Hotel Grand View Ishigaki Arakawa

The room was quiet and comfortable even though it faces the island's main road, and there was plenty of space. I could open the windows a little for fresh air. The air conditioning seemed new, and there wasn't any moldy smell. With an ocean view and Taketomi Island right in front, it felt like a resort. On a day with good weather like today, the walk into the city center was pleasant. I visit the island monthly, usually for three or four nights, and hotel prices on Ishigaki Island seem to keep climbing, so I look for cheaper places. This was the one I chose. The front desk and other staff were very courteous. I tried to book for next month and the month after, but the prices on the booking site were nearly double what I'd paid this time, so I gave up.

The harbor and beautiful sea looked stunning from the window, and the free breakfast had lots of delicious choices. The staff were attentive and kind, while still giving me comfortable space throughout the stay. The large public bath was actually small, more like a family bath, but it was peaceful. You may want to bring a thin towel or something to wash with. It's at the end of City Hall Street, with convenient parking, a famous steak restaurant next door, and several izakayas nearby.

The rooms were more spacious and comfortable than the photos suggested, and being right across from the harbor is great if you're into marine sports. The downside was the musty smell in both the room bathroom and the hallway. Maybe it's hard to avoid with the humidity and heat right by the sea, but it could be rough for anyone sensitive to smells. The first-floor toilet's exhaust fan was extremely dusty and hadn't been cleaned properly.

The staff were unbelievably kind, incredibly, incredibly, incredibly, x 1000. My family was especially touched by the man with glasses cleaning on the fourth floor: he kept bowing to greet us until the elevator doors shut. The hotel was clean, the soundproofing was excellent, and our room had an ocean view. The breakfast buffet was delicious, with Japanese food, bread, drinks, and coffee. The second-floor bathhouse is small but handy, and the parking lot is spacious. Be aware that check-in is at 4 PM and checkout at 10 AM. The front desk is sometimes unstaffed from night to early morning, with check-in starting at 10 AM. I think keeping staffing costs down this way is why the accommodation is affordable. Rooms are cleaned once every 3-4 days. For towel changes, a fresh one is hung on the doorknob the next morning, and used towels go in the hallway bin.