REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS

860-0803 Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Chuo-ku Shinshigai 7-2, Japan
HOTEL OVERVIEW
Experience the pinnacle of Japanese hospitality at the four-star REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS, a distinguished accommodation nestled in the heart of Kumamoto City. Situated in the vibrant Chuo-ku district at Shinshigai 7-2, this elegant hotel stands as a testament to modern comfort and traditional Japanese attention to detail. With an impressive guest rating of 8.8, REF Kumamoto has established itself as one of the most highly-regarded hotels in the region, consistently delivering exceptional service that exceeds visitors’ expectations. Its central location in Kumamoto’s downtown area provides the perfect base for exploring this captivating city, renowned for its rich samurai history, stunning natural landscapes, and distinctive culinary traditions. The hotel’s strategic position in the Shinshigai area places guests in the center of Kumamoto’s cultural and commercial hub. Just a short stroll away is the magnificent Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive feudal fortresses and a symbol of the city’s historical significance. After the 2016 earthquake, the ongoing restoration of this architectural marvel has become a point of interest in itself, with visitors able to witness the meticulous rebuilding process. The hotel is also conveniently located near Kumamoto’s downtown shopping districts, where you can explore a variety of retail options from traditional craft shops to modern department stores. Food enthusiasts will delight in the proximity to local eateries serving Kumamoto’s famous tonkotsu ramen, horse meat specialties (basashi), and other regional delicacies. The nearby Suizenji Jojuen Garden, a meticulously landscaped Japanese garden reproducing miniature scenes from the old Tokaido highway, offers a tranquil retreat from urban exploration. REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS exemplifies the renowned VESSEL HOTELS brand’s commitment to creating spaces where comfort meets functionality. The contemporary design aesthetic throughout the property blends modern amenities with subtle nods to local cultural elements, creating an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and welcoming. Guest rooms are thoughtfully appointed with premium bedding, ensuring a restful night’s sleep after a day of sightseeing or business engagements. The hotel’s exceptional 8.8 rating speaks volumes about its dedication to guest satisfaction, with previous visitors consistently praising the immaculate cleanliness, attentive staff, and attention to detail that characterize the Japanese hospitality experience. Whether you’re visiting Kumamoto for business or leisure, REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS offers the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and authentic Japanese hospitality. From the moment you step through its doors, you’ll understand why this four-star establishment has earned its reputation as one of the finest accommodations in Kumamoto, inviting you to create memorable experiences in this captivating corner of Japan’s Kyushu island.
HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS


Reviews
Staff: 9.1
Comfort: 9.1
Location: 9.2
Free WiFi: 9.4
Facilities: 9.0
Cleanliness: 9.1
Value for money: 8.7
Michie from United States (18 January 2025)
Great location. Easy access from the tram stop and JR station. We even made an easy half day trip to Fukuoka from here. Polite & friendly staff. Great breakfast with Western and Japanese selections. Grilling food by yourselves is a nice touch. Nice public baths, only a few bathers. Free ice popsicles. Easy check out. You just drop your key in a...
Vincent from United Kingdom (16 March 2025)
Great location and value for money. Less than 5min walk from nearby underground car park, and entrance under covered arcade. Welcome drink and courtesy umbrellas a nice touch. Got the triple room with the option for two large single beds and one smaller single bed, much more comfy than the usual small double + single default option. What could be...
Koi from Malaysia (12 March 2025)
The facilities and service
Emu from United Kingdom (3 March 2025)
Had a public bath and sauna
What could be improved: I couldn’t find the washing clothes (it was kept in the desk drawer in the room.I found it after I came back from the bath)
Yee-fan from Taiwan (28 January 2025)
Kid friendly
Francesco from Italy (15 January 2025)
I really loved REF in Kumamoto, rooms are small but you can fit luggage under the bad and make everything smooth and practical, facilities are top notch, the bath floor is great, laundry is great, breakfast is good but most important thing the staff is super helpful and some of them speak english. They helped me with my luggage before and after my...
Shaofan from United States (8 January 2025)
Good facilities, good amenities, great location.
What could be improved: Rooms were on the small side.
Jeremy from United Kingdom (8 January 2025)
Comfortable room in a modern hotel in the Shinshigai area of Kumamoto. The location is excellent with easy access to sights and restaurants on foot or via the various tram lines. The staff are helpful and the communal bath, which has indoor and outdoor areas, is great.
What could be improved: Everything was good.
David from Hong Kong (5 January 2025)
- very convenient location, many car parks nearby - big shopping mall nearby - next to tram station - big and great indoor onsen facilities with free ice pop, very enjoyable - very comfy bed and room - comic common area at lobby is interesting - nice breakfast with many choices What could be improved: - quite small for a family of 3 to stay...
Sujitra from Thailand (29 December 2024)
Location is in walking street and best one. Public bath is very good.
What could be improved: Too early breakfast 6-9.30am and a bit difficult to find hotel.
SURROUNDINGS
What's nearby:
- Kumamoto Castle: 1.3 km
- Ishigamiyama Park: 3.3 km
- Kumamoto City Museum: 1.5 km
- Shimada Museum of Art: 2.8 km
- Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei: 2.3 km
- Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto: 800 m
- Former Residence of Natsume Soseki: 1.7 km
- Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art: 1.4 km
- Yakumo Koizumi Kumamoto Former House: 800 m
- Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Center: 1.2 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant馬樱下通店: 350 m
- Restaurant伝統熊本豚骨 伝: 300 m
- Restaurantすしざんまい 熊本下通り店: 350 m
Top attractions:
- Suizenji Park: 3.6 km
- Tabaruzaka Park: 17 km
- Jane's Residence: 3.8 km
- The Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School: 3.3 km
Natural beauty:
- Lake Lake Ezu: 6 km
Public transport:
- Train Fujisakigu-mae: 1.5 km
- Train Minami Kumamoto Station: 1.7 km
Closest airports:
- Saga Airport: 77 km
- Amakusa Airport: 87 km
- Kumamoto Airport: 15 km
ROOMS
- Estimated price from: $72. Single Room with Shower Booth - Non-Smoking for Max persons: 1
- Estimated price from: $83. Standard Double Room - Non-Smoking with 1 double bed for 1 - 1 guests
- Estimated price from: $88. Single Room with Shower Booth - Non-Smoking with 1 double bed for 1 - 1 guests
- Estimated price from: $396. Premium Twin Room - Non-Smoking with 2 double beds for 1 - 1 guests
- Estimated price from: $116. Standard Twin Room - Non-Smoking with 2 single beds for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $129. Moderate Twin Room - Non-Smoking with 2 single beds for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $149. Triple Room with 3 single beds for 1 - 3 guests


FACILITIES
Bedroom:
- Linen
- Alarm clock
General:
- Shared lounge/T V area
- Vending machine (drinks)
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Wake-up service
- Heating
- Lift
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Non-smoking rooms
- Wake up service/Alarm clock
Kitchen:
- Electric kettle
- Refrigerator
Bathroom:
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Wellness:
- Fitness/spa locker rooms
- Massage chair
- Full body massage
- Foot massage
- Back massage
- Spa/wellness packages
- Public Bath
- Open-air bath
- Massage Additional charge
- Spa and wellness centre
- Sauna
Living Area:
- Desk
Food & Drink:
- Kid-friendly buffet
Accessibility:
- Emergency cord in bathroom
- Toilet with grab rails
- Wheelchair accessible
- Upper floors accessible by elevator
Room Amenities:
- Socket near the bed
Languages spoken:
- English
- Japanese
- Chinese
Cleaning services:
- Daily housekeeping
- Trouser press
- Dry cleaning Additional charge
- Laundry Additional charge
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
- Smoke alarms
- Security alarm
- Key card access
- 24-hour security
Media & Technology:
- Flat-screen TV
- TV
Reception services:
- Invoice provided
- Luggage storage
- Express check-in/check-out
- 24-hour front desk
Business facilities:
- Fax/photocopying Additional charge
Great for your stay:
- Spa and wellness centre
- Private bathroom
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Free WiFi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Spa/wellness packages
- Sauna
Entertainment and family services:
- Strollers
Parking Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not possible) and costs ¥1,200 per day.:
- Parking garage
- Accessible parking


HOUSE RULES
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 14:00 to 00:00
- You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
Check-out:
- Until 11:00
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.
HOTEL ADDRESS
860-0803 Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Chuo-ku Shinshigai 7-2, Japan
Send Us a Message
Fill out the form below, and one of our concierge specialists will get back to you promptly.