Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kumano Kodo Susami

We barely had time to plan this stop, booking the hotel at the last minute for one night on the long drive from Osaka to Hotel Urashima, where we had an onsen vacation planned for the next few days. After more than a week in busy Osaka, the hotel's isolation felt like a welcome chance to switch off. The staff were extremely friendly, and with Google Translate we got everything sorted out. That night the onsen was surreal. We were alone in the hot bath, or at least it seemed there were only a handful of guests, listening to waves crash on the rocky shore behind the hotel with the Pacific breeze blowing. Our room had a comfortable large bed and a tatami spot by the window where we could sit or lie down with tea. The bathroom was spacious by Japanese standards. Even so close to the sea, the room felt dry and smelled lovely. We were on the side away from the Pacific, though, so I imagine the other view would be stunning at night. There aren't many places to eat in or near the hotel, especially around when we arrived, so we went to a Lawson about 1 km north. We had a great night here and would recommend it. Maybe we'll come back someday.

The staff made us feel at home, with professional, warm and courteous service. I'm even prouder to be a Marriott member after this stay. The front desk team, Yumiko Inagaki, Yuya Ietaka and Tomoharu Ozaki, exchanged seven emails with me when Japan's Typhoon No.10 might have passed through the area. They sent detailed website information about public transport, put guest safety first, and asked us to keep track of the storm so we could cancel ahead of time if needed. That left me with a very serious and responsible first impression. The hotel is right on the seaside, and the ocean view through the window is astonishing, hard to put into words. The room was clean and tidy. The ocean view hot spring was especially memorable, my first time relaxing in a hotel hot spring facing the sea. It feels like an experience everyone should have. A year ago I read a VLOG article praising this place, and it stayed with me. I was glad to arrange a trip this August and book two days here. This is the most beautiful hotel I've ever stayed in, thanks to the scenery, the unusual hot spring, and the people working there.

The onsen on site was a nice extra, and the whole place had a peaceful feel. We were cycling the “Pacific Cycling Route”, and the staff made us and our smelly bikes feel genuinely welcome. The room was simple and lovely. Paying extra for the ocean view was worth it, easily one of the nicest hotel views I can remember.

Dinner choices nearby are pretty limited, so you'll need to drive, but it's fine if you've got a car. The staff were so kind, the rooms were spacious and new, and there's an on-site onsen.