ensure I had a booking for the next morning, which he did without fuss. (I had a heavy backpack so didn't want to walk.) I'd be more than happy...