Kobe, JapanKyu-Kyoryuchi
THE ORIENT (formerly Oriental Hotel)
Art Deco port tower
Art Deco port tower
It channels Kobe's open-port era from the seventeenth floor, where the lobby and cocktail lounge overlook the water.
What it’s good at
Listed
Seventeenth-floor tables overlook Kobe port above teppanyaki counters searing regional beef.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
the present building was established in 2010, but it’s suffused with as much historical atmosphere as its designers could pack into its (impressively sturdy) structure.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Kobe's former foreign settlement sits right outside the doors, and the Motomachi shopping arcade is a short walk away.
The rooms
Bedrooms look across the harbor, finished in Japanese woodwork. Select junior suites add private mist saunas and jet bathtubs.
The gym
The eighth-floor gym stays open around the clock, with complimentary workout clothes, shoes, and socks ready to borrow.
At the table
THE BAR J.W.HART sets armchairs along floor-to-ceiling glass for evening cocktails, named after the engineer who planned the settlement.
How it began
The original 1870 hotel hosted Marilyn Monroe before the 1995 earthquake destroyed it. This modern tower rebuilt the address in 2010.
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.