Uncover Japan's Hidden Gem: Hotel Showa Club Atami - You Won't Believe This!
You Won't Believe This! My Atami Awakening at Hotel Showa Club (Plus, The Weirdest Foot Bath Ever!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from… well, let's just say it was an experience. A Japanese experience. Atami, to be precise, and the star of the show? Hotel Showa Club. I'm calling it a hidden gem, but honestly, after this review, the secret's totally out. Prepare for a wild ride; it’s gonna be less travel blog and more… me, trying to explain what just happened.
(Metadata & SEO Snippets Below - Don't worry, I'll get back to the chaos soon!)
Meta Description: My uncensored review of Hotel Showa Club Atami! From the surprisingly accessible pool with a view to the frankly baffling foot bath. Prepare yourself for a messy, laugh-out-loud, honest take on this hidden Japanese gem! Includes details on accessibility, dining, amenities, and the things nobody tells you!
Keywords: Hotel Showa Club, Atami, Japan, Review, Accessibility, Spa, Pool, Onsen, Japanese Hotel, Travel, Hidden Gem, Food, Cleanliness, Showa Period, Atami Hotels, Accessible Hotels Japan, Hotel Review, Funny Travel Review.
(Now, back to the glorious mess!)
First off, let’s talk accessibility. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I've traveled with people who are, so I always look for it. And honestly, the Hotel Showa Club surprised me. Wheelchair accessible everywhere I could see, with ramps and elevators and all that good stuff. The pool with a view (yes, we'll get to that later) even had what looked like some kind of ramp access. That's a huge win in Japan, where accessibility can… be a challenge, let's say. They’ve got the Facilities for disabled guests clearly in mind. Top marks there, Showa Club.
But let's cut to the chase: the foot bath. I mean, it's Japan, right? You expect things to be… different. And different it was. Forget a relaxing soak in a peaceful setting. This thing… was bizarre. Picture this: a small, somewhat… rustic (read: maybe a little worn) wooden trough. You fill it with hot water and… well, soak your feet. Simple enough, right? Wrong. The water… (deep breath) … the water smelled vaguely of… something. I honestly couldn't place it. Like, a hint of seaweed mixed with a dash of… earth. I'm not sure if it was supposed to be medicinal, or maybe just… geological? Either way, the feeling was… unique. In the end, I enjoyed it!
The spa itself was lovely, mind you. They have the sauna, a steamroom, a proper massage service, and a range of body scrubs and body wraps. I may have indulged. Just saying. It was pure bliss after a day of exploring. They also have a fitness center, but honestly, who goes to Japan to work out? I was more interested in the pool with view, which, as I said, was accessible (very important).
Cleanliness and Safety? Spot On!
This is where the Hotel Showa Club REALLY shines, and I’m not just saying that because this review is supposed to be upbeat. First, the overall Hygiene certification was obvious. The rooms were spotless, and the staff seemed obsessed with cleaning. You could probably eat off the floor (though, don't). They clearly take COVID seriously, and it showed. Anti-viral cleaning products were abundant, and they had the full gamut: Hand sanitizer everywhere, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They offer Room sanitization opt-out, too. The Safe dining setup was perfectly executed. Staff trained in safety protocol. They had Individually-wrapped food options, physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and a real dedication to protecting their guests. You had the option to use Cashless payment service.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Oh My!
Right, the food! Let's dive into some of the finer details. A la carte in restaurant: Yep, they have it, and everything on the menu was lovely. Now, the Asian breakfast was incredible. I swear, I ate enough miso soup to qualify as a native! The buffet in restaurant was impressive, with a good selection of both Asian cuisine in restaurant and, if you're feeling homesick, options for Western cuisine in restaurant. They had a fantastic bar and a poolside bar where I spent a happy hour or two. They offered bottle of water which was nice. Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, and even a Vegetarian restaurant.
Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself. I have to tell you about the Asian breakfast – it was a revelation! Forget your greasy fry-ups, this was a parade of delicate flavors and beautiful presentation. I could have eaten a mountain of that delicious, savory goodness every morning.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
Air conditioning in public area, Concierge service (they helped me decipher a train schedule that looked like hieroglyphics), Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Invoice provided, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and the Safety deposit boxes. They really thought of everything. Seriously, from the moment I walked in, the staff were incredibly helpful. The Doorman (who always greeted me with a smile) to the always helpful Concierge, the service was top-notch.
I’m particularly impressed with the contactless check-in/out, which made everything super easy. Plus, the hotel offered a convenience store on-site, which came in handy for late-night snack attacks.
For the Kids (or Kid-Like Adults Like Me!)
I didn't travel with any kids, but I couldn't help but notice the Family/child friendly vibes. I saw some Kids facilities and, for parents who need a break, a Babysitting service. They've thought of all the bases.
The Rooms – My Sanctuary (After the Foot Bath)
Alright, so the rooms themselves? Absolutely fantastic. They totally did the whole Japan-meets-modern thing perfectly. My room had Air conditioning, of course (essential!), an Alarm clock, amazing Bathrobes, a Bathtub, Blackout curtains, that were a lifesaver after a long day of exploring, a Closet, a Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea (always a plus!), Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, a Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, and Wi-Fi [free]. It was a wonderfully comfortable haven, a welcome escape from the glorious chaos of the day.
Oh, and did I mention the view? The view! From my window, I could see… well, I’m not sure what I could see, exactly. Mountains, the ocean, maybe even a glimpse of Mount Fuji if the clouds were feeling generous. It was truly breathtaking.
Getting Around
They offered Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], and even Taxi service. I didn't use any of these because I'm lazy and took the train, but it's good to know the options are there.
The Verdict: Go, But Be Prepared for… the Unexpected!
So, should you go to Hotel Showa Club? Absolutely! It's a fantastic hotel, combining modern comfort with a touch of authentic Japanese charm. The staff are lovely, the location is great, and the amenities are top-notch. Just… be prepared for the foot bath. Be prepared for the unexpected. Be prepared to fall in love with Japan, one slightly bizarre, but ultimately delightful, experience at a time.
Final Thoughts:
- Best Thing: The overall experience. The staff, the accessibility, the view… it all just worked.
- Worst Thing: The foot bath's… aroma.
- My Prediction: This place is going to become super popular. Book now, before it's impossible!
- Would I Go Back? In a heartbeat. Especially for that Asian breakfast (and to try to figure out that foot bath!).
(More Metadata to Finish!)
- Hotel Chain: [If applicable, but not listed in the provided data]
- Smoking Area: Yes
- **CCTV
Hotel Showa Club, Atami: My Love-Hate Letter (and Itinerary)
Okay, buckle up. This isn't going to be your pristine, Instagram-ready itinerary. This is the real, sweaty, jet-lagged truth of a few days in Atami, Japan, centered around the (hopefully!) gorgeous Showa Club. Honestly, I booked this on a whim, fueled by a late-night sake and promises of retro chic. Let's see if I'm regretting it yet…
Day 1: Arrival and the Curse of the Tiny Japanese Hotel Room
- 1:00 PM - Narita Airport (NRT) - Arrival & Train Debacle: Landed. Jet lag is already punching me in the face. Found out, the hard way, that the vending machines don't take my particular debit card. Ugh. Managed to wrangle a Suica card (thank GOD for those) and finally stumbled onto the Narita Express, praying I wouldn't fall asleep and miss my stop. (Spoiler alert: I almost did. Almost. My internal alarm clock of sheer panic woke me up with a jolt, just in time.)
- 4:00 PM - Train Transfer Chaos and Mountain Views: Switched trains in Tokyo. The Tokyo station, by the way, is a swirling vortex of humanity and perfectly synchronized commuters. Honestly, felt like I was in a video game, desperately trying to level up my "Direction Following" skill. This train to Atami, though… beautiful. Coastal views. Mountains plunging into the sea. I was even starting to feel… optimistic.
- 6:00 PM - Showa Club Check-in - "Retro Chic," More Like "Retro… Cramped": Finally! Arrived at Hotel Showa Club. The lobby is cool. Dimly lit, with a vaguely art deco vibe. Then I saw my room. Tiny. Like, seriously, the size of a… well, a very, very small box. Where do they keep the air in these places? I could barely swing a cat (not that I have a cat, mind you). This is where the love-hate relationship begins. The view from the balcony (once I wrestled it open) is stunning, overlooking the bay. Okay, maybe, just maybe, this whole "retro chic" is worth it.
- Anecdote: I spent a solid five minutes trying to figure out the light switches. Seriously, Japan, why are they always so complicated? Finally, after much fumbling, I managed to illuminate the room. Then, I accidentally turned on the emergency blinking lights. Cue mortified scramble for the off switch.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner at the Hotel: The pre-fixed dinner menu. I'm a bit of a foodie, so the prospect of traditional Japanese cuisine gets me hyped. The plating, even, has a cool, retro vibe. The taste? Honestly? Some of it was spectacular, some of it was… an experience. (Let's just say, I'm still trying to figure out what some of those… things… were.) The sake, however, was divine. And the service? Impeccable. They even tried to understand my broken Japanese. Points for effort!
- 9:00 PM - Sleep (hopefully). Praying the jet lag doesn't win. Hoping my tiny room won't give me claustrophobia. And dreaming of the onsen.
Day 2: Onsen Bliss and the Quest for the Perfect Coffee
- 7:00 AM - Wake-up (because jet lag is cruel): Sun streaming through the (tiny) window. Ugh. Time for the onsen!
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel: The breakfast spread was a solid start – proper Japanese breakfast with miso soup, rice, grilled fish, and all the fixings. The view from the dining room certainly helped the morning wake-up. Plus, I figured out the weird light switches in my room! Small victory.
- 9:00 AM - Onsen Time: The Heat, The Steam, The Sheer Perfection (Kind Of): Oh. My. God. The onsen. Okay, this is what I came here for. Stepping into the steaming water, overlooking the ocean… pure bliss. The initial heat blast almost took my breath away, but once I acclimatized, I could have stayed there all day. The feeling of utter relaxation was worth every cramped inch of that hotel room.
- Anecdote: I, in my blissful state of onsen relaxation, almost forgot I needed to rinse off before getting in. Nearly caused a scandal. Learned that lesson quickly. And the hotel staff were ever so polite in gently reminding me.
- 1:00 PM - Atami Exploration!: Leaving the heavenly onsen was hard, but I had to check out what Atami had to offer. Tried to rent a bike, failed. Walked around the town, though. Quaint. Crowded, but quaint. Tried the local specialty: Atami mochi. Meh. Overpriced.
- 2:30 PM - Coffee Quest: Desperate for caffeine. This is where the wheels truly fell off. Found a cute little cafe, promising "authentic Japanese coffee." Ordered an iced latte. It tasted like… slightly flavored water. My quest continues! The search for good coffee in Japan is a lifelong mission, I'm starting to think.
- 4:00 PM - Showa Club Exploring: Took a walk around the hotel. Found the secret garden the hotel mentions! It was really pretty, a hidden gem, and much bigger than my room. Feeling a bit more love for the hotel.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at a restaurant outside the Hotel: Found a great restaurant outside the hotel. Japanese food is still an adventure, but it sure is a delicious one.
- 9:00 PM - Back to Tiny Room, Repeat: Woke up again at midnight. Too hot. Too cramped. Too much jet lag. But, the onsen… must keep the faith.
Day 3: Farewell (Maybe Not Goodbye?): The Final Verdict and the Coffee Revelation
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast and the View: One last breakfast gazing out at the ocean. Really, the view from this hotel is its saving grace.
- 9:00 AM - One Last Onsen Immersion: One last soak. Soaking up every last moment of tranquility.
- 11:00 AM - Coffee Epiphany!: Finally! Found a tiny coffee shop tucked away down a side street. Real, strong, delicious coffee. Victory!
- 12:00 AM - Check-out and Departure: Leaving Hotel Showa Club. Mixed feelings. Loved the onsen, the view, the service. Hated the room size. Still not sure if the "retro chic" is worth the price, but the experience, the moments of pure joy… maybe, just maybe, it was.
- 1:00 PM - Train to Nowhere (or, rather, the next leg of my adventure!): On the train to the next adventure. Looking back. Smiling, despite myself.
Final Verdict: Hotel Showa Club, you're a quirky, cramped, occasionally bizarre experience. But you also gave me moments of pure joy. You win. I'm already planning my return, maybe… just maybe… I'll upgrade to a slightly less tiny room next time…
Escape to Texas Charm: Hampton Inn Kenedy Awaits!
Uncover Japan's Hidden Gem: Hotel Showa Club Atami - You Won't Believe This! (FAQ - Seriously, You Need to Know)
Okay, Okay, So What *IS* This Showa Club Atami Place Anyway?! And Is It Actually...Good?
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this is where it gets real. The Showa Club Atami? Think retro-chic meets seriously quirky. Imagine a time machine vomited up the 1960s (in a good way, mostly) onto a cliff overlooking Atami Bay. It's not slick, it's not polished, and honestly, that's the beauty of it. It's like stepping into a Wes Anderson film, but with more...well, character.
And is it good? Oof. That's a loaded question. For me? Absolutely. I fell head over heels. For my meticulously-organized friend Sarah? Probably not. (Sorry, Sarah!) It's not your typical luxury hotel. There are imperfections, there are oddities, there's probably a ghost or two hiding in the shadows... but there's also genuine charm and a vibe you won't find anywhere else. It's a 'love it or leave it' kind of place, and I'm firmly in the *love it* camp. That said, be prepared for a slightly messy aesthetic and not everything is top-tier luxury... that's part of the charm!
The Rooms... Tell Me About The Rooms! Are We Talking Moldy Sheets and Creaky Floors?!
Okay, deep breaths. The rooms... yeah, this is where the 'character' really shines, or maybe *slightly* groans. I stayed in one room that definitely had seen better days, with some peeling wallpaper (which surprisingly I found charming in a faded-glory way). The sheets? Not exactly Egyptian cotton, but clean and perfectly functional. The creaky floors? OH YES. Be prepared to be woken up by every single step your roommate takes in the middle of the night. Embrace it. It's part of the experience!
But I also peeked into a few *other* rooms (don't judge me!) and some were genuinely, seriously, stunning. Huge picture windows overlooking the bay! Traditional Japanese touches! So, it's a bit of a gamble. Don't go expecting pristine perfection. Go expecting something…well, unexpectedly wonderful. I'm still dreaming of the view from my window! And ok, yes, the sheets aren't fancy, but they're clean, and you'll survive. Promise.
The Food! Is it Worth Getting Excited About? (I'm always hungry...)
The food...oh, the food. Okay, so this is where I get *really* excited. They serve kaiseki-style meals (multiple-course traditional Japanese) and it's… glorious. Seriously, I’m not even a huge seafood fan, but I was practically *inhaling* the sushi. The presentation, the flavors, the tiny little dishes that just kept coming… it was an experience. My tastebuds practically did a happy dance.
BUT (and there's always a but, isn't there?) I'm pretty sure I saw a fish that was…*looking* at me. Okay, maybe it was the sake talking. But seriously, the food is amazing, but be prepared to be slightly overwhelmed with courses. Pace yourself. It's a marathon, not a sprint. And for heaven's sake, try the local sake! It's delicious and will probably make you feel like you're in an old movie.
The Onsen (Hot Springs)! Tell Me All About It. Are They as Good As Everyone Says? Are There Naked People?! (Asking for a friend.)
Alright, alright, the onsen. Let's talk soaking. Yes, the onsen is fantastic. Like, 'melt all your stress away' fantastic. The views from the outdoor baths are breathtaking – you're basically sitting in a steaming pool with a panoramic view of the ocean. Pure bliss.
And yes, there are naked people. Get over it. It's Japan. It's part of the culture. Embrace the communal bathing experience! It's actually incredibly relaxing and, honestly, quite humbling. I was a bit self-conscious at first (I'm not exactly bikini model material!), but everyone is so respectful. Just remember the basic onsen etiquette: scrub, rinse, and no staring. Just… let it happen. You'll feel amazing afterwards. And yes, my 'friend' loved it too!
Is it Hard to Get To? (I'm a terrible navigator - and easily lose my suitcase, apparently.)
Getting to Atami is relatively easy. You can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo, which is fast and efficient. From Atami station, it's a taxi ride up the hill. The road is a little windy, so hold on! And make sure you've got your suitcase (unlike *some* people I know...). Once you arrive you'll find it is worth every moment.
The road up is a little windy. If you get carsick, take some medication. And, for the love of all that is holy, keep an eye on your luggage! I mean it.
What's the Vibe? Is it Touristy? Is it Relaxed? Do People Actually Speak English?
The vibe? Relaxed. Very relaxed. It's not a party hotel by any stretch of the imagination. Think quiet evenings sipping sake, reading a book, and enjoying the views. It's a place to unwind, disconnect, and soak up the atmosphere. It's not overrun with tourists (thank goodness!).
English? Let's just say the staff are incredibly helpful and try their best. But brush up on your basic Japanese phrases. A little 'konnichiwa' goes a long way! Google Translate is your friend. Embrace the language barrier as part of the adventure! Prepare to point and smile a lot. Be patient, and be prepared for some hilarious misunderstandings. Honestly, some of my favorite memories involve struggling to communicate! It all adds to the fun.
Is it Family-Friendly? Should I Bring the Kids? (Mine are little terrors.)
Hmm. That's a tough one. Showa Club is not specifically designed for children. There's no dedicated kids' club or anything. The onsen is generally not suitable for very young children. If your kids are relatively well-behaved and appreciate a bit of history, art, and culture, then maybe. But if they are little balls of energy who need constant entertainment, then probably not – unless you don’t mind a little bit of chaos!
There are a few rooms that might work for families, but double-check the room layout and space. It's more of a place for quiet reflection, enjoying the atmosphere, and possibly whispering in awe - your wild children are not going to like it. If your kids behave wellBook Hotels Now
