Relax Resort Hotel

I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Relax Resort Hotel in Atami, I wasn’t expecting much from the name (it sounds pretty generic, right?). But this place actually surprised me in the best way possible. It’s tucked away on Sakimi-cho, which is one of those quieter side streets that locals seem to know about but tourists often miss. You’re still close enough to hear the ocean if you listen carefully, especially from the upper floors, but far enough from the main drag that you won’t deal with those tour buses rumbling by at 7 AM.

What really got me was how they’ve managed to blend that traditional onsen town vibe with modern comfort without making it feel forced. The lobby has this understated elegance – none of that over-the-top marble nonsense you see at some hotels. The staff actually remembers your name after day one, which honestly doesn’t happen much anymore. And here’s something practical that matters: parking is included and easy, which is huge in Atami where street parking can be a nightmare during cherry blossom season. The rooms themselves are spacious by Japanese standards – I mean, you can actually open your suitcase without having to move furniture around. Most have decent views too, though if you’re staying in spring or fall, definitely request something facing the hillside.

You know what really sets this place apart though? The location gives you options. You can walk to Kinomiya Shrine in about fifteen minutes if you don’t mind a bit of uphill (totally worth it), or head down toward the station area when you want that bustling hot spring town energy. The hotel’s own onsen facilities are solid – not the biggest you’ll find in Atami, but the water quality is excellent and it never felt crowded when I was there. They’ve got both indoor and outdoor baths, and the outdoor one has this view that’s particularly nice around sunset. I stayed here twice – once in August and once in November – and honestly, the cooler weather visit was better. Summer gets pretty humid, but the ocean breeze does help. The 8.7 rating makes sense to me; it’s not perfection, but it’s the kind of place where the small details add up to something genuinely comfortable and relaxing.