"Facilities: The hotel building has its name prominently displayed on the top floor, making it easy to spot and find. It’s a traditional Japanese hotel; while the facilities might look a bit dated, they possess a charm and strength that comes with age. The rooms are spacious, with a separate wet and dry area. The bathroom vanity is also large, which is quite generous for a hot spring hotel offering dinner and breakfast (ichihaku-nisyoku). The public bath isn't huge, but it's perfect for a relaxing soak after washing up (toiletries are provided, though I only saw facial cleanser, no makeup remover, so it's advisable to bring your own). I went during dinner time, so I had the place all to myself, which was wonderfully comfortable. After showering, drinking water and vending machines are available right outside the bath entrance. I didn't book a private bath, so I can't comment on that.
Cleanliness: Overall, it was very good. The tatami mats were clean, and you can always trust the standards of Japanese establishments.
Environment: The surroundings are peaceful and serene. Our room faced the ocean, and the sea was especially calm in the morning. The grassy slopes and walking paths along the coast were also very pleasant and distinctly Japanese! We took a comfortable stroll there in the evening. The town was particularly quiet and tranquil in the mornings, and Beppu Station was only about a ten-minute walk away. Highly recommend!
Service: The service was excellent. During check-in, they provided a detailed explanation of the facilities and let us choose our dinner and breakfast times based on our arrival. This perfectly aligned with our itinerary for the next day, which was great. Dinner was delicious, with a generous selection of sashimi and hot pot dishes. Soft drinks could be ordered separately. It was ample for two adults and one child. Breakfast was traditional Japanese, served in a small private room with an ocean view – lovely. On the morning of our second day, I unexpectedly got my period. I wanted to buy sanitary pads, so I showed a translation to the elderly lady at the front desk. She immediately went into the back room and brought out several different types, neatly wrapped in paper for me. It was incredibly thoughtful. There's also self-service coffee available in the lobby, worth trying.
Overall, we were very satisfied. We spent two days and one night in Beppu, visiting the 'Hells' (hot spring tour) and the Kyushu Natural Zoological Park. It's a town definitely worth a second visit."