Hotel Inhumans Season 1: A Next-Level Dive into the Underworld’s Darkest Safe Haven

“At this hotel, our esteemed guests are assassins.” With this chilling tagline, Hotel Inhumans Season 1, which premiered on July 6, 2025, carves out a unique niche in the crowded anime landscape. Adapted from Ao Tajima’s manga, serialized on Shogakukan’s Sunday Webry since June 2021, this 12-episode series, produced by Bridge and directed by Tetsuro Amino, delivers a gritty, grounded narrative that explores the moral and emotional complexities of a world where killing is a profession and redemption is a luxury. This review dives deep into why Hotel Inhumans is a next-level, never-before-seen take on the assassin genre, blending psychological depth, stylistic flair, and a premise that dares to ask: what does it mean to serve those who’ve forgotten their humanity?

A Premise That Redefines “Hospitality”

Hotel Inhumans is set in a clandestine hotel that caters exclusively to assassins, offering not just exquisite dining and luxurious accommodations but also services like “the latest in weapon procurement,” “guaranteed identity concealment,” and “seamless corpse disposal.” The hotel is run by two concierges, Ikuro Hoshi (voiced by Kôki Uchiyama) and Sara Haizaki (voiced by Taihi Kimura), who operate under a strict code: never say “no” to a guest’s request, no matter how dangerous or morally dubious. This setup, reminiscent of the Continental in the John Wick franchise but stripped of its neutrality, creates a morally ambiguous playground where every episode feels like a high-stakes gamble.

Unlike other assassin-centric anime like The Shy Hero and the Assassination Princess, which leans comedic, or Gunslinger Girl, which focuses on child assassins, Hotel Inhumans takes a more grounded approach. There’s no magic or superhuman feats beyond Sara’s exceptional combat skills—she wields a pocket knife fashioned from a hairpin with deadly precision. The series thrives on its realistic portrayal of a gritty underworld, where survival often comes at the cost of one’s soul.

Episode 1: A Bittersweet Foundation

The premiere introduces us to Shao (or Xiao, as some sources suggest), a young assassin seeking his sister, Mao, who was taken as collateral to force him into the killing trade. The episode sets the tone with a banger opening theme, “Mister Moonlight” by imase, whose haunting melody underscores the show’s blend of elegance and violence. Shao’s quest for freedom and reunion ends on a predictably tragic note, but a last-minute revelation about family ties adds a layer of bittersweet hope, hinting at the emotional depth to come.

What makes this episode stand out is its focus on the human cost of the assassin’s life. Shao’s story isn’t just about revenge; it’s about a child forced into a brutal world to protect someone he loves. The hotel, with its opulent facade, serves as a stark contrast to the desperation of its guests, and Ikuro and Sara’s willingness to fulfill Shao’s requests—no matter the cost—raises questions about their own moral compasses.

Characters: A Duo That Steals the Show

Ikuro and Sara are the heart of Hotel Inhumans. Ikuro, a highly intelligent tactician who grumbles about his job but never quits, brings a relatable, almost sardonic energy to the series. His complaints about the absurdity of their work—dealing with bloodied assassins and disposing of bodies—provide moments of levity without undermining the show’s serious tone. Sara, on the other hand, is a mysterious force of nature. Her superhuman speed and strength, coupled with her enigmatic aura, make her both captivating and intimidating. Her hairpin-turned-knife is a brilliant touch, symbolizing how even the most innocuous details in this world can be deadly.

The dynamic between Ikuro and Sara is one of the show’s greatest strengths. They’re not just partners; they’re a study in contrasts—Ikuro’s reluctant pragmatism versus Sara’s unflinching commitment to the hotel’s code. Their interactions hint at a deeper backstory, which the series teases but doesn’t fully reveal in Season 1, leaving viewers hungry for more.

A Structure That Keeps You Guessing

One of the most intriguing aspects of Hotel Inhumans is its narrative structure. The first episode suggests an anthology format, with each episode potentially focusing on a new guest and their dark requests. However, there are subtle hints of a larger, more complex plot involving the hotel’s origins and the motivations of Ikuro and Sara. Will the series remain episodic, or will it weave these stories into a broader narrative? This ambiguity keeps viewers on edge, as each episode feels like a standalone tale yet part of a larger puzzle.

This approach sets Hotel Inhumans apart from other anime. Unlike Apocalypse Hotel or other supernatural hotel-set series, which lean into fantastical elements, Hotel Inhumans stays grounded, focusing on the psychological and ethical dilemmas of its characters. It’s less about spectacle and more about the quiet moments—like Ikuro’s grumbling or Sara’s steely gaze—that reveal the toll of their work.

World-Building: A Double-Edged Sword

The show’s world-building is both its strength and its potential Achilles’ heel. The concept of a hotel that actively aids assassins, even to the point of killing other clients, raises questions about its sustainability. As one Reddit user pointed out, this lack of neutrality could undermine the hotel’s credibility in the underworld, unlike the strictly neutral Continental in John Wick. Yet, this flaw is also a strength—it opens the door for future conflicts, such as what happens when two guests’ requests clash. The manga, which has been collected in 11 tankōbon volumes as of June 2025, reportedly explores these tensions, and the anime seems poised to follow suit.

The world feels lived-in, with details like the hotel’s arsenal, identity-forging services, and “world-class cleaner crew” painting a vivid picture of an underworld ecosystem. The gritty reality, free of fantasy tropes, makes every decision feel weighty. However, the show could benefit from fleshing out the broader underworld beyond the hotel’s walls to give context to its operations.

Visuals and Sound: A Stylish Package

Visually, Hotel Inhumans is a treat. Shingo Fujisaki’s character designs bring a sleek, almost noir-like aesthetic to the series, with the hotel’s opulent interiors contrasting sharply with the blood-soaked realities of its guests. The animation, handled by Bridge, is crisp, particularly in action scenes where Sara’s lightning-fast movements are a highlight. The opening sequence, storyboarded by director Tetsuro Amino, is a masterclass in setting tone, blending imase’s “Mister Moonlight” with visuals that tease the hotel’s dark allure. The ending theme, “Merry Go Round” by NOA, adds a melancholic touch, perfectly encapsulating the series’ bittersweet vibe.

Koharu of CHARAN-PO-RANTAN’s score is understated but effective, amplifying the tension without overpowering the dialogue-heavy scenes. The sound design, from the clink of wine glasses to the muffled sound of gunfire, immerses viewers in the hotel’s dual nature—luxury on the surface, lethality beneath.

Why It’s Next-Level

What makes Hotel Inhumans stand out is its refusal to glorify its subject matter. Unlike many action anime that revel in violence, this series examines the inhumanity of killing for hire. It’s not afraid to let its characters sit in discomfort, whether it’s Shao grappling with his past or Ikuro questioning his role in enabling assassins. The show’s willingness to explore these themes without resorting to fantasy or comedy makes it feel fresh and daring.

Moreover, the series taps into a universal truth: everyone, even assassins, seeks a place of refuge. The hotel is both a literal and metaphorical sanctuary, a place where the damned can briefly reclaim their humanity—or lose it entirely. This philosophical undercurrent elevates Hotel Inhumans beyond a mere action series, making it a must-watch for those who crave stories that challenge as much as they entertain.

Room for Improvement

No series is perfect, and Hotel Inhumans has its quirks. The first episode spends less time with Ikuro and Sara than some viewers might want, focusing heavily on Shao’s story. While this sets up the anthology format, it leaves the concierges’ motivations underexplored, which could frustrate viewers craving more of their dynamic. Additionally, the show’s pacing can feel deliberate, prioritizing character moments over action, which may not suit fans of faster-paced anime. Finally, the lack of clarity about the hotel’s place in the broader underworld could be a hurdle if not addressed in later episodes.

Where to Watch

Hotel Inhumans Season 1 is available on Crunchyroll, Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, Prime Video, and Apple TV, with episodes dropping weekly on Sundays at approximately 11:45 PM JST. The series is also streaming on Ani-One Asia’s YouTube channel in Southeast Asia. With 11 episodes remaining after the premiere, there’s plenty of time to check in to this dark, captivating world.

Final Verdict: A Stay Worth Booking

Hotel Inhumans Season 1 is a bold, unique addition to the 2025 anime season. Its blend of psychological drama, moral ambiguity, and stylish execution makes it a standout, offering a fresh take on the assassin genre that avoids clichés and embraces complexity. Ikuro and Sara are a compelling duo, the world is intriguing, and the promise of more stories—whether episodic or interconnected—keeps the anticipation high. While it may not dethrone heavyweights like Apocalypse Hotel, it carves out its own space as a thoughtful, gripping exploration of humanity’s darker edges. If you’re looking for an anime that’s as introspective as it is intense, check into Hotel Inhumans—just don’t expect to leave unscathed.

Rating: 8.5/10
Recommended for fans of: John Wick, Gunslinger Girl, Darker than Black
What to watch for: The evolving dynamic between Ikuro and Sara, the hotel’s mysterious origins, and how far the “never say no” policy will stretch.¹