REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS

I had breakfast at REF Kumamoto by Vessel Hotels, conveniently located just a short walk from the "Karashimacho" streetcar stop. The breakfast buffet is available from 7:00 to 10:00 AM. It's ¥1,800 for hotel guests and ¥2,000 for outside guests. While the price may seem a bit high, the variety and quality make it absolutely worth it. The buffet offers not only standard Japanese and Western dishes but also a wide selection of local Kumamoto specialties—including Kumamoto ramen, local sweets, and even shochu. There are nearly twice as many dishes as a typical hotel breakfast buffet. A highlight was the Akaushi (red beef) hamburg steak, which you can grill yourself. Burger buns are also available, so you can make your own custom burger. It was juicy and flavorful—definitely a must-try. There’s a refined yet international atmosphere, with many overseas guests. Some dishes rotate daily, so even if you're staying multiple nights, you won’t get bored. You can also enjoy their public bath in the morning before heading to breakfast, making for a truly luxurious start to your day. If you want a hearty breakfast or a chance to experience the flavors of Kumamoto, this buffet is highly recommended!

The hotel's location is excellent, right next to a 7-Eleven and very close to the Karashimacho station, making it very convenient for travel. Amenities are available for self-service, and complimentary drinks are provided. You can also borrow umbrellas on the 2nd floor. There is a public bath and an ice machine. On the 3rd floor. lf you are traveling with children, the hotel provides a separate amenity set for kids. The shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are from Pola. The breakfast is fantastic; you can make your own ramen and there are delicious-looking hamburgers. The breakfast spread isn't large, but it's very high quality. The staff are cheerful, friendly, and speak English well.

The hotel doesn’t offer free parking, but you can use a nearby multi-story parking lot for 1,200 JPY per night. The area around the hotel is lively, making shopping and dining very convenient. The room was very clean, comfortable, and spacious, and both check-in and check-out were quick and easy.

Vessel is a budget type accommodation... You get just enough of what you need and if you want anything more or anything specific, you help yourself to their amenities on the 2nd floor reception. Location wise was perfect for us and the rooms are all insulated so you don't really hear the noise outside. They don't provide carpark but have a tie up where you pay a fixed rate to a very close by carpark operator (about 250m away only). We were 4 persons (2 adults and 2 teenagers) and even though the room came with two beds each sized between a single bed and a queen sized bed and a third roll out mattress, you still need to pay more for the bed linen, comforter and a pillow.

Very good location. The room is spacious and well designed for the price. It has a nice window view of the shopping mall across. Highlight of my stay was the public bath, they have both indoor and outdoor baths, which were clean and thoughtfully designed. Definitely a place I would come back for!

You can find hotel REF just you across the road from Komachi plus terminal. This hotel is very convenient because everything nearby the hotel convenience store bus terminal trim, stop and famous that one so you can easily go everywhere if you want and you can use their big spa under third floor, it’s free and it is like house spring, indoor and outdoor. Also, you can use after you finishing fast. You are able to get free ice bar.

Spent 2 nights here with my family early January, we were tired coming from Fukuoka and with still many days to go and this was the perfect place for a stopover, close to the castle and many attractions REF has superb facilities, the bath at the third floor is just top notch, my son continuously asked to take a bath 2/3 times a day. Rooms were small but really well structured as you can fit luggage open under the beds and make it work. Breakfast was good. That said i think the most important thing about this hotel is how helpful staff was, i had a problem and they helped me via email and during my stay with bus line schedule, luggage delivery and really saved my day, so thanks everyone for the "above expectations" service. Someone in Osaka told me that Kyushu people is gentle and warm, he was not wrong :) Will definitely come back!

Located above a shop. Note there's no lift so need to carry your own luggage up. Easy self Check in. Had a very comfortable stay over! Thank you!