REF Okinawa Arena by Vessel Hotels — Hotel in Okinawa

I initially planned to stay on the military base but found this hotel on Agoda. It was a great find— virtually brand, spanking new; clean, and well-furnished, with a minimalist aesthetic that suited the small room size. Traveling solo, I found the room comfortable, safe, and secure. If my husband had joined, we would have needed a larger space. The twin beds were SUPER close together with very little space between them.||Located about ten minutes from American Village, this hotel felt central to the military base and other destinations, such as the beach. While I would have preferred a sea view, I was content with my stay. As a Black female staying alone for the first time in Okinawa, I put together a list of tips for Americans, staying at this particular hotel in Okinawa based on my experience in hopes that it might help others:||1. Room Key Use: Your room key is needed for elevator access (going up only) and for the lights in your room. Insert the key into the slot on your left upon entering. Lights can also be controlled from the panel above the bed's headboard.|2. Towels: Rooms have bath and hand towels, but not washcloths. Washcloths and other toiletries, like hair treatment packets, shower caps, toothbrushes, and toothpaste, are available on the supply table in the lobby. A plastic bag can be used to tote the items and is found on the shelf, near the pajamas.|3. Bathroom Amenities: The bathroom features a bidet and self-flushing toilet, controlled by a panel on the wall.|4. Refrigerator and Microwave: The room has a small refrigerator that needs to be powered on. A microwave is available on the 2nd floor, along with an ice and vending machine.|5. Climate Control: Rooms have remotes for heating and air conditioning. Use a translator app as the instructions are in Japanese.|6. Umbrellas: Umbrellas are available in the entryway, essential during the rainy season (May-July).|7. Translation: Use the camera function on a translation app for the many Japanese signs.|8. Convenience Store: The 24-hour Family Mart next to the hotel offers a variety of snacks, meals, and beverages. They can heat food for you. Similar stores include Lawson's and some 7-Elevens.|9. Breakfast Buffet: Available from 7-10 am, the buffet may differ from American breakfasts. Expect items like fresh ramen, hamburgers, ice cream, and salad. The cost while I was there was about $13 USD, which I thought was great.|10. Housekeeping: Choose your preferred frequency for housekeeping services. Clean towels are provided daily in a tote bag on your door handle. Trash can be placed outside for pickup.|11. Rooftop Amenities: The 8th floor has a rooftop pool (fee required), hot tub, and bar. The public bath is free, and a complimentary drink coupon is included in your welcome packet.|12. Public Bath: Pajamas are provided for use in the public bath. I didn't use it but my understanding is that nudity is customary.|13. Storage: Rooms have limited storage, with no closets, nightstands, or drawers. A rail with hangers is provided for garments.|14. Bathroom Features: The compact bathroom includes a powerful handheld showerhead, bidet, fog-resistant mirror, and pump bottles of shampoo, conditioner,...

I initially planned to stay on the military base but found this hotel on Agoda. It was a great find— virtually brand, spanking new; clean, and well-furnished, with a minimalist aesthetic that suited the small room size. Traveling solo, I found the room comfortable, safe, and secure. If my husband had joined, we would have needed a larger space. The twin beds were SUPER close together with very little space between them.||Located about ten minutes from American Village, this hotel felt central to the military base and other destinations, such as the beach. While I would have preferred a sea view, I was content with my stay. As a Black female staying alone for the first time in Okinawa, I put together a list of tips for Americans, staying at this particular hotel in Okinawa based on my experience in hopes that it might help others:||1. Room Key Use: Your room key is needed for elevator access (going up only) and for the lights in your room. Insert the key into the slot on your left upon entering. Lights can also be controlled from the panel above the bed's headboard.|2. Towels: Rooms have bath and hand towels, but not washcloths. Washcloths and other toiletries, like hair treatment packets, shower caps, toothbrushes, and toothpaste, are available on the supply table in the lobby. A plastic bag can be used to tote the items and is found on the shelf, near the pajamas.|3. Bathroom Amenities: The bathroom features a bidet and self-flushing toilet, controlled by a panel on the wall.|4. Refrigerator and Microwave: The room has a small refrigerator that needs to be powered on. A microwave is available on the 2nd floor, along with an ice and vending machine.|5. Climate Control: Rooms have remotes for heating and air conditioning. Use a translator app as the instructions are in Japanese.|6. Umbrellas: Umbrellas are available in the entryway, essential during the rainy season (May-July).|7. Translation: Use the camera function on a translation app for the many Japanese signs.|8. Convenience Store: The 24-hour Family Mart next to the hotel offers a variety of snacks, meals, and beverages. They can heat food for you. Similar stores include Lawson's and some 7-Elevens.|9. Breakfast Buffet: Available from 7-10 am, the buffet may differ from American breakfasts. Expect items like fresh ramen, hamburgers, ice cream, and salad. The cost while I was there was about $13 USD, which I thought was great.|10. Housekeeping: Choose your preferred frequency for housekeeping services. Clean towels are provided daily in a tote bag on your door handle. Trash can be placed outside for pickup.|11. Rooftop Amenities: The 8th floor has a rooftop pool (fee required), hot tub, and bar. The public bath is free, and a complimentary drink coupon is included in your welcome packet.|12. Public Bath: Pajamas are provided for use in the public bath. I didn't use it but my understanding is that nudity is customary.|13. Storage: Rooms have limited storage, with no closets, nightstands, or drawers. A rail with hangers is provided for garments.|14. Bathroom Features: The compact bathroom includes a powerful handheld showerhead, bidet, fog-resistant mirror, and pump bottles of shampoo, conditioner,...

From an American perspective, this hotel is sort of a Japanese Hampton Inn, and then some. It sits between two major roads and overlooks an Arena, Kadena Air Base, and Okinawa City. It has ample free parking as long as there are no events in progress at the arena. Morning breakfast buffet offers plenty of selections. The public bath area is a great place to first wash-up and shower, then soak in the baths, use the sauna and cold pool. It was rainy when we stayed, but the roof looks to be an excellent place to relax with lots of comfy chairs, pool, and hot tub, plus bar. We used and appreciated the self-laundry. Despite being between major roads, we had no trouble sleeping and did not notice any noise. There is a convenience store out front and another a short walk away. Kadena Gate 2 is about a 15-minute walk. Some of the rooms according to their website are on the small side, we went with a deluxe room about the size of a standard room at home, without any of the special/thematic decor. Our room was an updated modernized Japanese style: off with the shoes after entry, synthetic tatami mats, short but elevated table and seats, elevated futons. Lots of really nice things about this fairly new hotel made it work for a short stay, but a really tight room entryway and living traditionally close to the floor (albeit slightly elevated) persuaded us we would not want to make it an...