Hotel Luandon Shirahama

The owners were friendly and ready to help, and my room was both clean and roomy. A really nice little hotel.

The free breakfast was tasty, and the woman at reception was upbeat and cheerful. But on my business stay, three things really bothered me: I found around 15 insects near the bed that looked like they could be borer beetle larvae, there was dust all over and the room seemed poorly maintained, and the walls were so thin I could hear the shower and closet doors in the next room. Those are my main concerns, and they brought my rating down. I might recommend it to someone who isn't bothered by bugs, dirt, or noise, but it's not for everyone.

A strong musty smell hit us as soon as we entered the room. My wife and I were coughing and bringing up phlegm the next day, and three days later I still can't stop coughing. The air conditioner was loud enough to keep me awake all night, too. And the bathroom had no blackout glass, so you could see inside while bathing; sunlight came through the bathroom glass around 5:30 a.m. and woke me early.

The location gave us a panoramic view of Shirahama, and the ocean-view bath with its jacuzzi was fantastic. We chose this relatively affordable place for sightseeing during the expensive Obon holiday period, but the rooms and hallways were covered with scattered dust, and the bathroom had mold. The whole atmosphere felt just like a love hotel. There was a wooden edge around the bed that you could hit hard if you turned over in your sleep. It could suit couples looking to save money, but I don't think it's a good fit for families or for a date where you want a special feeling.