Toyo Tsukumo Bay Hotel

The view was good.

It's really old, but the prices are reasonable and the hospitality is good. A renovation would make it perfect.

From our window on the 7th floor, we had a pleasant view of the ferries coming and going at Shimabara Outer Port. The hotel is in a great spot and has an artificial waterfall at the entrance. Our Japanese-Western style room had a separate toilet and bathtub, which was easy to use. There was also a large public bath. Breakfast and dinner were served in the hall on the 3rd floor, where we had delicious, relaxing meals. During breakfast, the window looked out onto Mt. Shinzan.

The hotel's apparently where the Emperor stayed?! But the room I got was the worst I've ever stayed in. 😭 There was no bath or shower, and the sink only had cold water. Luckily, it wasn't an extremely cold day. The room was all-smoking, which was tough because I'm allergic to nicotine. The air conditioner, walls, and curtains all smelled of cigarettes. The place was so dirty that I wondered if the guest room floors had ever been inspected by the health center. The large public bath also needed a much more thorough cleaning. It's a shame with such a great hot spring. I requested dinner and breakfast, but apparently meals had to be booked when I reserved the room, at least a week ahead. I wish someone had explained the food options earlier. I stayed four nights and didn't get a single meal. 😭 Zero stars. It was especially jarring after staying at the Hilton Osaka the day before. I don't want to be harsh, though. If I visit the Tsukumo Hotel again someday, I'll make sure to reserve the best room and the best food. I'm looking forward to the VIP room where His Majesty the Emperor has stayed!