Shimoda Prince Hotel

We stayed 2 nights at this hotel. Our family has 6 people - myself and my husband, and our 4 children (18, 16, 6, 5). We were told we had to get 2 rooms per the occupancy rules so we booked 2 rooms. The rooms were both on the same floor but at opposite ends of the hallway, despite a request to put us close together. When we arrived, one room had a futon (each room had 2 futons) made up into a twin bed. The other room did not. In reality, our entire family could have stayed in one room with both futons made into twin beds as the other beds were doubles and slept two people. After being forced to book 2 rooms, we realized that they expected our 5 year old son to sleep with one of the adults. We asked for the linens to make the futon into a bed and were told it would be an extra charge of 3700 yen per night (for literally one flat sheet, a comforter, and a pillow). We declined and had our son share a bed with a parent. The rooms were also incredibly hot for the entirety of our stay. Even with the temperature turned all the way down on the air conditioning, it never got below 77 degrees F (25C) the entire stay in either room. We were able to get a fan on the second night (there were none left the first night when we asked bc it was so hot) but even then it only dropped it another 2F. It was miserable. If I had not already prepaid for the 2 rooms, we would have gone elsewhere. The breakfast buffet was not very good and pretty pricey (2500 yen per person). Would not stay again.

With our 2.5 year-old toddler, we stayed at this vintage hotel whose best asset was its stunning beachfront. Our initial room on the first floor was rather worn and not well-maintained, which concerned us. However, the front desk staff promptly moved us to a much better room. Their responsiveness was truly appreciated. Despite the room issue, the hotel’s amazing beach made our stay pleasant. With its fantastic location and captivating views, a bit of renovation could certainly elevate the experience for future guests.