Hotel Sand River Ishigakijima

We spent four nights here and were really happy with both the room and the service. It was clean and had everything we needed. I looked forward to the free drinks, especially a cup of filter coffee in the morning. Shops and restaurants, including a Family Mart, are close by, and it's a pleasant 15-minute walk to the downtown part of Ishigaki. I'd definitely recommend it.

We stayed four nights in August 2024, choosing this place because it was an affordable room-only option. The facilities and service felt like more than we paid for. Our room was bright, cute, clean and very spacious, decorated mainly in white and light blue. I was surprised that the bath and toilet were separate, and that every room had its own washer and dryer. I did laundry almost every day, and having free machines right in the room made it easy and comfortable. The free drinks were available around the clock, and there was a light breakfast each morning. I toasted the breakfast bread. Plates and cups were free to use, then wash and return yourself. Alcohol was available for a charge. There's also a cafe in the lobby, apparently serving desserts like shaved ice and zenzai, as well as curry. After early afternoon, they restocked bath and face towels in boxes marked with each room number, so I could pick up fresh ones whenever I liked. The hotel is about a 15-20 minute walk from the entertainment district. We walked there each day for dinner, like taking a stroll. Once we took a taxi back for around 600 yen, so that's an option if you don't feel like walking. With the level of service, the distance didn't feel like much of a downside. I'd love to stay here again on a future trip to Ishigaki, and would recommend it to anyone visiting.

The self check-in setup was great. They sent the door code by DM before I arrived, so I could let myself in. The room was clean and had a large TV, washer, dryer and bidet toilet. I was diving, so the breakfast of bread, coffee and juice was enough for me. Free drinks and jasmine tea were a great touch, though I missed having eggs. Apparently the geese don't lay them in this climate. For lunch or dinner, there's a fish market with fresh seafood bowls within a five-minute walk, along with local eateries and yakiniku restaurants where you can get a good meal for a reasonable price. I didn't have complaints about the stay, but the first-floor lounge felt a little lonely and I wished it had a TV. I stayed four nights this time and am planning around 10 days next year.

I stayed two nights on 24/7 in late June. Having a washer and dryer in the room was what made me choose this place. It's basically an unmanned business hotel. The room was spacious and clean, with IKEA furniture, and had its own washer, dryer and bath. Laundry detergent came as gel balls, two for 50 yen. There's a supermarket about five minutes away on foot. The view from the room was a bit disappointing, and it's a 20-minute walk to the city center, but I could probably accept that for an overnight stay. I was surprised that the room-only plan still came with a light breakfast: frozen bread, cooked rice, instant miso soup, furikake and bottled food like Gohan Desu yo. There was also unlimited hot and iced coffee, Sanpin tea and soft drinks from a dispenser, which was really convenient. They seem to care about the coffee beans, and the coffee was delicious. The owner wants guests to try it, so give it a taste if you stay. The owner sometimes came out to the lobby. He's a distinctive, successful businessman, cheerful and keen to chat with guests. He described himself as a womanizer and told stories about his exploits. He's friendly with male guests too, and our conversations often ran long. We talked about business, women and tourist spots. My first solo trip to Ishigaki Island became a fond memory. Thanks for looking after me during those two nights.