The hotel is located a 7-min walk away from the Shin-Kobe station. It was difficult to find, being located in a side street.

The room was worn, the mattress old. The WiFi reception quality was very bad both in the room and in the lobby, the internet connection kept breaking down every few minutes.

Will not stay here again.

I stayed here for 2 nights from April 17-19, and first, the location is not exactly fantastic. Least you think the location is great cos' its near Shin Kobe, where the bullet trains are, you also have to realised that Shin Kobe is practically a tourist wasteland cos all the bustle and activities takes place at this station call Sanomiya (or something like that) 2 stops away from Shin Kobe. And if you are taking a train from nearby regions like Osaka, you will be reaching the city on the local train into Sanomiya and NOT Shin Kobe.

Then, unlike Crowne Plaza that is directly connected to the train stations, Express is a walk and I had lots of problem getting to it. Tha map on the website did not help and the reason why I found it after fruitless attempt by 2 locals was cos' I apporached Crowne Plaza's staff.

Now lets move on to something other than location. The bed (also the most important aspect cos that's why you need a hotel in first place, right?). The bed was the worst I had in Japan and any other place. Even 12 bedded dorm in Europe is much better. The mattress is old and I know this because I and feel the spring coils pressing against my body all the way from shoulder to calf when I slept on it.

Wireless internet is slow and despite the friendly staff, comfort is really not expected. Ok, they do have a nice bath tub but I doubt you can actually trade that for a better bed.

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.