Japan's Rihga Royal Hiroshima
Rihga Royal Hiroshima
Opened in 1994, the 33-story Rihga Royal stands out as Hiroshima's tallest hotel and has a convenient location in the heart of the city between Hiroshima Castle and Peace Park. It's connected to a large complex called Motomachi Cred, which includes the Pacela shopping mall and Sogo department store.
A sophisticated, European atmosphere makes it a favorite among foreign travelers; even the lobby lounge -- with its tall ceiling and circular glass facade -- makes for a cheerful meeting place. Large rooms with luxurious furnishings come with plenty of features, including semi-double beds in the singles and twins, and magnifying mirrors and lots of counter space in the bathrooms. Rates are based on floor height, but even some of the cheapest twins have great castle views. Others face the Seto Inland Sea and Peace Park.
A nice touch are the pictorial maps in each room describing the view, but the best view of all is afforded from the 33rd floor, where the Sky Buffet Rijo serves an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch and set dinners, and the Rihga Top provides a sophisticated setting for afternoon tea or evening cocktails.
