Advertiser disclosure
Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorial or review that may be published on it. For complete and up-to-date information about any product featured, please visit their website. We maintain business relationships with certain partners mentioned in our communication tools. While we may receive compensation if you sign up for a product or service through our affiliate links, our reviews and content are based on an objective assessment. Value estimates are established by Milesopedia and are not provided, endorsed, or verified by the issuing financial institutions. †*Terms and conditions apply.
Jonathan Riverin is a Milesopedia contributor, a passionate traveler who loves luxury hotels and photography. A specialist in Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy programs, he shares his stay at the Sheraton Kagoshima, booked with points, which served as the starting point for a three-week journey through Kyushu, in southern Japan.
The starting point of our three-week stay across Kyushu, the Sheraton Kagoshima is the only Marriott option in the region and benefits from a strategic location at the southern tip of the island. The establishment captivates with its spectacular views, attentive service, and easy access to the city center thanks to an efficient public transport network.
In this detailed review, I share my complete experience: booking with Marriott Bonvoy points, upgrade to a Club room thanks to Titanium status, executive lounge, room with Sakurajima volcano view, restaurants, onsen-style spa, and surroundings.
As is often the case in Japan during the summer season, rates can quickly climb and exceed CAD 300 to 400 per night for a standard room. In this context, using Marriott Bonvoy points often represents excellent value. For my part, I chose to pay for my stay with points, which allowed me to avoid the high rates observed during this period.
Located in the Shiroyama district, the hotel is about 30 minutes from the airport via a convenient and easy-to-use shuttle. Once there, the tram network allows you to reach the city center in just 10 to 15 minutes. For those who enjoy walking, it is also possible to get there on foot while exploring the city.
Upon arrival, the hotel pleasantly surprises: it doesn’t feel like a classic Sheraton, but rather an establishment that is both luxurious and unpretentious. The vast, very green lobby highlights the hotel’s commitment to sustainable tourism, supported by official certification. The welcome is warm and, thanks to Elite status, check-in is done directly at the lounge located on the highest floor. We are accompanied and guided throughout the process, with a striking first experience facing the majestic view of Sakurajima volcano.
As for the room, the furniture is new and well-maintained, and the bathroom is spacious. Note that we were upgraded to a Club room with a King bed, offering a view of Sakurajima volcano.
What distinguishes this room is certainly the table area and the sofa facing the bay window, perfect for enjoying the view while savoring the welcome gifts. As soon as the door opens, the panorama immediately asserts itself and occupies the entire visual space, offering an impressive spectacle throughout the stay.
The hotel brings together several dining options that cover all times of the day, from breakfast buffet to evening cocktails, many of which benefit from the famous view of Sakurajima volcano.
The main restaurant offers a varied buffet from breakfast to dinner, with extended hours from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM depending on service. It features a selection of international dishes as well as local Kagoshima specialties.
Open for lunch and dinner (11:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM), this signature restaurant highlights high-quality local meats in an elegant setting, with an impressive view of Sakurajima volcano.
This izakaya-style restaurant is open only in the evening, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. It offers local Japanese cuisine in a more intimate and traditional atmosphere.
The bar-lounge is open from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM for afternoon tea, then from 6:00 PM to midnight for cocktails. It stands out for its refined atmosphere and, once again, its view of Sakurajima volcano.
The hotel’s spa offers a set of spacious, modern, and perfectly maintained facilities, in a calm and relaxing atmosphere. It truly evokes a Japanese onsen, enhanced by a predominantly local clientele that makes the experience even more authentic.
I particularly enjoyed the thermal bath, which was a real highlight of the stay and allowed for complete relaxation after a day of sightseeing. The entire facility is clean, well-organized, and offers a beautiful relaxation experience, true to Japanese standards.
Around the hotel, it is highly recommended to take the ferry to Sakurajima volcano island and enjoy its unique landscapes and impressive viewpoints. The streets of Kagoshima are also full of restaurants where you can taste local specialties, especially seafood and the famous local beef. For a more gastronomic experience, the city also offers some Michelin-starred or very high-level restaurants, perfect for complementing a stay combining discovery and culinary pleasure.
Overall, my three-night stay was fantastic, to the point that I would have gladly extended it by one night to explore the region further. The hotel gives a real impression of being pampered, with exceptional views and a feeling of being front row to Sakurajima volcano.
I especially recommend this hotel to couples looking for relaxation and a comfortable stay, in a luxurious but not excessive setting. I give it a rating of 9 out of 10.
To maximize this type of experience, consult our comparison of the best credit cards in Canada, and more specifically the Marriott Bonvoy cards, which allow you to quickly accumulate points for this kind of stay. You can also read our review of an Autograph Collection hotel in Osaka or our selection of the best Marriott hotels with a spa.
Le meilleur moyen d’obtenir des points Marriott Bonvoy afin de séjourner gratuitement dans plus de 8 000 hôtels dans le monde est d’être titulaire de la Carte Marriott BonvoyMD American ExpressMD* (et/ou de la Carte Marriott BonvoyMD Entreprise American ExpressMD*). Il est également possible d’accumuler des points-privilèges d’American Express et de les transférer vers Marriott Bonvoy.
Pour tout savoir sur l’accumulation et l’échange de points Marriott Bonvoy pour des séjours à l’hôtel gratuits, suivez nos guides :
Savings this way:
You can change your preferences or unsubscribe at any time by clicking one of the links available at the bottom of each newsletter.
If you are already subscribed and would like to unsubscribe, you can click the link at the bottom of one of our emails.
