Gen Hotel Kamakaura

The bed was the deal breaker. Its mattress was so thin that I could feel the coils against my spine. Honestly, my sleeping bag has more cushioning. I slept poorly both nights, and I wouldn't recommend this hotel or choose it again if I return to Kamakura. The location couldn't be better, with lots of food options downstairs. The room was clean, modern, and a decent size by Japanese standards. Check-in wasn't as difficult as I'd expected from other reviews. I never got the email they said they'd send, and had to upload my passport photo twice, but the English-speaking staff member I reached by phone helped quickly. There is no front desk or staff on site.

For this price range, I was satisfied. The hotel is clean and has the necessary room amenities, and the coffee bag they provide was pretty good. I've had worse coffee in five-star hotels. The room is a standard Japanese size, so don't expect it to be large. Registering your passport details in advance makes check-in smoother. You also need to speak with the front desk through the tablet before you can get the room key.

I stayed two nights with my partner on a short vacation. The location is excellent, but I don't plan to return and would suggest staying elsewhere. The property is mostly unstaffed. Check-in is done at a kiosk, but you still have to speak with someone over an intercom. The service left a lot to be desired: there was no polite greeting, just a demand for a passport photo. I understand hotels are asked by the Japanese government to verify travel documents, but my address was clearly in Japan and I had booked with a Japanese card, so it should have been clear I was a resident. The person then demanded to see my residence card, though local residents aren't supposed to need one for check-in. With our vacation at stake, I reluctantly complied. The room was just a bed with a cheap mattress, and I could feel the coils through the sheets. For the price, I expected something nicer.

The bed was the worst I've ever slept on, the service was poor, and the couch had stains. We booked three nights, but left for another hotel after the first.