Etajimasou Hotel & SPA Hiroshima

From the shuttle at the ferry dock, reception, orientation to the Spa, cleanliness of the room and facilities, and welcoming attitudes of the staff to the actual experience of dining, lounging, walking around the facilities and use of the Onsen, we were delighted with the property. The relaxed atmosphere helped after riding the Shimanami Kaido International Cycling event.

What could be improved: The only issue we had was not with the property but some other people who walked behind our son making derogatory comments without knowing he is a translator/interpreter and clearly understood everything they were saying. We are African-American and he has worked and lived in Japan for 11 years. He was very upset and spoke to hotel staff about the issue encouraging them to ask guests to respect others while in residence. The property was awesome!

I lived on Etajima (Island) in the 1990s. Recently, they are promoting themselves as a travel destination. Etajima-sou is a new property (4 years old), and on October 24, 2024, was awarded as the World's Best Small Luxury Hotel. It is like being in a fine residence, with a lobby like a well appointed living room, and a public bath like a luxurious bath. There is a sitting room and cafe with tasteful music on vinyl.

The hotel issues uniforms for guests to wear on the campus. At check-in, the staff "suggested" the lounge wear (similar to Japanese "jinbei" traditional work clothes) provided in the room could be worn throughout the property. I soon found that EVERYONE changed into the hotel wear and wore them at all times. I also put on the uniform. It was comfortable and warm in the early autumn weather.

The French restaurant suggests reservations six weeks in advance.

Rates are quite reasonable considering Etajima-sou's status. I would visit again just for the experience.

What could be improved: Regretfully, I discovered the fine reputation of their French restaurant too late, and found they suggest reservations six weeks in advance. I was able to enjoy the fine Japanese breakfast.

I lived on Etajima (Island) for three years in the 1990s. Etajima was best known for its farmed oysters (source of 98% of Japan's oysters) and fishing industries. The surrounding sea and beaches are not really suitable for swimming, if you are used to tropical destinations (I am from Hawaii).

Our stay exceeded our expectations, which were already high based on photos and reviews of the hotel. The staff gave us a wonderful welcome and provided all useful information we could need (in English) and were so helpful in arranging transfers to and from the ferry port. The facility is gorgeous and it is clear that a lot of thought went into the details, from the amenities to the decor and also in the guest experience. The onsens were also beautifully done and very relaxing. The food was excellent and most of it locally sourced. The Japanese breakfast was exceptional and we also had a great dinner at the hotel restaurant one night. Lastly, the staff were so friendly, helpful and accommodating. We had a very lovely stay and would stay again!

What could be improved: If you want to visit Hiroshima City, it is a bit of a journey out to the hotel, but for us it was totally worth it to stay at this beautiful place. :-)

Beautiful spa hotel on beach with spacious comfortable rooms. Attention to detail is incredible, and everything well designed for a luxurious comfortable break. Private onsens were fantastic and the beach was clean and quiet. It was a lovely place to relax after having being in busy cities.
Food in restaurant was fabulous and the gourmet Japanese breakfast amazing. Drinks and snacks provided in the lounge area including hot snack at 10pm which was a lovely touch and very tasty.