Seacruise House Navio

The bedrooms were spacious, as was the living room, and the kids were delighted. It's a fair way from the city center, but having supermarkets and tourist attractions nearby made it convenient. My family and I had such a good stay that we talked about coming back.

That freezer came in handy. I could keep the ice packs for my cooler cold overnight, so buying fresh produce nearby was no worry. With the kitchen, the room can turn into your own little restaurant: sashimi from a local fish shop, treats from a souvenir shop, and shochu from Amakusa Brewery. Just remember, you can't prepare fish in the room. I spent a few days at Navio in Amakusa, and the place was spotless and really comfortable, almost like being at home. The building's parking is around the corner beside it. The spaces right in front belong to the neighboring "(Co., Ltd.) Mori Fresh Fish Shop/Mankai." Check-in is through a touch panel at the entrance, with no need to meet anyone. For check-out, though, you have to make a phone call. They tell you to photograph the room key access code during check-in, so make sure you save a picture on your phone or another device. I was on the second floor. The shower was a booth without a tub, but having it separate from the toilet was a real plus. If you want a bath, there's apparently a nearby hot spring inn that takes day visitors, and Shimoda Onsen is within an hour by car. A family with several little kids seemed to be in the next room, but I couldn't hear them at all. The soundproofing is great.

For a work stay in Kamiamakusa, this was a convenient choice at a reasonable price. The rooms are spacious and clean, with Wi-Fi, a kitchen, a shower, and a refrigerator. A partition separates the sleeping area, and I can see it working well for families staying several nights too. It's easy to find after crossing Bridge No. 5. Drive along the old road for about a minute and the stylish muted-blue building is on the right.

I was stuck outside for over an hour because the self check-in wouldn't find my reservation. The only setup was an iPad at the entrance, where I entered my name, phone number, order number, and the other requested details, but nothing worked. In the end I had to use translation software to ask someone from the restaurant next door to call the accommodation for me. Unless you can make calls from Japan, I wouldn't recommend booking here. Being unable to check in at the door was incredibly frustrating. The room itself was spacious, well equipped, and reasonably priced. It could have earned a high rating if not for that check-in problem.