Uncover Atami's Hidden Gem: New Akao Onsen Hotel's Secrets!
Uncover Atami's Hidden Gem: New Akao Onsen Hotel's Secrets!
Uncover Atami's Hidden Gem: New Akao Onsen Hotel's Secrets! - A Review That’s Actually Real (and a Little Bit Crazy)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the New Akao Onsen Hotel in Atami. Forget your perfectly polished travel blogs; this is the real deal. And frankly? I'm still reeling. Let's be honest, I'm not sure how I'll string this all into a decent review, because my brain is still a swirling vortex of onsen steam and hotel-induced euphoria. But here we go…
Accessibility (and the Lack of Perfectness!)
Right off the bat, let's tackle the accessibility. The hotel claims to have facilities for disabled guests. I didn't personally test it with a wheelchair, so I can't give a definitive "thumbs up" or "thumbs down." But based on my wobbly-legged meanderings, some areas might be a challenge. The hotel is sprawling, with lots of stairs. So, check very carefully and call ahead if accessibility is a major concern. Don't just rely on my word, okay? I'm easily distracted by pretty views.
- Important Note: I saw an elevator, but like I said, check the specific room's accessibility if that's important to you.
Internet & Staying Connected (or Not!)
Wi-Fi is advertised as "free in all rooms!" Woohoo! But let me tell you, sometimes that signal felt about as strong as a wet noodle. I’m a blogger, folks. I NEED Internet. I needed it to upload those Instagram shots of my luxurious bath. I needed it to frantically Google "how to act like a sophisticated onsen-goer." The Wi-Fi mostly worked, but there were moments of frustrating buffering. So, pack your patience. The LAN option? I didn't even see a cable. So, yeah, good luck with that.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Prepare to be Pampered – or at least, entertained!)
This is where the New Akao Onsen Hotel shines. They've got more ways to unwind than a cat with a yarn ball.
- Onsen Overload: Seriously, SO MANY onsen (hot springs). They boast multiple indoor and outdoor baths, some with amazing views of the Pacific. I spent a shameful amount of time soaking. The water is perfect. The views are breathtaking. I actually saw a sunset from one of the baths and might have shed a single, happy tear. Don't judge me.
- Spa, Spa, Spa…and more Spa: They have a legitimate spa. I got a massage. It was… divine. My shoulders melted. My worries evaporated. I practically floated out of the treatment room. They offer a body scrub and body wraps as well. I was tempted by the idea of a body wrap. But then I remembered my tendency to fall asleep, and the image of me snoring, wrapped in seaweed, was enough to deter me.
- Fitness Center: Yes, they have a fitness center. I, however, did not enter it. Let's be honest, I was using all my energy just to walk to the buffet.
- Pool with View (and a potentially Instagrammable moment): The outdoor pool! Gorgeous. Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. I didn’t swim (it was a bit chilly). But I took plenty of photos.
- Everything Else Relaxation related: There's a foot bath. A sauna. A steam room. Basically, if you can’t relax here, you’re either allergic to joy or secretly a robot.
Cleanliness & Safety (because, you know, we’re still in that era)
This hotel takes hygiene seriously. I saw staff constantly cleaning. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. The breakfast buffet (more on that later) felt super safe. I felt comfortable. They claim to use anti-viral cleaning products and to sanitize rooms between stays. They also seem to have all the required hygiene certifications. All in all, I felt safe and secure.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (Prepare to Eat. Seriously. A LOT.)
Oh. Em. Gee. The food.
- Breakfast Buffet: The breakfast buffet is legendary. Prepare for a feast. Asian and Western options galore. Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs cooked every way imaginable. I may have sampled everything. Including the chocolate fountain. Don't judge me. They even have a breakfast take-away service if you're that ambitious.
- Restaurants Galore: They have multiple restaurants. An international cuisine restaurant. A seafood restaurant. Honestly, my biggest challenge was deciding where to eat.
- The Bar: The bar is well-stocked. The cocktails are potent. The views from the bar are stunning.
- Room Service (24-Hour): Yes! Finally, a hotel that understands the importance of 3 AM ramen cravings!
- Snack Bar and Coffee Shop: Perfect for a quick bite or a caffeine fix.
- Vegetarian Options: There are vegetarian options available.
Services and Conveniences (So Many Perks!)
The hotel offers a ton of conveniences, from a concierge to a convenience store. They have a laundry service, dry cleaning service, and even a currency exchange!
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was consistently immaculate. The staff is efficient.
- Gift Shop (and possibly a souvenir to remind you of that epic sunrise soak): Perfect for grabbing last-minute presents (or souvenirs for yourself).
- Air Conditioning: Yep. Much needed.
- Elevator: Thank goodness!
- Luggage Storage: Helpful.
- Car Park (Free of Charge): Score!
- Doorman: They open the doors for you. It's very civilized.
- Business Facilities: Meeting rooms, photocopying services, and a business center.
- More Stuff: They even have things like a babysitting service, a hair salon, and a shrine.
For the Kids (Yes, They're Welcome!)
The hotel is definitely family-friendly. They have kid's facilities, babysitting service.
Rooms (Ah, My Sanctuary of Serenity…and occasional chaotic messes)
Okay, my room! It was spacious, clean, and had a stunning view.
- Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobe, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed (good for those who are tall or enjoy sprawling), free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor (amazing views!), in-room safe box, internet access (mostly reliable), iron/ironing facilities, laptop workspace, mini bar, non-smoking, private bathroom, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, seating area, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, wake-up service, WiFi (free), window that opens.
- My Specific Room: I had a Japanese-style room with a massive bed (seriously, could have slept an entire party in it). The bathroom was large, clean, and stocked with lovely toiletries.
- Perfect for Photos: I particularly loved the Japanese-style room's aesthetic and overall style. They're perfect for capturing those unique and unforgettable photos.
Getting Around (Beyond the Hotel Walls)
They offer airport transfer and taxi service. There's a car park on-site (free!) and bicycle parking.
Check-in/Out (Smooth Sailing!)
The check-in and check-out process was smooth and efficient. The staff was friendly and helpful.
Overall Vibe:
The New Akao Onsen Hotel is an experience. It's a place where you can relax, indulge, and recharge. Yes, it's big. Yes, it's busy. But it's also incredibly beautiful and offers a truly immersive experience.
The Quirks…and Imperfections:
This hotel isn't picture-perfect. Sometimes the elevator was slow. The Wi-Fi could be temperamental. Some of the decor felt a little…dated. But honestly? It all adds to the charm. It’s not a sterile, corporate hotel. It has character. It has soul. And it definitely has onsen.
My Emotional Reaction?
I loved it! I left feeling relaxed, refreshed, and slightly obsessed with Japanese hot springs. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
Final Verdict:
Go. Just go. Pack your swimsuit, your appetite, and your camera. You won’t regret it.
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Okay, deep breaths. Here’s my attempt at wrangling a chaotic, human-infused itinerary for a trip to Hotel New Akao in Atami, Japan. Buckle up, buttercups, because it’s gonna get… real.
ATAMI ONSEN: Operation Bliss (and/or Bedlam)
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Dreaded Jet Lag
7:00 AM (ish) - Tokyo Narita Airport: The Great Baggage Carousel Gamble. So, I thought I'd be cool, collected, and zen after my flight. Turns out, I'm just a sweaty, caffeine-deprived mess fighting a rogue suitcase on the baggage carousel. My inner monologue is screaming, "WHERE IS MY BAG?! IS IT STILL IN OMAHA?! I NEED MY COMFY PANTS!" Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, the glorious, slightly-battered suitcase appears. Relief washes over me. Until I realize I forgot to pack an adapter. Ugh.
9:00 AM - Train to Atami (Bullet Train, Baby!): A quick, efficient, and surprisingly quiet journey. The Japanese are masters of public transport. I, on the other hand, am currently working on perfecting my "trying not to spill my coffee" balancing act. The scenery flies by… mountains, coastal views, snippets of small towns. Feeling an almost inexplicable joy. I can't believe I'm actually here.
11:00 AM - Hotel New Akao: The First Impression. Woah. That's… a lot of hotel. It's like a cruise ship decided to park itself on a cliff. Grand, a little retro, and definitely Instagrammable. The lobby alone could house a small village. My jaw drops. The check-in process is smooth, the staff is impeccably polite (even when I fumble over my nonexistent Japanese). Already convinced I've made a good choice.
12:00 PM - Lunch at the hotel restaurant, and the existential sushi crisis: The view from the restaurant is beyond stunning. That's the good news. The bad news? The sushi. Don't get me wrong, it's beautifully presented. But I'm a picky eater, and the seaweed situation is making me nervous. I keep picking at it as if I'm afraid to go on a plane.
1:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance and the Quest for the Perfect View: My room! It's gorgeous, spacious, and has a balcony overlooking the entire bay. I spend a solid half-hour just staring out the window, feeling a mix of awe and the creeping tendrils of jet lag. I should probably take a nap, but the view is too distracting. Maybe later.
3:00 PM - First Onsen Experience - Naked and Afraid (of Moderation). Okay, I've psyched myself up. I've read all the etiquette guides. I think I'm ready. I navigate the changing room (which is less daunting than I anticipated) and… step into the hot spring. It's hot. Really, really hot. And I'm surrounded by, well, naked strangers, not sure of what to expect. I retreat like a scalded cat after a minute. I build the courage to try again fifteen minutes later. This time, I can actually handle it. It's pure, unadulterated bliss, a moment of pure zen. I stayed for about 20 minutes. It's heavenly.
5:00 PM - Exploring the Hotel's Treasures, and the Lure of the Karaoke Bar: The hotel has a maze of shops, restaurants, and even a museum showcasing the hotel's history. I wander around, marveling at everything. I'm so tempted by the Karaoke bar, the lure of singing badly to a room of strangers is almost irresistible, but I am also so exhausted.
7:00 PM - Dinner and Dramatic Sunset: Dinner is a multi-course Japanese feast. Delicious, with each dish artfully presented. I try everything, even the things that look a bit… adventurous. The sunset over the ocean paints the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. Utterly breathtaking. A moment of profound contentment.
9:00 PM - Crashed. Hard. Jet lag finally wins. I'm out cold the second my head hits the pillow. A few dreams of singing karaoke in various states of undress.
Day 2: Sunrise Serenity, Cultural Exploration, and More Onsen
6:00 AM - Sunrise Alarm: Or, the Dawn of a New Day (and My Undeniable Laziness). I had grand plans of being a serene, sunrise-viewing goddess. Instead, I hit snooze approximately four times before dragging myself out of bed. Worth it, though. The sky is an absolute blaze of color.
7:00 AM - Breakfast and the Great Noodle Challenge: Breakfast is a buffet. A huge, glorious buffet. I load up on everything from fresh fruit to miso soup to, uh… (checks notes) … raw fish (okay, maybe not raw fish). I attempt to master chopsticks with the noodles, but mostly end up with splashes on my face.
9:00 AM - Explore Atami: The Harbor, the Temples, and the Realization that I'm Terrible at Following Directions: I take a stroll down to the harbor, soaking in the atmosphere. I try to locate some historical temples, using a map that is more art than directional aide. I get lost. Twice. End up walking into a beautifully serene garden. All worth it.
12:00 PM - Lunch: A Spontaneous Sushi Encounter: Finding a small sushi restaurant. It's obviously family-run, the sushi is fresh and delicious, and I actually manage to use my chopsticks like a pro. I discover the best food can sometimes be found purely by accident.
2:00 PM - Hotel New Akao: Second Onsen Attempt. Triumph or Disaster? This time, I feel like an expert. Though I keep glancing over my shoulder to ensure I'm not accidentally breaking any unspoken rules of Japanese bathing. This time, I have no problems. The onsen is pure bliss. I could stay there all day.
4:00 PM - Hotel Gardens: Wandering and Wondering: The hotel has these incredible gardens cascading down the cliffs towards the sea. I spend a couple of hours wandering through them, feeling ridiculously peaceful. I find a hidden waterfall, and it is so beautiful.
6:00 PM - Dinner and the Quiet of Night: Dinner is simpler tonight, just a small selection of local dishes. The evening is quiet. I sit on my balcony, staring out at the ocean.
8:00 PM - Early bedtime: The second night of jet lag hits me hard.
Day 3: Farewell Atami, and The Reluctant Departure
7:00 AM - Farewell Breakfast: The final breakfast. I'm starting to feel a little sad to leave.
9:00 AM - Final Onsen… And a Moment of Emotional Outburst: One last dip in the onsen. I'm practically levitating with relaxation. I sit in the hot water, enjoying the silence, and a wave of nostalgia washes over me. I don't want to leave! I'm sad to be leaving.
10:00 AM - Check-Out and the Dreaded Packing. Packing is never fun.
11:00 AM - Travel to the train station and the train in: One last look at the sea.
1:00 PM (ish) - Back to Reality (aka Tokyo): The train ride back is a blur of landscapes and reflections. I leave Japan with a heart full of wonderful memories, a longing to return soon, and a suitcase full of slightly odd souvenirs.
Uncover Atami's Hidden Gem: New Akao Onsen Hotel's Secrets! (A Hot Mess of FAQs)
...Because honestly, figuring this place out is a journey.
Okay, so… is it REALLY a hidden gem? Because I’ve seen the Instagram stuff. Like, a LOT of it.
Ugh, Instagram. Don't even get me started. It’s *partially* a hidden gem, but maybe more like... a well-advertised secret that's a little bit TOO good at pulling off the “hidden” charade. The *views*, man, they're undeniably stunning. Seriously, the ocean stretches forever, and the way the light hits the cliffside gardens… chef's kiss. But hidden? Nah. The place is buzzin'. Still, even with the crowds, that view? Worth. It. Bring your patience, though, and maybe a good book to escape the selfie stick brigade.
The Gardens! The Gardens! What's the deal? Do you just wander around getting lost in floral bliss?
Okay, the gardens are… intense. Prepare yourself for a commitment. It's not just a quick stroll. Think of it as a proper hike… up and down hills, through manicured mazes. I got lost. Twice. Once, I was convinced I'd stumbled into a secret gnome village. (Okay, maybe that was the sake talking during the garden tour…). The different themed areas are actually pretty impressive. There’s a rose garden that smells like pure heaven, and some weird sculptures that are… well, let's just say they're memorable. Just pack light, wear comfortable shoes, and don't underestimate the power of a good map. Seriously, get the map. I learned the hard way.
Is the food actually good? Because hotel food can be… iffy.
Alright, buckle up, because the food is… a mixed bag. The buffet is huge. HUGE. And honestly? The presentation is Instagram-ready. Everything's beautifully laid out, all vibrant colors and tiny plates. But the taste? Sometimes… underwhelming. I had a piece of fish that tasted like… well, let’s just say I’ve had better fish from a gas station. (Kidding! Mostly.) But then, *bam*! You get a perfectly grilled piece of wagyu beef that melts in your mouth. And the little desserts? Divine. So, the takeaway? Lower your expectations, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised… sometimes. Go for the novelty of trying everything, and embrace the chaos. And the good stuff? Savor it. Seriously, *savor* it.
Okay, let's talk Onsen. Public, private? What's good? What's embarrassing?
The Onsen are, hands down, one of the *best* parts. The views from the outdoor baths? Spectacular. Steaming in hot water while staring at the ocean… pure bliss. Public Onsen? Embrace the awkward! You'll be naked with strangers. It’s a rite of passage. Just try not to stare. Or, you know, if you DO stare, try to act casual about it. The private onsen is AMAZING, though. Totally worth the extra money. Perfect for a romantic evening (or just avoiding the public awkwardness if that's your thing, like me!). I booked one for my anniversary… and spent three glorious hours just soaking and staring at the water. Then, promptly fell asleep in my robe, so, consider yourself warned. If you tend to doze off, set an alarm, or you *will* end up with a very wrinkled, very damp face.
I keep seeing the flower displays. Are they worth the hype?
Okay, the flower displays. The *flower displays*. They're… intense. They're vibrant. They're… a little overwhelming, honestly. They are *everywhere*. Seriously, walking around the hotel feels like you're living inside a floral explosion. Personally, I found them beautiful, but a little *much*. Like, after a while, I just wanted a *plain* wall. But that's me. If you're into that level of floral extravagance, you'll be in heaven. Just be prepared for the scent. Your nose will be doing overtime.
Is it family-friendly? Because I have… *kids*.
Yes and no. They *welcome* families, sure. There were plenty of kids running around. But… it's not necessarily designed for kids, you know? The gardens are gorgeous, yes, but will your toddler appreciate them? Maybe not. The buffet offers a wide range of *stuff*, but finding things *your* kids will eat could be a challenge. And the Onsen? Well, the rules on kids in Onsen are often strict. Honestly? I'd say it's better suited to a romantic getaway or a solo escape. You know, when you can actually *relax* without someone screaming "Mommy! I need a snack!" every five minutes. That said, it's totally doable with kids, just pack all of your sanity. And snacks.
What's the best time to go to Akao? Trying to avoid the crowds.
Okay, the crowds. The *dreaded* crowds. Look, peak season is a no-go. Forget it. Unless you *love* standing in line for everything and sharing your vacation with a thousand strangers, avoid Golden Week, summer holidays, and, heck, probably weekends in general. I went in… well, let's just say it was the "shoulder season," (October) and there were still enough people around that I wanted to scream. From what I hear, weekdays in the off-season are your best bet. Early mornings and late evenings at the Onsen are gold. But honestly? There’s no perfect time. This place is popular for a reason.
Okay, spill. Any hidden costs or annoying surprises I should know about?
Oh, yes. There's always a catch, isn’t there? First, the drinks aren't included in the dinner buffet. And they're pricey. Second, the private Onsen? Not cheap. Third, the *gift shop*. It's tempting. Those little trinkets… the fancy bath products… your wallet will suffer. And finally: the parking. It’s not *free*. So, plan accordingly and budget a bit of extra money for those little "surprises." Honestly, it's worth it overall. But I wish I had budgeted more for the sake of a bottle of sake or two.
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