SOIL Setoda

We stayed one night in Setouda in a room with a private bathroom. It was spacious and very clean, as was the shower, and there was a patio to sit outside. Since the room can be seen from ground level, close the blinds at night. The floor-to-ceiling glass patio door blinds closed well, but I think people in the neighboring house could still see in through the window blinds from above. We also rented bikes for the day. I'm not sure we got the rental discount mentioned on the site for hotel guests. On the way back we got a flat tire, and some local bikers called the hotel to explain our SOS. The staff sent a replacement bike and refunded the price difference because they didn't have the same model. I appreciated how quickly they helped. I don't know what we would have done without finding Japanese speakers to call for us. Maybe they could give guests clearer instructions for getting help, such as a message chat.

The room and hotel are beautiful, and the location is perfect, but the stay was a letdown. At 35,000 yen per night, shared bathrooms already make it expensive, and I expect to be able to rest. That wasn't possible here. Soundproofing is almost nonexistent: I could hear neighboring conversations, footsteps in the hallway, and doors slamming. The restaurant downstairs closed at 9pm, but music continued afterward, followed by a long stretch of clearly audible dishes and glasses being put away and staff talking loudly. Cafe preparations started again at 6:30am, with more noise. If you want a quiet stay, this place won't work. Very poor value for money.

We were doing the Shimanami Kaido bike ride and booked one night here. The little hotel sits right by the sea, and the staff were so friendly and helpful. Our tatami studio was spotless and really comfortable. We ate at the attached restaurant too, and the food was excellent. I’d happily recommend this place.

The town is lovely to wander around, and this hotel makes a handy halfway stop if you’re splitting the ride over two days. Our room was warm, clean, and clearly designed with care. The restaurant downstairs was great too :)