Shimoda Tokyu Hotel

On our second visit, we had another five-star stay. A special thanks to Ricki for the personal service. She showed us several room options, and we paid a small extra fee for one with a balcony. It was absolutely worth it. Ricki was warm and professional, and her friendliness really stood out. We had another lovely vacation with my family visiting from California. We loved the hotel on our first stay too, and the location is fantastic. The concierge Takahashi helped us find dinner after we’d failed to make plans ahead of time. He called 2-3 places and eventually got us a table at an amazing izakaya in town. We’ll never forget the food, especially the perfect kinmedai skewers. We live in Tokyo and already plan to return with family in May.

It’s a good, quiet hotel with large rooms, comfortable beds, helpful staff, and a shuttle bus. The onsen and breakfasts were good too. It isn’t a five-star place, but there wasn’t anything in particular to complain about.

We stayed for just one night and got attentive, thoughtful service. The rooms are spacious, breakfast is plentiful and delicious, and the ocean views are stunning. I wish we’d had longer to enjoy more of the amenities.

The gardens are lovely, with paths that lead down to the coast. The hotel is outside town, though, so you’re facing a long walk or relying on the shuttle. Breakfast can get crowded, and the elevator signs warn that the wait may be an hour unless you go down first thing. It’s frustrating when guests are paying a lot, especially since they could open the other half of the restaurant, where dinner is served, and let people sit there. The room was dated, I could hear people talking next door, and the bed was the most uncomfortable I’ve ever slept in. I could feel the springs.