Akiu Grand Hotel

I’ve stayed here more than ten times over the last 15 years, usually with a big group. We’ve always enjoyed the baths, meals, rooms, and entertainment. That history made this experience at the front desk especially disappointing. I needed a document printed. The staff member first said she could do it if I brought a USB, so I got one from my brother overnight. Then she told me she couldn’t accept it after all. Sending a paying guest to a convenience store doesn’t feel like hospitality, especially when I was happy to pay for the printing. With all the technology Japan has, I don’t understand why they couldn’t help. It came across as someone not wanting to, rather than being unable to.

The baths were lovely, with indoor and outdoor areas across two baths, or three if you count the rotation. There are also massage machines and free drinks. I was surprised, though, that there’s an extra bath fee on top of the room price. The shuttle has too few time slots, and they fill up fast. Staff were kind and helpful, and the view was amazing. The rooms felt dirty and worn, with faded carpets and unused wings around the hotel. It badly needs renovation, and for this price I expected basics like q-tips in the room. The website says room service is available, but it actually isn’t. There’s plenty of choice at the buffet, and the food is nice enough, but it’s nothing special if you’ve eaten at hotel buffets before. I had a pleasant stay, but probably wouldn’t return since there are better options for the same price. Families might like it, and a few changes could make this a really nice hotel.

I only came for the daytime baths, which are open until 3 pm, and they were amazing. There’s plenty of room, with hot and cold pools, indoor and outdoor baths, and even a standing bath. The hotel lobby is worth a look too. The staff were polite and professional, and I’d highly recommend visiting.

We stayed as two families in two rooms on December 23rd 2012. The hotel is huge and nicely decorated, and the baths were great. They switched which baths were for men and women the next morning, so between us we could try at least seven different pools. The downside was the buffet. The food was great, but you miss out on having dinner served privately in your room. Still, the nightly price is lower than at other Akiu hotels that offer in-room dinner.