Shinzato Holidays from AU$2,141

Amazing harbor views from the room, impressive indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a panoramic sunset view from the 13th-floor bar featuring delicious Caprese salad, sandwich, Okinawan sausage, and a good drinks selection including local Awamori. Even the tantamen (spicy noodles) from the Chinese restaurant (13th floor) was flavorful. The breakfast (Paseo Garden) and lunch (Annon) buffets were excellent, and the staff were very helpful. The hotel is next to a stadium and Ginowan Seaside Park for safe, well-lit evening walks. The room could use a bit of updating but didn’t detract from the great experience. Highly recommended!

The hotel itself (build quality and amenities) were excellent, and they live up to a design ethos which tries to incorporate the local culture into the build. The rooms are spacious and indeed have a gorgeous view of the ocean. They also have both free and for-pay activities in the hotel that reflect the local culture. They even have local pottery work from famous local artists adorned around the property. Where, I think they could potentially do better: (1) Although the hotel is on the "beach", the beach itself is rocky and has seaweed. There are much better beaches in Okinawa, so if you want to spend time actually swimming or playing in the ocean there are much better beaches in Okinawa. (2) There are a couple of restaurants--prices are high for pretty average food. There are many better and cheaper options outside of the hotel. (3) The pool is shaped in an interesting way, but we did not find it a particularly beautiful or inviting pool to spend time in or around. (4) The staff overall seemed tired and detached. Very few warm and genuine smiles, which is rare for Japan and Asian hospitality.

Breakfast had limited choices.

The location of the hotel is very convenient, its plenty of dining and shopping options around. But the hotel itself is in a quiet part of the area. We had a very comfortable sleep. There is a valet parking available for a small fee which was also very convenient. Our room was spacious, had free mini bar and had nice comfy beds.

We loved this hotel. We were staying in the premier grand suite which was very spacious (2 separate bedrooms at each end of a hallway) and luxurious. We made use of the spa and treatments. Staff were lovely. We also enjoyed the pool but unfortunately there is some construction nearby so noise. Also, the beach was pretty but not swimmable as it is very shallow but good for young children. The breakfast spread was great and had some of the best croissants ever!