Review: Sheraton Kagoshima
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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.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $120 |
Booking and points rates
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.
| Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Points Cost (per night) | 25,000 to 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points |
| Status Level | Titanium Elite |
| Room Type | Sakurajima Club King, volcano view |
| Upgrade | Club Room with King Bed (Titanium Status) |
| Chain | Sheraton (Marriott Bonvoy) |
Location and arrival at the hotel
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.
Check-In and Lobby
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.
The green lobby and the executive lounge where Elite check-in takes place.
The Room: Sakurajima Club King
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 Club room, with its mountain fresco and volcano view.
The table area and the sofa facing the bay window, perfect for enjoying the view.
Restaurants and Dining
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.
Daily Social
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.
Flying Hog Grill
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.
Satsumagma
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.
Vivarium
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.
Spa and Onsen
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
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.
Pros and Cons of the Sheraton Kagoshima
Strengths
- Stunning views: spectacular panorama of Sakurajima volcano
- Quality facilities: modern, elegant, and very well-maintained
- Onsen-style spa: authentic thermal bath, a highlight of the stay
- Convenient location: airport shuttle and tram to the city center
Weaknesses
- Slightly out of the way: a little outside the city center
- View not guaranteed: not all rooms have a view of Sakurajima
Overall impression and final rating
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.
A modern and bright hotel, front row to Sakurajima volcano, with an onsen-inspired spa that makes all the difference. For a relaxing stay in Kyushu booked with points, I would return without hesitation.
Jonathan Riverin, Milesopedia Contributor
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, our selection of the best Marriott hotels with a spa, or our review of the Fairfield Inn Burlington Williston, Vermont.
Earning Marriott Bonvoy points
The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points to stay for free at more than 8,000 hotels worldwide is to hold the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card (and/or the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card). You can also earn American Express Membership Rewards points and transfer them to Marriott Bonvoy.
To learn everything about earning and redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for free hotel stays, check out our guides:
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600Plus $100 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
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Sheraton Kagoshima – Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a night at the Sheraton Kagoshima cost in Marriott Bonvoy points?
The points rate generally varies between 25,000 and 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, depending on the season. In summer, when cash rates often exceed CAD 300 to 400 per night, paying for your stay with points represents excellent value.
Where is the Sheraton Kagoshima located?
The hotel is located in the Shiroyama district, about 30 minutes from the airport by shuttle. The tram allows you to reach the city center in 10 to 15 minutes, and it is also possible to walk there.
Do all rooms offer a view of Sakurajima volcano?
No, not all rooms have a view of the volcano. Thanks to Titanium status, we were upgraded to a Club room with a King bed offering a direct view of Sakurajima.
Does the hotel have a spa and an onsen?
Yes. The spa offers spacious and modern facilities in a true Japanese onsen atmosphere, with a particularly appreciated thermal bath, mainly frequented by local clientele.
What restaurants can be found at the Sheraton Kagoshima?
Four options: Daily Social (buffet), Flying Hog Grill (local meats), Satsumagma (izakaya in the evening), and Vivarium (afternoon tea and cocktails). Several offer a view of Sakurajima volcano.
Which cards allow you to accumulate Marriott Bonvoy points in Canada?
In Canada, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card are the two options dedicated to the program. To compare all options, see our guide to the best Marriott Bonvoy cards.