Location isn't so good to explore Kobe city - it takes about 25 minutes to go back to the hotel from Sannomiya. Shin-Kobe station is just for a stop using Shin-kansen, it's very quiet area.

Staff and room were ok. There was no coffee or tea bags ( only green tea) in the room, but we could get " welcome coffee" at the cafe in the lobby. Over all just a bit worn out facility, but the bathroom was clean and good, plenty of hot water.

Breakfast was included but the worst I ever had in hotels. Coffee was bad taste ( watery), no fresh fruit, only sweetened fruit out of the can.

Just wanted to share my experience at this HIX where I had a one night stay this weekend.

Location: Rather good. Near to the Shin-Kobe Shinkansen station, 5 mins walk along the river. Location to the main shopping area about 1km downhill, about 15-20 mins walking. I am not sure of the return as I always took the subway back :P But I think it is doable without any luggage. In a very quiet neighbourhood, very good for sleeping, no sounds at all.

Rooms: OK, typical HIX rooms. I was told that I was upgraded from a single to a double, but room was still small. However, not the hotels fault, I think this is very typical in Japan. (If I compare it to my room at the Sofitel Nagoya, this room at HIX is just a tad bit smaller.) Bathroom a bit small, but sufficient.

Internet: WiFi, OK connection, but at times was slow.

Breakfast: Typical HIX, but had some interesting assortment of breads. No cold cuts or anything. Very basic, but I think enough to start the day.

Staff: Great! I was recognized as a Elite member. (Never had this anywhere during my experience with HIX anywhere in the world). But what really impressed me was a small incident I had. I checked out today, leaving my luggage for storage. On my way to Mt. Maya, I remembered that I left a bottle of Vege juice in the fridge. Normally, I would have not bothered, but this time I thought since I just left about 5 mins, and I will be going to collect my luggage later, why waste 1/2 bottle of it. Called and told what happened and gave all info. I returned from my luggage and at first I was not told anything about the juice. I just left it and did not bother to ask. Since I was a bit early to catch my train, I remained in the lobby to do some e-mail check. Shortly, the front desk staff approached me and asked me if I had left the juice behind. He explained that housekeeping had already threw the bottle away (wow, within that 5 mins!). To my utter surprise, he told me that they had actually bought me a new one! I was so embarrassed and lost for words. That was not enough, he was apologizing that they could not get me the same brand I had and explained that the one they got me was the same quality. I was so taken aback. I even offered that I will pay for it, but he just told me to take it with a smile. I could do nothing more but thank him and his staff profusely.

I had never in my life, ever at any hotel been given such a treatment. I would have expected that if it was already gone, they would just inform me and me as a guest should have understood. However, going out and getting a whole new bottle.. just out of words and this is for a HIX! I am really impressed (actually I don't think there are any words for this! Really amazing!)

I actually feel so bad now and think maybe I should have just kept my mouth shut and not called. I don't think I will do this anymore.. unless I should try and see other higher chains would go to such extend :P

Would certainly go back to this the next time I visit Kobe. Did think of trying out the CP the next time, but after this, I am feel I should go back to them.

We usually stay at the Holiday Inn Kyoto over Xmas but this year we decided to try the Holiday Inn Express in Kobe. A great little hotel in a good location for access to the subway which takes you to the Sannomiya (main shopping / dining area) in one stop for ¥200. In spite of earlier comments; this is not a run down seedy area. Mostly residential mix of single homes and apartments. Down the street one block is a Lawson's convenience store and next to it a pricey coffee shop (¥650 for a cappuccino) . Going north is a shopping mall with a host of cheap Japanese/Western restaurants on the third floor. We enjoyed a small steak place for about ¥1000 each. But as mentioned, the subway takes you to the best area for shopping and eating. Also a Wendy's is in the mall for the hungry kids.

The hotel itself is clean and well run. The staff knows it's stuff and goes out of their way to explain anything you might need to know. Free wireless throughout the hotel. The room (two double beds non-smoking) is clean and comes with all the standards, safe, re fridge (with it's own on/off switch), tea maker, etc.. but no iron or board (ask). The rooms have a charming sliding paper screens over the windows and yukata for the guests to wear as well as slippers. The only thing we didn't like was the lighting which is dim. For longer stays we'd replace the bulbs as we read and need to see a bit better.

Breakfast is included and has lots of fresh breads, toast if you like, and coffee and oj. An upgrade for ¥525 gets you eggs, sausage and fresh fruit. Adjoining the hotel is a small restaurant which serves lunch and dinner I believe.

Overall, a great stay for about ¥15000 for two with taxes and service charges. You can beat the price but certainly not the quality of the Holiday Inn Express.

The location is convenient for Shin-Kobe station, but a little bit of a walk from Sannomiya (Kobe City centre) station. The building looks quite apalling from outside and the neighbourhood has similar buildings in very worn condition next to one another. Not the place to spend extended time on your honeymoon.

The rooms were a little worn, but had A/C, radio, TV and private bathroom with all the basic amenities.

Hotel complimentary breakfast is VERY limited with juice and pastries only, however they offer larger breakfast with coffee, fruits and eggs for an extra JPY 525 or US 5.