Harbor Hotel Kaigetsu

Good.

The standout for me was room 1411. The view of the sea feels like a romantic postcard, especially at dawn, when the light shifts within minutes and the whole bay brightens. It's the first thing you notice on entering, and I believe this is the best room in the hotel. This review is only about that room, though, since the building is dated and rooms can differ quite a bit. It's got an '80s feel, with simple, slightly worn decor, but its position right by the sea is truly privileged. You can tell from the photos it's not a modern hotel, yet it has a particular charm if you want a basic stay with a view to fall in love with. Soundproofing isn't great, and you can hear people in the halls and other rooms, as you'd expect in an older building. Even so, I slept very well, with the waves coming through the window like a natural soundtrack. The room itself is plain, with dated furnishings and small spaces, but enough if you mainly want a quiet night and the ocean when you wake up. Check-in takes place in the next building, Kaigetsukan. It can seem a little cumbersome at first, though once it's sorted, the stay is straightforward. I had a positive experience thanks to the spectacular view from 1411. I can't say every room offers the same standard. If you can get a sea-facing room, Harbour Hotel may give you a special moment. Otherwise it could feel more ordinary than you expect.

The room has only the basics and simple furnishings, which was fine since I was just sleeping there for work, though I wasn't staying for free and wish they'd shown a little more consideration. It's unusual to find an ashtray. The hallway noise was awful: doors opening and shutting, slipper footsteps, people talking. It woke me at 3:30 AM. The toilet also wouldn't flush at all the day after it had worked the previous day. This hotel is next to Sumoto Onsen ♨️ Kaigetsukan. You check in at the Kaigetsukan front desk, go through the building, and find it past the east entrance. There are three keys, one for the entrance, one for the shoe rack, and one for the room. Baths and meals are at Kaigetsukan.

There were separate keys for the entrance, shoe locker, and guest room, which was a bit of a hassle, as others have mentioned. My room was non-smoking, so I smoked outside and left the can in the room. They assumed I'd smoked indoors and charged me a cleaning fee without even hearing my explanation. Everyone, be careful.