Sakura Resort Hotel Ishigaki

The staff were so thoughtful. They brought me a towel after I washed my feet at the outdoor water fountain, and gave my child a cold pack when they weren't feeling well. We stayed three nights, and the dinners were made mostly with Okinawan ingredients. The menu changed every night, and every meal was delicious and satisfying. I was very happy with the hospitality and felt the stay was great value.

My wife and I came back after about a year, and the welcome was just as good as before. Since the hotel is in a natural setting, the rooms can be quite airtight. Follow the hotel's instructions about throwing away food and drinks after using them. The staff also told us about stag beetles because our grandson loves them. They offered us some Sakishima flat-winged stag beetles kept at the hotel and provided equipment to carry them. If taking beetles home, be aware that collecting and transporting Yaeyama round-winged stag beetles and some others is prohibited. There are also limits on where they can be collected, and you have to declare them when bringing them into the Kinai region.

It's a small hotel, and the staff were friendly and even carried our bags to the room. The service felt attentive for a place this size. Our room was clean and easy to use, and I liked having the bathroom and toilet separate. Tea, awamori and coffee are available to drink freely, but the lounge stays quiet and never feels crowded. Being right in front of Fusaki Resort is handy since guests can use Fusaki's facilities. The food was average, honestly, but that's fine because we can eat elsewhere. It's a very good hotel, and I hope they keep it up. An airport shuttle would be nice, though I wonder if it would push the price up.

We were so pleased with this place that my friend asked, “How did you find it!?” and thanked me. I went in with high expectations from the reviews, and it still surpassed them during our two nights and three days. The room was roomy, with a home-like bathroom that had a separate shower and tub, and the toilet was separate too. Outside the balcony there was a big open area with two sets of chairs and tables. Sitting there with a beer or juice and looking at the night sky was blissful. The hotel is very quiet at night, partly because there's not much around. Drinks like jasmine tea and awamori were available until late, and the room had regular Doutor coffee. We chose the Churasan Kaiseki dinner plan, a full menu featuring lots of Ishigaki Island ingredients. Each dish was carefully prepared and delicious. The menus were different on both days, and I was glad we ate there rather than going to an outside restaurant. Breakfast had plenty of choices, too, and I left full. Downstairs there's a washing machine, workout room, lots of manga, ping pong and karaoke, so there's stuff to do indoors on a rainy day. The staff were attentive and polite, and I had no complaints. I meant to keep this short, but more kept coming to mind. I'd definitely stay again if I get back to Ishigaki Island.