Kanehide Kise Beach Palace

This hotel offers a memorable stay, primarily due to its stunning ocean views from every room, providing a picturesque backdrop for any visit. Its signature feature is its direct beachfront access, allowing guests to step right onto the sand and enjoy the coastal environment. The hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a peaceful and romantic getaway, and families looking for a convenient base for beach activities, despite some limitations. Sightseers and explorers will also find it a good fit for touring northern Okinawa, though a car is highly recommended for ease of movement. To make the most of your stay, consider renting a vehicle for greater flexibility and be aware of potential additional costs for certain beach amenities.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently comment on the hotel's parking situation, which is generally free but can be limited directly in front of the hotel, sometimes requiring guests to use scattered or off-site lots, some of which involve crossing a busy road. While free Wi-Fi is available and generally praised for its quality, some guests reported occasional connectivity issues. The convenience of coin-operated laundry facilities is a notable plus for longer stays. An on-site shop offers souvenirs and snacks, and nearby convenience stores are within walking distance. Many guests express disappointment that the hotel lacks a dedicated bar or cafe for evening drinks, and the swimming pool is consistently noted as being closed or used for storage, which is a significant drawback for those expecting a pool.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high marks for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as spotless, well-maintained, and newly renovated. Rooms are consistently praised for being spacious and large, especially for a Japanese hotel, and all offer an ocean view from a private balcony, often equipped with a table and chairs. Feedback on beds is mixed; some guests find them comfortable, while others describe them as firm. The bathroom size is generally appreciated, often featuring a full bathtub, though some guests note the combined toilet and bath setup or occasional drainage issues. While the hotel is generally quiet, some isolated comments mention noise levels from wind, a noisy refrigerator, or bright AC lights, and a few guests reported a persistent moldy smell in their rooms or from the air conditioning.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is a prominent feature, with most guests finding it good, delicious, and diverse, offering a wide array of options and good value. However, some guests found the variety limited for longer stays, or described it as being at a "business hotel level," with a few specific complaints about certain dishes. The on-site izakaya and restaurant receive positive feedback for their enjoyable food, good value, and plentiful menus, though some guests experienced difficulties with reservations or found the restaurant lacked lunch options. A recurring point of feedback is the absence of a dedicated bar for evening drinks, which many guests wished for to enjoy the sunset. Room service is not available, which some guests noted as a limitation.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's beachfront location is a major draw, providing immediate access to the ocean. It is conveniently situated near the expressway, making it a good base for exploring both northern and southern Okinawa, including attractions like the aquarium. However, a significant number of guests emphasize that a car is essential due to the hotel's relatively isolated setting. There is not much within immediate walking distance, and public transport options are limited, making taxi fares expensive for airport transfers. While some nearby restaurants and convenience stores are accessible on foot, many dining options require driving. The hotel's position offers a peaceful retreat away from urban congestion.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight their welcoming demeanor, professionalism, and willingness to assist with various requests, contributing significantly to a positive experience. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as seamless. While many staff members are eager to help, some guests noted a language barrier, with limited English proficiency among certain staff, occasionally requiring the use of translation apps. Housekeeping is generally efficient and maintains room cleanliness. However, a few isolated incidents of miscommunication or perceived unhelpfulness were reported, particularly regarding restaurant reservations or bus transfer information.

Additional Information
A significant point of contention for many guests revolves around the beach amenities fees. Despite the hotel's direct beach access, guests are often surprised to find that they must pay extra for items like beach towels, deck chairs, and access to the inflatable aqua park, as the beach facilities are operated by a separate company. This policy, along with restrictions like snorkeling not being allowed in certain areas, leads to frustration for some. The hotel also has a tattoo policy that restricts visible tattoos in certain areas, including the beach. While the hotel has undergone renovations, making rooms feel new and clean, the consistent unavailability of the swimming pool (often used for storage) is a recurring disappointment. Many guests, however, find the hotel offers excellent value for money given its beachfront location and room quality.