Ocean View Hiromi SPA Hotel

The breakfast buffet is totally worth getting, and the staff are very helpful. The view from the rooms is beautiful too. I loved sitting in the reclining chair, reading and looking out at the ocean. But the bed was incredibly hard, like concrete, and the bedding smelled so strongly of perfume that it was difficult to sleep. The towels had the same perfumed smell. I wish they used low-fragrance or fragrance-free detergent. The bed and scent situation brought my review down.

Waking up to the magnificent scenery each morning felt special, and the property was exceptionally clean and well maintained. The host was warm and professional, attentive without getting in the way. Breakfast was full of flavor and clearly prepared with care. I left relaxed and refreshed, and already hoping to return. A memorable stay from start to finish.

The ocean and Izu Island were beautiful to look at in the morning and again at night, and Ebisu Island is right nearby. We liked the residential feel of the area too, with locals who were happy to chat as we walked. It may seem out of the way, but our taxi from the station cost the same as one to the hotel we used the week before in Shirahama. There's also a bus stop close by, and the shuttle covered what we needed. Just be aware there isn't a FamilyMart or coffee shop nearby. Our room was roomy and clean, breakfast was enjoyable and a little different from the usual Japanese spread, and the onsen with its sauna was fine. Staff were friendly and respectful, and the owner was generous. We could sit facing the water and tea would appear. There are big outdoor verandas and a rooftop view. The barbecue area connects to a stairway with handrails, which made the climb from the street easier for us as older guests. At Ebisu Island, I found the staircase on the left a bit daunting and went right instead. From the lighthouse, the stairs down from the top seemed like a better route than the narrow paths on the southeast side. It was a lovely, restful stay in a beautiful spot.

We booked through Booking.com expecting a one-night onsen stay in Shimoda, but I left deeply unhappy. The sunset and sea view might make a single night bearable if that's what you're there for. The place is very remote, and the building feels old, unlike the modern appearance in its promotional photos. There was mold throughout our room, and it looked barely cleaned. Meals were the worst part: both dinner and breakfast looked and tasted like cheap frozen cafeteria food, and ants were crawling across the dining table. We only found out afterward that you can rent the barbecue area and bring your own food, which might be a fun way to grill meat. Nearly all the staff seemed to be from overseas and were very polite. We couldn't communicate with them in Japanese, though some might be able to speak English. I thought the stay was overpriced. Don't trust the pictures or online ratings. I won't return.