Nobu Ryokan Malibu
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#6 of 7 hotels in Malibu
Location
5.0
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.6
Value
3.6
Renovated from a historic 1950s era motel and named after traditional Japanese inns, Nobu Ryokan offers a unique blend of Japanese hospitality and Californian coastline. Located on the shores of Malibu's Carbon Beach, the hotel's naturally stained teak and ipe woods eases the eyes and mind with their warm, earthy tones and clean, linear form.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Breakfast available
Beach
Baggage storage
Concierge
Dry cleaning
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Fireplace
Room service
Minibar
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Location
61Somewhat walkable
Grade: 61 out of 100
16Restaurantswithin 0.75 miles
5Attractionswithin 0.75 miles
22752 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
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This is a beautiful small boutique hotel. We had an oceanfront suite and it was a perfect setting to celebrate our anniversary. The reason, however, for this review is not to discuss the things you can read in other reviews. What I want to highlight is what happened when something went wrong. Like any property sometimes things don’t go as planned. How the hotel reacts to a problem often tells you more then when things go well. In this case, the A/C wasn’t working. Try as they might they couldn’t fix it. They could not possibly have been any more responsive and concerned. They did everything they could to make sure our anniversary trip was still special and that we had a cool comfortable place to sleep. They were simply amazing. They kept trying to make it up to us and it got to the point that I was trying to make them feel better. Their concern was genuine. While I don’t like to have problems when I travel, they are inevitable. The people at Nobu made our stay more special then if everything had gone well. Amazing hotel and amazing culture of service. We will be back!…
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Date of stay: February 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
+1
The Nobu Ryokan Malibu is a fabulous, relaxing, elegant property, with amazing, uncompromising, top of the line service. The entire staff worked seamlessly together, to create a most memorable and enjoyable stay. Our suite was sweet and spacious, with two luxurious spa like bathrooms. The room has a couple easy fixes that need to be addressed: ie a new carpet in the living area, discoloration's or oil stains on the couch need to be removed, and the bed needs to be replaced. It felt like a futon, a thin, hard, old futon mattress, which detracted from the luxurious vibe the hotel is striving for. Located right on the ocean, we enjoyed our terrace for sunning, relaxing, dining, and taking in the ocean scene. One of the rooms highlights was the mini bar. It was completely personalized, down to the very last detail. All requests were answered thoroughly. While staying at the Ryokan, I also enjoyed a very powerful Reiki session in my room, through Fit Concierge. I HIGHLY recommend having a Reiki session at the Ryokan, it was like the icing on the cake for our stay. I hope you get a chance to stay at the Nobu Ryokan Malibu soon. Thank you one last time too, to the entire Nobu Ryokan Malibu family, for your amazing hospitality and care!…
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Date of stay: August 2021
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: Oceanfront rooms have lovely views, while garden rooms seem to be more private.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3 Helpful votes1 Save
Helpful
Where do I start? In most hotels, the arrival experience is the be-all and end-all. Not this one, from arrival to departure, the Nobu Ryokan made us feel like family throughout our entire stay. A huge and special thanks to Gerard, Jeff, Austin, Trevor, Erick, Eddie, Soony, Allyson and Janelle!
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Let me begin by saying, I have done 5 staycations in Malibu since the pandemic began and 4 have been on Carbon Beach, my favorite beach in LA County (I live in LA). As far as location goes, Nobu Ryokan is great, but that is where it begins and ends. We went to Nobu Ryokan for a milestone birthday and I had high expectations. I knew the area well, so was just looking forward to the hotel experience. Our experience started with the staff booking the wrong date (despite the communication being via email), something my girlfriend luckily caught with the confirmation. When selecting rooms I was asked whether I wanted a garden, beach or ocean view room, I selected ocean view. The confirm has a great photo of a 2nd floor room facing directly to the ocean. We check in and the room we had could at best be described as a partial ocean room. I politely requested a room change and even stated I would pay more, but staff could not accommodate. We then enjoyed the beach and the paddle boards (other nice things about hotel). We then ordered lunch. It took over an hour and the portions were absurdly small, finger food would not be accurate, more like pinky food. We then requested to move back our reservation time at Nobu Malibu cause we were so hungry but did not want to order again and wait only to spoil our appetite, once again staff could not accommodate (this is a theme). I have been to Nobu Malibu many times, so I simply requested that Nobu Ryokan book a nice ocean view table outside (not a big request since it is Covid and all dining is al fresco). We arrive at the restaurant and big surprise, we are placed in the only obstructed view table in the entire deck area, this was after the hotel assured me they had personally viewed the table. Later that night we decided we wanted a little snack and we were informed the kitchen closed at 10pm, once again the staff could not accommodate. Great location, nice venue, horrendous service and even more incompetent management. Upon notifying the general manager of all the issues she insulted me! I can honestly say this is not worth $500 a night let alone $2000+. If you want to experience carbon beach, rent a bungalow on Airbnb for much less and you will have a much better experience in Malibu. And if you want great service and to be pampered, go to Calamigos Ranch and beach club.…
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
21 Helpful votes
Helpful
Heini_Freiherr_von_Haplitz wrote a review May 2019
New Providence Island226 contributions140 helpful votes
Kidding. But expecting all of the utmost seems to be a reasonable expectation when room prices run at these astronomical levels. Too bad , none of the "other" big room renters were visible. Maybe they were enjoying the view 24hours or were dissolving in the outside tub. The beds are very good. Not Japanese, but "Western" quality. Design outstanding, but spending $60.000+ on a 5*Hotel room is standard in the luxury segment of the hostellerie business. Views are spectacular, no kidding. The staff needs reality training, less arrogance, more as if they are doing this job for a long time, and not since yesterday. Tipping is not needed. Staff drives Porsches, I guess. Can guests stay over without a guest-bed? Not just to inhale the panorama. Yes.
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Date of stay: April 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: get a suite upgrade
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Nice place, but overpriced. Excellent marketing, but it is not a "Ryokan" despite its name. The area is fantastic, and the property is high class. And that it is very private (basically empty) is an advantage. However if one is looking for value for money, look elsewhere. As mentioned in another review, which I should have read first, they are "way over-confident in their hotel." Very disapointed on that score.
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Date of stay: May 2019Trip type: Traveled with family
Location
Cleanliness
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
7 Helpful votes
Helpful
When I stayed at Nobu Ryokan... Absolutely the hotel is 100% beautiful but the reservationist is way over-confident in their "hotel product" as she said. They are not organized when a new guest is asking for information on the rooms and the reservationist seemed was dismissive and sometimes wouldn't clearly answer my simple questions. There are Zero surprises it was my anniversary and they said "Happy Anniversary" and left it at that. Yes there is espresso and a stocked complimentary mini bar. Yet they stock it with items that don't fit the environment... like full sized Dean and Deluca chocolate bars (peanut butter, dark chocolate) only, Plain potato chips, simple nuts and protein bars that (tasted terrible). When it should be stocked either with LOCAL snacks or asian flavor profile snacks. *Room service has automatic 20% gratuity Even a simple Green Tea cookie world work better. Guests don't need a full 4 full-sized chocolate bars that don't taste good. Less is more if it's of good quality and thoughtful. Costumer service was great during the stay! I recommend the Salmon Skin Role and Nobu French Toast from room service. If they fixed these issues I've mentioned, I would have come here often but it's not worth the hassle of looking into a complementary fridge a seeing nothing really special or adding to the experience. Most 5 star hotels now, offer complementary Nesspresso and fruit amenities so Nobu Ryokan is not up to the "exclusive" Hype. The only part that exclusive is that not everyone will pay $2,000 a night. I've posted photo's on Yelp because My laptop doesn't have the photos…
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Date of stay: March 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Garden Room is very nice and private
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
7 Helpful votes
Helpful
I love Nobu Ryokan! Always wonderful customer service, beachfront rooms always spotless, the garden rooms are also awesome. It's great to be able to relax in the teak soaking tub! Congratulations to all of the team!
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Date of stay: January 2019Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Beachfront rooms or Garden room, both are amazing!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3 Helpful votes
Helpful
+1
I've had my eye on Nobu Ryokan since it opened. A $1,500-2,000/night hotel is personally a splurge and it's hard to determine from the website or the sparse reviews online on whether it's worth it. After reading nearly everything I could find online from anyone who has stepped foot on the property, I decided to send an email. You cannot book online and there's nowhere for you to see what rooms are available or even what rooms exist on the property. Each room is a bit different so I found the process of trying to find the right one a bit more of a hunt than I would have liked. After reaching out online, they give you a rundown of the hotel, price point, and general rooms. They have garden rooms, which are the least expensive and don't have views of the ocean. They have ocean view rooms which are above the garden rooms and have ocean views. Then they have ocean front rooms which literally hang right above the beach/water. After a couple emails, we setup a phone call discussed the different room options. Janelle Eng personally reached out. I shared with her the occasion and she said she'd have a bottle of champagne waiting for us. I also shared with her my gluten/dairy allergy and she said it would be no problem. We discussed the pool being closed as I wasn't sure if there was a deck where we can lounge (there is and it's fantastic). I would say the pool would be a nice to have, but not a necessity. They claim it should be opening in 2019. She also asked if we wanted reservations to Nobu, which we did and which she got us just a few days before arriving. They were otherwise unavailable if you called directly. We settled on the garden suite with private wood-burning fireplace. The booking process once we got on the phone was easy and the service was excellent. The hotel itself is fantastic. We arrived to the bottle of champagne, a beautiful plate of fruit, and tea service. We spent the first half hour taking pictures of the property, room, bathroom, tub, and toilet. The attention to detail is fantastic and the design was perfect. It reminded me of an Aman property, but in Malibu. The mini bar was stocked with high quality snacks and non-alcholic beverages all of which were complimentary. I was absolutely thrilled that the entire mini bar was custom stocked to be gluten/dairy free due to our request. This is something Aman-group hotels don't even do. There are a variety of cocktails/beers available for purchase at reasonable prices. The location right above the beach is fantastic. We personally didn't miss being in a garden room since the lounge right above the ocean was 50 feet from our room and empty the entire time we visited (Fri-Sun). That said, if you can afford the splurge the ocean front rooms look fantastic. They also have chairs/umbrellas set up and reserved on Carbon beach for you. The deck/beach service was attentive and perfect. The first night we ate at Nobu, which was delicious. We had a beautiful outside deck with ocean views. The next night we decided to have a quieter experience and order from Nobu but have it served outside on the beach deck at the Ryokan. It was phenomenal. Each night they lit our wood-fired fireplace for us, which was the perfect way to wind down. I believe all of their rooms have the gorgeous wood "infinity" tubs and we thoroughly enjoyed our mini Japanese bath house. The Toto toilet was so civilized, I'm going to need to outfit my house with a couple. All in all it was a fantastic weekend. The service was attentive, accommodating and not remotely pretentious. I thought this might be a once in a lifetime treat to celebrate an anniversary and now I think Nobu Ryokan might be a regular experience.…
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
7 Helpful votes1 Save
Helpful
I am not a big review person but I understand the importance of it. I want to share the good/ugly and honest. and this property is WOW. Incredible. Located on PCH you couldn't ask for anything better. Its amazing for some down time/you time. Food=excellent. Views, incredible. Its the perfect getaway. I don't recommend it if your actually trying to explore LA. If that is the case, go stay in BH, West LA etc. This is perfect for your staycation or vacation. You will feel like your at your own personal beach house. I know I will be recommending this to all my clients. These people was exclusivity, luxury and attentiveness--- Nobu does this. Thank you.
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Date of stay: August 2017Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaMalibuMalibu
NUMBER OF ROOMS
16
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nobu Ryokan Malibu
Which popular attractions are close to Nobu Ryokan Malibu?
Nearby attractions include Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum (0.6 miles), Malibu Pier (0.3 miles), and Malibu Lagoon State Beach (0.7 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Nobu Ryokan Malibu?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a fitness center, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Nobu Ryokan Malibu?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a fireplace.
What food & drink options are available at Nobu Ryokan Malibu?
Guests can enjoy breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Nobu Ryokan Malibu?
Conveniently located restaurants include Malibu Farm Restaurant, Nobu Malibu, and Malibu Farm Pier Cafe.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Nobu Ryokan Malibu?
Yes, guests have access to a fitness center during their stay.
Is Nobu Ryokan Malibu located near the city center?
Yes, it is 1.0 miles away from the center of Malibu.
Are any cleaning services offered at Nobu Ryokan Malibu?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are there any historical sites close to Nobu Ryokan Malibu?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Will Rogers State Historic Park (9.1 miles) and Annenberg Community Beach House (9.1 miles).
Is Nobu Ryokan Malibu accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.