Shirahama Key Terrace Hotel Seamore

The rooms could use some refurbishment, but the hotel was still great value. Its large natural onsen looks out over the sea, and there's a shampoo bar with lots to choose from. The lobby is big and has a tax-free souvenir shop, with tax-free shopping from ¥5,500. You can pick up free amenities in the lobby before heading to your room. Outside, there's also a footbath facing the sea. Recommended, and I'd stay again if I get the chance.

We stayed just one night at the Key Terrace Hotel Seamore, but arrived early to make the most of the hotel. There were a couple of problems: the new gym didn't allow street shoes, and there was no water in the rooms. We raised those points with Tetsuya Matsuhira, a senior manager. He said the gym was new and they would reconsider the shoe rule, and that they were thinking about providing complimentary bottled water. The website said there was a shuttle for guests, but staff explained it required a reservation. We said most hotels we'd stayed at ran shuttles on a first come, first served basis. He clarified that the shuttle wasn't run by his hotel, but funded by hotels in the area. Then, unexpectedly, he offered us a lift to the train station. We got our luggage and checked out, and he came over to show us his vehicle and drove us right there. That kind of consideration from such a senior manager is unusual and very much appreciated.

They wouldn't allow early check-in, even when I offered to pay extra. I've stayed in hundreds of hotels, and most will check whether your room is ready and let you in an hour or two early if it is. Here it's strictly 3:00pm, no exceptions, and my offer wasn't even acknowledged. With basically nobody around in the off season, it seemed like they could let people in if their rooms are empty. Very old-school Japanese rules. The check-in line at 3pm will be annoying.

SEAMORE Shirahama has a stunning spot by the ocean, with beautiful views and easy access to local attractions. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout. The infinity pool was excellent, and the onsen was clean and relaxing, too. But for ¥17,500 per person per night, quite a few things disappointed me. The room's balcony in Room 328 was tiny, rusty, and felt unsafe to use. The air conditioning units in the room and public areas were visibly dirty and badly needed cleaning. The pillows were hard enough to give me neck pain, and without a fan the room sometimes felt stuffy. Food was a mixed bag. Dinner was acceptable but forgettable, with limited variety and no standout dishes, especially for Western travelers. Breakfast was underwhelming, with only a few notable choices. Neither meal had café lattes or cappuccinos, and there were no takeaway cups or way to bring coffee back to the room. That felt unnecessarily rigid. There was also no shuttle to or from Shirahama Station, which would've helped given how remote the hotel is and what it costs. The setting and hospitality were good, but the lack of flexibility, cleanliness problems, and poor room amenities left the stay feeling overpriced and underwhelming. Better guest comfort and management responsiveness could help SEAMORE Shirahama live up to its potential.