Seikai — Hotel in Beppu

A resort hotel with a very nice view and private onsen bath. Rooms were facing seaside and one can see the sunrise every morning (subject to weather conditions). The private onsen was great and we made good use of it.

The room was well designed as the sleeping area was not in front of the windows, but still get a bit of sun should you prefer. The pantry has a door and can be hidden from sight; I thought that was a great design.

The washroom was separate to the shower area and is typical of larger Japanese rooms. The sink in the washroom was very small, and was somewhat impractical. We used the pantry basin more than the washroom basin.

We didn't try any of the public onsen so couldn't comment on that. We did however try both restaurants which had a very similar style food. If you ordered the course, they come with enough food to make you full. If you decide on the a la cart menu, it is very limited and both restaurants literally served the same a la cart menu. A bit disappointed with the restaurant.

The bar was small but cosy. Drinks were not cheap and on par with similar 5 star hotels. Drink selection was average but they did have a selection of fine wines, of which we didn't order. There were also cigars available for purchase.

Staff was very friendly and service was very good. I found quite a number of English speaking staff which was different to what I read online. They were able to accommodate us and explain to us the various services and facilities.

Check out was a big reminder to a commercial oriented hotel. We asked for a one hour late heck out, and was told that this would cost 2750yen per room for the hour. Our train for Hakata was at 2pm and most other hotels would have accommodated that free of charge. We stayed here for 3 nights x 2 rooms, spent money at their bar and also restaurants. Seemed like a small favor to request for. Thus a 4 star.

Pros - Great view with sunrise viewing. Various onsen to choose from, including a private in room onsen. Lots of on duty staff, quite a few speaks good English. Breakfast had good selection but just average. Close to various Jigoku sites and bus was just across the street. Room was well designed and was comfortable

Cons - -Restaurants were a bit disappointing. Lacking choice and menu selection. Both restaurants were so similar, and there is practically nothing nearby as alternative choices. -commercial oriented hotel were everything is about money. -they cheaped out on TV channels. Nothing in English. Everything said please subscribe; somewhat cheap for an international hotel. -nothing nearby, best to have a car to have better choice for food or entertainment. -not...

I had the pleasure to enjoy 4 nights in this lovely resort and escape. Originally, I was a little upset that being a tattooed person, I was not allowed in the onseen. When I entered my room and saw my personal spa, I no longer felt like I would be missing out. If depending on public transportion know that this resort is not close to the center. This can also be a blessing for those who want to stay out of the mix. It's about 2000¥ from town by taxi. While I was staying the 2nd floor, dining and top floor onseen were both under construction (04/24). They offer a lovely complimentary spirit at checkin and every day from 3-5pm.

Service: Every encounter was truly kind, sincere, and hospitable. These people care about what they do and are professionals. From the moment my bag was dropped off to the moment I walked to my taxi every member of stay was very kind and helpful. There was even a situation where a pair of my trousers were accidentally taken out of my room. Management went above and beyond the call of duty and reached out to their laundry partners and found them! Not only that, they kept me informed with updates on the situation. Then would you believe it? They sent me the trousers through express mail. This level of hospitality is rare in this day and age. As a fellow career hospitality worker, this warms my heart. Such dedication. 6 out of 5 for service.

Breakfast: rarely have I encountered such a magnificent spread in my years and years of extensive travel. Western and Eastern Breakfast is covered with a great deal of quality. Everything you could need it there. The only way it could ever be improved would be to add an espresso machine. I loved the green juice and the shumai. The fruit was amazing, and so was the rice! 5 out of 5 easy.

Rooms: I felt like a kind in these HUGE rooms. The view is unmatched, and so is the onsuite onseen. There are plenty of amenities and more on demand. The linens are of fine quality, and the beds are large and comfortable. True that some of the fittings need a face-lift and there are little dings and scratches but that I'd to be expected of such a popular resort. I quite enjoyed my sanctuary. Of course, the private spa was the jewl in this crown. It was quite as well. I never once heard a neighbor.

Overall, my stay was great, but the management team by far made it even greater. In fact, they made this visit epic / legendary. I would happily give this resort all its stars and more. Thank you to Tsu TsuI, Lisa, and the French gentleman (I'm sorry I never got your name). It was an honor staying with you. I would return...

A seaside ryokan with great views, but with caveats.

First impression entering the ryokan: 5/5 We drove into the hotel, luggage was handled by the staff with great care, and they had valet service that will take care of your car. Free parking on site.

During check in: 3/5 Check in procedure was quick, but we were not provided any welcome drink immediately after, only after about 30 mins were we given one drink per person. All other ryokans that I have stayed in provided it first thing when you sit at the reception.

Hot springs: 4/5 One female and one male bath, does not rotate based on timing. Size is okay, can easily fit about 10 people without feeling too crowded. Towels provided at the bath area so you don't have to bring one from your room. No cold drinks or ice cream provided for free, everything is paid.

Dinner: 1/5 Paying 35k yen per person per night, I am expecting a very good dinner spread at the Gen restaurant which serves kaiseki. But what I got were food that is questionable at best. The main course that is the Oita Wagyu beef, contains too much muscle meat, and not much fats. The overall flavor was covered by the butterbur (I have no idea that this is) that smothers the beef. Frankly, I don't even think it's A4 grade. The staff serving us was also not providing the best service. Towards the end of the meal, they just placed the next course on the side after clearing. I had to bring the tray and bowl myself in front of myself.

Rooms: 3/5 Spacious room with good bed. You have your own private onsen too, which is nice. But one huge complaint that I have, which spurred me to write this review, is that even though I requested non-smoking room, the ryokan apparently allowed guests to smoke at the balcony. I had a nasty experience where while I am soaking in the private outdoor bath, a neighbour decided to smoke 3 sticks. This is highly unpleasant for me, and when I called the ryokan front desk, they said nothing can be done. No where on their website did they mention that smoking is allowed. But to their credit, they also did not mention that it's a non-smoking establishment.

Overall rating of ryokan: 2/5 Ryokan is a fake "premium". You pay 35k per person per night, to receive quality that is severely lacking in many places.

Verdict: Take your...