Miyajima Coral Hotel

Although I thought I had booked this hotel staying ON the island, it actually worked out better staying just on the other side, a mere 10 min ferry ride away. The room was Japanese style sleeping, which is on a thin mattress and doona on the floor but it was much more comfortable than our airport hotel bed :-). My tween boys and I had an amazing experience we will never forget. All staff were awesome, the breakfast buffet was plentiful and tasty and the room had everything we needed. Now we just have to work out how to get a heated toilet seat at home… it just won’t be the same anymore.

Hotel Coral is not on Miyajima Island, but it is literally right next to the ferry to and from the island. We didn't expect much after reading some reviews complaining about how old the hotel is, but we were pleasantly surprised and loved our Double with Sea View. I was expecting a small double bed but was so happy to see it was a king size bed. I requested a high floor and received it and the panoramic view of Miyajima Island was wonderful. The room was spacious and clean with two sitting chairs and table by the window. The bathroom had all new fixtures and the soaking tub has heavenly each night. The Western bed was firm but comfortable. Hotel Coral was very generous with their complimentary amenities, the best selection of items in all the places we stayed in our 5 week trip to Japan. The amenities bar in the lobby was extensive and included items I've never seen offered for free including tea without caffeine (roobois), scented bath salts, olive oil based facial wash and moisturizer, candy, and a choice of additional types of pillows as available such as memory foam. It was also nice to have bottled water replenished daily, as well as new sets of yukata and towels. We opted for the eco cleaning and received a nice voucher to use in the restaurant or gift shop, but you can also opt for daily cleaning. The included breakfast held many choices and was replenished regularly. Housemade tofu, pillowy French toast rolls and ultra moist carrot cake were favorites. A variety of breads and croissants and more. The ferry to Miyajima is right across the street and the ease of using the ferry earlier in the morning or later in the day was key to avoiding the insane crowds that descend on the island to flock to the Itsukushima Torii gate.

The view of the sea side in the morning was really great. The breakfast included was really delicious - there's a range of stuff and I tried the Hiroshima coffee it was ok. The staff was really helpful as well, they accommodate us even if we arrive kind of late. For the breakfast though - you need to talk to the staff about it as it's a first come first serve basis with time slots.

Excellent choice for visiting Miyajima, 2 minutes to the ferry and 5 minutes to the station to visit downtown Hiroshima. All inclusive if you have a rail pass. We stayed 2 nights and took the ferry twice for high tide and low tide. Excellent breakfast, but you can only reserve your planned eating time the afternoon before, so if you leave it too late you will have little choice.

The hotel is located right next to the ferry pier-seriously, just steps away. The hotel itself isn't special but it really is a great value, given the location. They were happy to keep my luggage before and after checkout, so I was able to spend time on Miyajima until sunset and go back for sunrise. While the room wasn't especially memorable, the facility was clean and the staff was friendly.