Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort & Spa

My non-smoking room smelled of smoke. Fortunately the staff were exceptional, and I soon received another room. One staff told me that because the room was "Japanese Style", and that I had to take the bedding from the closet, move the low table and make up my own futon. I live in Japan and I know what a "Japanese Style" room is. Ryokans of a good grade will have staff make up the futons. When a hotel is too large, the work of making up the futons for all rooms becomes onerous, however, one wonders why "five star hotel" if one has to make up one's own futon AND receive education on what a "Japanese Style" room entails [ I am in the hotel business]. The lobby is bleak and looks cheap. No style, no charm. The seating is ugly and cheap. There are real plants here and there but no cut flowers. Cut flowers are very expensive in Japan. Too expensive for this hotel. The final point is that I booked this specific hotel in order to take a swim. Although the weather was fine, the pool had closed the day before I arrived. The pool was still full of water, perfect and peaceful, but "closed". No doubt, this saves on staff and other expenses, in the same way that making up one's own futon does . . . all this is fine for a hostel, but not for a luxury hotel. I have been generous with my star-giving because I like to be kind, and because several of the staff were truly exceptional in their kindness and service, however, we hope that the management will note our comments. Please pay for more staff and please keep your pool open as long as the weather permits. Global warming means pools can stay open longer. :-)

The room is big and also the buffet has a variety of food provided. But I could not connect the wifi in the room