Pietro B.
Google
Probably one of the most controversial reviews I've ever had to write.
While on the one hand, the place is honestly cared for down to the smallest details, with countless comforts, courteous and professional staff, and refined and detailed cuisine, all of this clashes with certain aspects that, when also connected to the international clientele, at least in my opinion, weigh on the final score.
Our plan included three dinners, each objectively identical between the first and second courses, to the point that we had to explicitly request a menu change. This request was fortunately granted, but honestly, something you wouldn't expect from a place of this caliber. You'd expect something surprising, exciting, and overwhelming, and unfortunately, that wasn't the case, despite the undeniable quality and freshness of the products.
Added to this is the fact that for every small change to the meal, or even a simple refill of a small cup of objectively delicious soup, we were told we'd have to pay... I think it was perhaps 100 ml of product. It was certainly expensive, and the price was justified, but given the overall cost of staying here, you wouldn't expect that—at least, I didn't.
Another issue is the English language, which, despite the modern IT tools available, and despite the kindness of the staff, has proven to be a communication barrier, something you wouldn't expect from a place of this caliber.
Another factor that, as a smoker, I honestly didn't like is what they call a smoking area (I should point out that I fully accept smoking in a designated area). In any case, it consists of a hovel outside the building, without even a bench or chair, nestled between a wall/window and a perforated brick wall spaced perhaps less than 50 cm apart, all hidden behind some plants. Now, I understand there's a certain attitude towards tobacco in Japan, but I reiterate that, given the international clientele, giving a smoker the chance to not feel punished would be appreciated.
I'll conclude with one last point. Although we declined to have our beds turned down at check-in (an example of linguistic misunderstanding), while we were showering with music on, at 7:30 PM we found a staff member in our room incessantly asking "excuse me." I understand that if you don't get a response, it could be because there's no one in the room and it's fine to make the bed, but if you knock, get no response, open the door, and hear music plus the sound of the shower, you don't stay in the room constantly asking "excuse me," you should immediately close the door and leave.
In short, when I say "controversial" review, I mean that on the one hand, there's a lot that's positive and objectively special—the location, the spa, overall comfort, the quality of the food, and the kindness of the staff—but on the other hand, there are objectively some details that, for a place like this, can/should be improved—perhaps improved for me, improved based on my cultural approach, whatever you prefer, but improved.
Thanks in any case for the experience, but 5 stars is too much for me. Arigatou.
