The main reason to book this hotel is the magnificent view from the room. It is genuinely breathtaking, and waking up to such a view is an absolute pleasure.
Unfortunately, that is where the positive aspects of my short stay at Kamakura Prince Hotel come to an end.
The problems began the moment we checked in. We arrived a little after 5 p.m., only to discover that the swimming pool—the second reason I had booked this hotel in the first place—would be closing at 6 p.m. Unsurprisingly, we had no chance to use it that day.
The next issue we encountered was the complete lack of even a basic command of English among the front desk staff. And yes, I am perfectly understanding when people do not speak English. However, there is one important exception: hotel employees whose job is to interact directly with international guests.
Once we got to our room, it was clear that it had seen better days. The furnishings are beginning to show their age, although the room itself remains perfectly pleasant. And, of course, it is impossible to overlook the spectacular view of the ocean waves.
The following morning, we decided to make another attempt at using the swimming pool. However, the staff tried to explain that we needed some sort of tickets to enter the pool—even though access was included in the room rate. This was the first time anyone had mentioned these tickets to us. After about five minutes of confusion, we were eventually allowed in, only to discover that the pool was freezing cold. Unsurprisingly, after swimming a couple of laps, we got out.
As a final touch, the hotel also gently reminded guests that slippers were not to be worn around the property and that tattoos should remain covered at all times. While I understand and respect that these are the hotel’s policies, they certainly added to the rather rigid atmosphere of the stay.
During check-out, the front desk staff did not ask how our stay had been. Instead, the entire farewell consisted of the remarkably concise: “No extra pay, goodbye.”
A little on the dry side.
