Arima Grand Hotel
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Arima Grand Hotel sits in the historic hot-spring neighbourhood of Arima Onsen, set against the slopes of Mount Rokko and framed by wooded hills. The property blends modern hotel comforts with ryokan touches, offering a range of room types from Western-style suites to Japanese-style rooms and a selection of rooms fitted with private open-air baths. Public spaces are generous and designed for relaxation, with gardens, lounges and a public open-air bath that emphasize views and seasonal change; the setting makes it a practical choice for visitors seeking a ryokan with onsen in Arima, Hyōgo without sacrificing contemporary conveniences.
Bath facilities are a central feature: the hotel operates separate large communal baths, an outdoor onsen with mountain views, and a small number of reservable private baths for guests who prefer solitude. There is an on-site spa complex called Aqua Terrace where guests can use swimwear areas, a walking pool and sauna, and additional treatment rooms for massages. A subset of rooms offer their own open-air bathing, and the property lists multiple private bath options by reservation; for travellers prioritizing seclusion this property functions as a ryokan with private onsen in Hyōgo Prefecture while still maintaining shared hot-spring facilities for those who enjoy the communal bathing tradition.
Dining focuses on regional ingredients and seasonal kaiseki-style courses alongside a large buffet breakfast option, with menu choices that reflect Hyōgo’s mountain and coastal produce. Practical amenities include complimentary parking and a shuttle from local Arima Onsen transport points, free Wi‑Fi throughout the property and a wellness menu that extends to salon and spa treatments; the hotel also manages pool and family-friendly facilities seasonally. Service offerings and room configurations allow customization of stays for couples, families or solo travellers, with on-site staff able to assist with reservations for private baths, meals and local activities.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Arima Grand Hotel
Positive Reviews
Welcoming, professional staff
Multiple reviews highlight kind, attentive and professional staff who assist with English communication, luggage handling, bookings (e.g., buses or onsens) and provide thoughtful gestures that made stays memorable.
Excellent onsen experience
Guests consistently praise the variety and quality of onsen facilities — large public baths on different floors, open-air baths and bookable private onsens — describing them as relaxing and pampering.
Outstanding breakfast and good dining options
Breakfast is frequently described as superb with many choices (Japanese and Western) and fresh ingredients; several reviews also compliment the Kaiseki/interactive dinners and overall meal quality.
Clean, comfortable rooms with great views and amenities
Rooms are noted as immaculate, nicely decorated and comfortable, often with stunning mountain or pool views; rooms include small comforts (coffee capsule machine, tea sets) and guests appreciate provided yukata/shuttle access around the hotel.
Strong facilities and convenient services
Reviewers value the hotel’s wide facilities (pools, game center, ropeway access, special events like stargazing), frequent shuttle service to the station and family-friendly features that enhance a relaxing resort-like stay.
Negative Reviews
High price and occasional value concerns
Several guests mention the hotel is expensive and some services (e.g., in-room massage or certain included meals) felt pricey or not fully matching expectations for the cost.
Dinner availability and choice limitations
A number of reviewers were disappointed by dinner availability (unable to book on arrival) or limited menu formats tied to packages; some expected buffet/a la carte options but received fixed hot-pot/Kaiseki offerings.
Breakfast time window and crowding
The breakfast service window is perceived as narrow by some guests, leading to crowding during later breakfast hours (around 8:30–9:00) and a less relaxed experience for those times.
Limited on-site shopping and tourist conveniences
Several guests noted there is no regular convenience-style shop at the hotel and that facilities/services for foreign shoppers (e.g., tax-free options) are limited, reflecting a largely local clientele.
Timing, closures and occasional facility issues
Some reviewers wished for earlier check-in or later check-out to spend more time on-site; others experienced unexpected closures (e.g., outdoor pool) or found certain parts slightly dated, and one mentioned massage details/capability were not clearly disclosed at booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maximum occupancy varies by room type; families are welcome but cribs and extra beds are not available, so check the room’s stated capacity when booking.
Yes — the hotel has communal hot-spring baths and an open-air onsen; there are a limited number of private baths that can be reserved for an additional fee.
Tattoos are not permitted in the main communal baths; guests with tattoos are advised to reserve a private bath if they wish to bathe.
Yes — a complimentary shuttle picks up guests from nearby Arima Onsen Station, the bus stop and Ropeway station; guests are asked to call on arrival for pickup.
Travel time varies: Itami/Kobe airports are roughly 30–40 minutes by car, Kansai International about 90 minutes by bus; express buses run from Osaka and Kyoto (around 60–70 minutes) and local trains connect via Sannomiya/Arima Onsen.
Staff primarily speak Japanese but the hotel provides some English-language assistance; contact the hotel in advance if you need help in English or special arrangements.
The property offers ryokan-style hospitality including yukata rental (women only, fee applies), guidance on ryokan etiquette, kaiseki-style dinner options and an in-house spa.
Standard check-in begins at 14:30 and check-out is by 11:00; to receive dinner service you should aim to arrive by 17:30 and inform the hotel of your arrival time in advance.
Pets are not allowed on the property; private onsen use is available but requires a reservation and an extra charge.
There is an on-site Japanese restaurant offering dinner (typically served between 17:30 and 20:00) and a breakfast buffet (around 7:00–9:30); the hotel asks that dietary requests be made when booking or at least a few days before arrival.