Located on a hill in West Kobe beside the world's longest suspension bridge

Located on a hill in West Kobe beside the world's longest suspension bridge, about a 20-minute train ride from Sannomiya Station, Maiko Villa is a bit far from the town center but its inconvenient location does offer some advantages, including cheaper prices than those of hotels in the center. Situated near the sea with the sound of seagulls and the faint scent of saltwater, it exudes a resortlike atmosphere, making it a good place to relax in a more leisurely setting -- at the man-made sandy beach nearby or the hotel outdoor pool open July and Aug. Its grounds are lovely, with ancient dwarf pines that date back to the early 1900s, when Emperor Meiji once had a second home here. Popular with vacationing Japanese and for marriage ceremonies more than 700 a year, the modern hotel offers a variety of rooms, most with views of the sea, fishing boats, and the bridge which changes color at night. Best are the deluxe twins -- corner rooms, they boast heart-shaped tubs where you can bathe looking out at the sea. Avoid the 26 singles and doubles; facing inland, they are used mainly by bus drivers and tour guides. Better and almost as reasonable are the Japanese-style and combination with both tatami rooms and twin beds rooms in the annex, almost all with balconies facing the sea. In addition to the outdoor pool and nearby beach, kids will like the playground across the street.