Hot Springs Hotels in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan

Couldn’t deny that the onsen is probably the best that I ever been! And there are few to choose from which are really nice. The room itself however is pretty old. Food is really good and great selection both for morning and dinner in buffet style. Hilltop view is also the best in the area.

Despite a three-night stay, I definitely wouldn't recommend this hotel! Let me be clear about some major drawbacks: First, there's the steep uphill path leading directly to the hotel. Don't tell me taking a taxi solves the problem. While you *might* be able to catch a taxi to and from the hotel or main attractions (if one is available), getting to the beach, Lawson (convenience store), or any restaurants means you absolutely have to walk up and down this very steep and challenging slope. Had I known about this significant inconvenience in advance, I absolutely would not have booked here. As previous guests have noted, the room had a distinct, unpleasant odor, almost like salted fish – I guess we can just pretend it's a seafood hub. On top of that, there were urine stains on the toilet bowl. Despite them knowing we were checking in with children, no children's amenities were provided. You might wonder why I didn't just ask the **front desk**? Well, that leads to another huge point of frustration. The front desk staff's efficiency is absolutely abysmal, and communication was practically impossible, even with translation software. When I inquired about children's toothbrushes, their baffling response was, 'I booked children to stay, so I can't refund the children's money to me.' After going back and forth with them to no avail, I gave up and ended up having to buy toothbrushes, toothpaste, and slippers for the kids myself. The room's soundproofing was incredibly poor. Children yelling was the least of our concerns; we could clearly hear people walking around upstairs and even the creaking of hinges when neighbors closed their doors. The pool was crowded, chaotic, and most importantly, quite dirty, with sand clearly visible at the bottom. To be frank, while I haven't stayed at a vast number of Marriott hotels, I've certainly experienced a few. This, however, was by far the worst Marriott I've ever encountered, which is particularly shocking given that it's in Japan, a country celebrated for its meticulous standards.

I visited once in the summer of 2019 while pregnant with my second child, and it was a wonderful experience. The place was beautiful, clean, with excellent service, and the food served was delicious. This year, with my younger child grown, we wanted to revisit and relive those memories, but it was quite disappointing. The room was untidy, and the cleanliness had significantly deteriorated. Sleeping on the tatami, I woke up at 4 AM due to intense itching on my left shoulder, neck, and side. I suspect it was fleas, perhaps from the old tatami mat or mattress, as I tend to sleep on my left side. I didn't get any good sleep that night. The food quality had drastically declined; it felt like eating in a large cafeteria. The restaurant staff's attitude was also quite perfunctory; not outright rude, but it left a very poor impression. The humble service, smiles, and respect we experienced during our first visit were completely absent. We stayed for two days, and Saturday, our second day, was even worse. The Japanese dinner was supposed to be served course by course, meaning one dish at a time, with the next served only after the current one was finished, a plate per person, paced according to the guest's eating speed. Instead, a small dish was served to everyone, which we quickly finished. We tried to ask for the next course, but it didn't come. We were left waiting awkwardly for a long time, and then only a tiny bit more food would arrive, which we'd devour instantly. Then we'd be back to staring with pleading eyes, practically begging for more food. Finally, we realized that it wasn't about our table finishing a dish before the next was served. It was a mass cafeteria system, with over a dozen tables and families. Dinner started promptly at 5:30 PM, and even if we ate quickly, we had to wait for all the other tables to finish their first dish. Then, a cart would be brought out, and all tables would be served the second dish simultaneously. We were all separate parties, but families with kids who ate faster still had to wait for groups that were drinking to finish their first course before our second dish arrived. This is absolutely not Japanese dining service; it's a completely militarized cafeteria system. You have to wait for all fifteen-plus tables to finish their first course before the second one is served. Traditional Japanese meals are usually served individually, often in small portions. Here, if you eat quickly, you'll be left with nothing, just sitting there watching others drink and chat. Their 'Japanese' style amounts to serving you a single bite, and once you're done, you just stare at everyone else, because you won't get a second portion until they decide it's time. Having degenerated to this point, I will never eat their food again. It was sheer torment. The hotel's direct access to the beach right downstairs is a definite geographical advantage. We might consider staying here again if the kids specifically want to play in the sand, but if they're not keen on the beach, I will definitely not return. What a pity! I wanted to find a photo to post, but frankly, there was nothing worth sharing. Perhaps I should just post a photo of the broken TV, which they claimed had a loose connection and needed the cabinet dismantled for repair.

Facilities: Japanese-style design Sanitation: Clean and tidy Environment: Central location of Shirahama, next to Shirarahama Beach, every room can see the sea, super beautiful Service: Upon arrival, they actively helped with luggage, every aspect was very delicate, the hot spring was very comfortable, and dinner was ordered when checking in, one night and two meals is great

Value for money. For the price paid. Can't complain much as got free driving from Kada station to the hotel. Cons is need to get the pic from train station to call as the number on the Google map and the banner can't go through. Recommended to use the hotel transport as walking is too far. Pros everything. There is a laundry coin as well which save our life alot as we travel 3 weeks to Japan. Do note the awajima shrine is just beside this hotel. Must visit and do see the sunset and sunrise. Cons far from station

A clean and relatively modern hotel sitting on top of a hill with a spectacular view of the harbour. There is an indoor/outdoor onsen on the ground floor and free alcohol and snacks from 3 to 5 pm every afternoon! Great value for money, and a great place to relax and ease back into civilisation if you’ve just come out of the mountains after doing the Kumano Kodo.

Close to Bus stop, Lawson and many restaurant nearby. Staff are very nice and helpful. Room is fairly clean but it smells like its not yet been used for a while, old and not eough air flow. Even the air freshener machine cant help. Also, there is no lift to annex building, be aware if you carry large suitcase.

I stayed in room 204. Behind the small forest is the sea. The hygiene is OK and clean. I will choose this hotel again in the future.

Very good. The service of the store is very good. The front desk can speak Chinese. The people are super gentle. The sea view is worth it. It is very beautiful. It is very comfortable to soak in a hot spring after a day of shopping. Recommended! (The room is a bit big and may be a bit cold. Then my friend and I are not used to the Japanese breakfast. But it is still very convenient and comfortable to eat in the morning. It depends on your opinion.

The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from JR Wakayama Station. The breakfast was fantastic, and it boasts a public onsen bath and sauna. They also offer complimentary udon noodles in the evening. The staff were wonderfully attentive. The rooms are a good size, and the price offers excellent value for money! We also enjoyed sushi at Umeya, conveniently located right opposite the hotel, where we received a complimentary sushi dish with a coupon from the hotel.