Grand Mercure Ise-shima Resort & Spa

The hotel shuttle was handy for getting us between the railway station and the hotel at the start and end of our stay. There wasn't much to do outside the hotel without a car, which we already knew, so it suited us, though it may not suit everyone. Check-in went quickly, with five desks open around 3pm, and the man who checked us in spoke very good English. The queues for the three elevators could get long at busy times. We liked the generous food selection, though it stayed the same each day, with no dish of the day, and we missed having tempura. The soft serve was a treat, especially since it was available at breakfast. We were also pleasantly surprised by the all-inclusive drinks: beer, wine, and spirits including Japanese whisky, choya, and gin were available with meals and in the lounge in the afternoon and evening. Our room was spacious and comfortable, but once it got dark the few spotlights left the area by the window and other parts quite dim. There was no milk or cream for tea and coffee, but reception brought us a small jug, and we got more at breakfast in a paper cup. The room temperature was comfortable without the air conditioner. The bathroom mirror wasn't heated, though, so it fogged up after a shower and took a while to clear.

The dinner buffet was better than I expected, and there were lots of complimentary alcohol options for adults. It’s a renovated hotel. Free drinks are offered from 3-6pm, and the onsen was okay.

The staff were friendly and helpful. We stopped here after a long drive while on holiday in Japan, and the spacious, modern, clean room had a lovely forest view. The slow elevators were a drawback, and both breakfast and dinner buffets had long lines, though the food was refilled quickly. It was a busy weekend, so I think we may have gone at the wrong time.

Nov 2025, our second visit. The resort was relaxing again, with a wonderful onsen and a good breakfast spread. It was much busier this time, so timing meals and onsen visits helps avoid the crowds. There were many more families with children, which made the place feel friendly, though that may not suit everyone. I’ll be back. Jan 2025, this is a very large resort, with especially nice views from the higher floors. The huge B1 onsen has a big indoor pool, an outdoor rock pool, a sauna, a cold bath, and a relaxation room. The dining room is enormous and offers plenty of food; lots of guests wear yukata there. I went to the onsen both morning and evening. Free drinks and snacks are available to guests in the evening, and there’s a gift shop on L1. There’s no convenience store on the property.