Innoshima, Onomichi hotel rooms at the Independent

"After a couple of days wending my way from Onomichi to Imabari on the Shimanami Kaido the Shimanami Prime Hotel Imabari proved to be a great choice for my final night in the Seto Inland Sea area. It’s conveniently located just a short walk from the Imabari train station where both the regular bike rental station and the Giant store are located, and where I had to board the highway bus back to Fukuyama the next morning. Check-in was easy and once I did the staff informed me my bags had been dropped off already by Sagawa transport - which was great since that let me freshen up before dinner. Imabari offers plenty of dining options but I had to sample the local “buta-niku” specialty rice bowl and one of the best places in town happens to be near the Prime Hotel. Called Hakurakuten, it’s only a five minute walk away and just as someone had described to me the rice bowl and the karaage on the side were absolutely excellent. Soaking in the hotel’s onsen was a great way to unwind after dinner before turning in. The room itself was typical Japanese business hotel – small but functional. Just right for one night though with the small amount of luggage I had brought. The morning breakfast buffet was another highlight with plenty of choices and very delicious food. After filling up I reluctantly had to bid goodbye to this lovely area of Japan and had to bid goodbye to this lovely area of Japan and head back to Tokyo but I’ve already vowed to return for a longer visit in the future. "

"Fantastic stay - staff were lovely and helpful, the room was great, and common areas were generous and comfortable... The breakfast is fully recommended! Would very happily stay here again. "

"The award-winning vegan restaurant (with some non-vegan items also offered) is some of the best, reason alone to consider the stay. Proximity to the station with city and park views available is another for those travelling by JR or highway bus. The staff were excellent, the rooms and amenities are fine. Thanks for a wonderful business-class stay."

"Easy to locate property via google map. Received clear instruction on the self check-in info at about 9am on check in day. Clean and cosy apartment, the bed feels like home and we have a good two nights stay here."

"Location was fabulous. Right where we dropped off our rental bikes. "

"Well located, with a lovely view of the castle, and very friendly staff."

"Excellent customer service. Well run hotel."

"Easy to check in. Super friendly. On site good restaurant. Room has sofa, fridge and hot water to shower"

"Charming hillside hotel with fantastic views. The room was spacious, clean, modernised with the exception of the bathroom which is still more of a traditional, dated Japanese bathroom, however, it was still very clean and of course functioning well. The Japanese breakfast in the morning was very lovely, accompanied by great views again. The lobby has a cafe where they do great latte art. There’s also a letter room where you can print photos and send letter which was a nice touch. Overall I really enjoyed my stay. One note of caution, this really is a hillside hotel, we initially planned to walk because google map says it was 16 minutes but it would be quite a trek up hill with very narrow paths so driving / taxi would be the way to go and there’s a taxi rank at the station which would be about a 10 mins journey and <1500 yen. "