IMGYA PALACE <Miyakojima>

The best parts were the clean pool, spacious bathroom with a separate shower, lovely L'Occitane amenities, and having both a fridge and freezer, which came in handy in the hot weather. Breakfast focused on Okinawan cuisine and was delicious. I stayed three nights, and they varied it a little each day so it didn’t get boring. The staff service was fine when I did interact with them. For 160,000 yen over three nights, I expected a bit more. There were no staff on site, though they might have been at nearby Imgya Palace. I was told to call if I needed anything, but the phone wouldn’t connect. It turned out there was a large-scale KDDI communication outage, but the hotel should have notified each room by mail. There were no major service issues when I did reach staff. The room facilities were decent, but some fittings, including the front door, looked cheap and lacked a resort feel. There was no automatic lock. Dust covered the cable behind the toilet, though the rest of the cleaning seemed fine. The partial ocean view was disappointing because a road runs between the room and the water. This was my first stay, and while it wasn’t bad, I wasn’t especially satisfied or eager to return soon.

I was a bit uneasy after reading some negative reviews, but we didn’t run into any problems. The rooms were surprisingly spacious and beautiful, and the service felt heartfelt. The location right on Imgya Beach is a real treat. We could get everything ready in our room and head straight to the water, and free snorkel rental was a nice extra. The sea was clear and calm, with beautiful sparkling tropical fish everywhere. It reminded me how much you should enjoy the ocean in Miyako Island. Our meals came in generous portions and everything tasted good. I especially loved the Miyako Island shrimp. The friendly staff and spacious, luxurious rooms were wonderful too.

The pool is large and seems to have circulating water, though I was bothered by the gecko droppings that appeared poolside every day. The beach is right out front, and the room layout is comfortable. Breakfast is a delicious set menu that changes daily, so even during a multi-night stay you can eat a hearty morning meal without getting tired of it. There’s no lobby, no staff on site, and no shop. You have to call a taxi yourself and get drinks from a nearby vending machine. I also found quite a few ants and small insects in the room. Since it’s a small place, I don’t mind having to do a lot of the cleaning myself, but I wish there weren’t bugs.

The private pool didn’t feel very private. It’s right beside a road, and when you stand poolside your upper body can be seen from the street. For the price, it was also disappointing how often there was no one at reception. We felt the response to issues like power outages wasn’t adequate, and hope they’ll make a manual to improve service. We stayed two nights. Imgya Beach is nearby, with calm waves and medium to small tropical fish easy to spot, so it’s a safe place for children and a good option for families.