HOTEL AO Kanazawa

Clean, simple modern, roomy, contemporary Japanese, many extra small amenities that make you feel special, surprised by the quality food served in the small lobby restaurant, near major sights and great service.

Exterior of the building doesn't communicate the quality of the inside, no convenient drop off zone for taxi or uber pick up.

The location was fantastic, very close to lots of Kanazawa attractions and a loop bus. Very attentive staff. The room was well equipped and attractive despite no windows and being a bit poorly lit.

We had a room with a loft for the futon beds. Probably no problem for younger guests but as we are 65 and 71 yrs old the steep ladder was a bit difficult for us. despite the fact the room was well appointed and nice, it had no windows and the lighting was poor.

Great location, close to the gardens and Kanazawa Castle. Big room and bed, had enough room to relax as well without being cramped. Bathroom was great as well

The room was spacious, modern, and clean. Very comfortable bed with a spacious bathroom, which is much appreciated after traveling around other cities in Japan. Staff was very friendly and helpful.

There aren't too many restaurants around the hotel, so prepare to make reservations ahead of time if you plan on dining around the area.

The room was beautiful and very chic, and in addition to the typically provided products (shampoo, conditioner, soap, and tooth and hair brushes and razors) they also daily provided a couple cookies and red bean sweets that were quite good and a selection of drinks, including beers, for free. They also provided pajamas that were great for lounging. The bathroom was really nice in almost every way, with a separate toilet cubical inside the larger bathroom, both with real/solid doors, and a really nice shower. The location worked out well for us - it was as close as you can get to the castle and gardens, which was great, but about a 15-20 min walk to the historic neighborhood. I also want to specifically thank Arisa from the front desk for helping us find a reservation for dinner! We didn't realize that practically every restaurant in Kanazawa requires a reservation, and most only do so over the phone which was very challenging without speaking Japanese. She found us one very last minute at a lovely sushi spot and we were so grateful for her time and help! Exceptional service, thank you!

The bed was quite firm and the pillows were the thin feather type that compress into flat nothing within minutes of putting your head down. This was a theme at every hotel we stayed at in Japan though(and plenty of people prefer it!) The only real downside was the lighting in the room and bathroom was very bad and made it nearly impossible to do my makeup. Other than the table lamps near the bed the only lights were harsh overhead recessed lights that threw brutal shadows, especially if you get within 1 foot of the mirrors (at which point the overheads are slightly behind you throwing dark shadows). There was only 1 small window as well, so minimal natural light, and the makeup mirror was attached to the wall so it couldn't be moved elsewhere. While that was frustrating, everything else about Hotel AO was wonderful and we would definitely stay here again.

Great hotel with lovely staff,room was very good with all the features you would need.

Large room with a beautiful modern design and furnishings. The location was fantastic. Really close to the beautiful gardens that are well worth a visit, and a 20 minute walk to the Omicho market.