LiVEMAX RESORT Setouchi Sea Front
7,4/10 Very good - Based on 58 reviews
LiVEMAX RESORT Setouchi Sea Front is a seaside resort hotel on the Seto Inland Sea rim, designed for relaxed coastal stays with rooms that emphasise sea views and private balconies. The property presents a mix of Western- and Japanese-style accommodation, including suites with terraces and open-air baths; public areas are laid out to capture the shoreline light and provide straightforward access to outdoor pool spaces and garden terraces. Positioned for regional sightseeing, the venue is presented as a ryokan with onsen Setouchi experience that pairs simple resort comforts with coastal scenery.
Facilities focus on bathing and leisure: the resort operates a large public hot-spring bath and sauna, while a selection of rooms feature private open-air baths on their terraces, providing an option closer to a ryokan with private onsen Hyōgo experience for guests who prefer in-room seclusion. A seasonal outdoor pool and rooftop pool complement the bathing facilities, and the on-site dining offers buffet service that highlights local seafood and regional produce. Additional on-site options include a family-friendly restaurant, massage services and light recreational facilities such as table tennis and tennis courts.
Practical details reflect the resort’s operational rhythm: standard check-in is at 15:00 with check-out at 11:00, front-desk hours accommodate early arrivals and late assistance within posted limits, and convenient free parking and bicycle rental are available for guests exploring the coast. The property supports multi-night resort stays and short sightseeing visits alike, with nearby rail access and day-trip links to regional attractions; room configurations suit couples, families and small groups seeking a coastal ryokan-style stay that combines communal onsen facilities with the option of private terrace bathing.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: LiVEMAX RESORT Setouchi Sea Fr…
Positive Reviews
Attentive, helpful staff
Multiple guests praised staff for polite and helpful service, including courteous handling when accidents occurred and generally good customer interactions.
Excellent location and ocean views
Many reviews highlighted the hotel’s seaside location, balcony views, night scenery and sunrise/sunset sightings as a major plus, often mentioning enjoyment of the view from rooms and terraces.
Private onsen/terrace baths and relaxing onsen experience
Guests appreciated rooms with private open-air baths and the onsen on terraces, noting these features as a relaxing highlight of their stay.
Good meals and satisfying buffet breakfast
Several reviewers reported enjoyable meals—especially breakfast—and overall satisfaction with the buffet offerings and dining experience.
Spacious rooms and good value (cost-performance)
Many found the rooms roomy and well-equipped for families, citing that the accommodations felt worth the price and offered good value.
Negative Reviews
Tobacco odor in smoking rooms
Multiple guests reported that smoking rooms smelled strongly of tobacco, which detracted from comfort even when that room type was selected intentionally.
Bedding and futon cleanliness/availability issues
Problems included futons not being prepared for group bookings, sheets showing stains or a lack of perceived cleanliness, and requests for better linen condition.
Dining logistics and limited food choices at times
Guests complained about required dinner reservations, fixed seating (not being able to choose preferred seats), buffet tables pre-set with hotpot taking table space, lack of local seafood options, poor coffee, and occasions where rice/refills were insufficient for large appetites.
Aging facilities and maintenance problems
Several reviews described outdated or malfunctioning equipment: low shower water temperature, electrical/TV issues, a broken sauna, and unexpected pool closures without clear notice.
Cleanliness and pest concerns
Some guests noted stains on carpets or room floors, worn room amenities (slippers, closet doors), and at least one report of a cockroach, indicating inconsistent housekeeping/maintenance in some areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Occupancy varies by room type; standard rooms are typically for two adults while family rooms sleep more. Cribs and extra beds are not available, so check the specific room description when booking.
Yes. The property offers hot spring baths including an open-air bath, a public bath and a sauna.
Private in-room onsens are not listed as standard amenities; the property operates communal and open-air hot spring facilities and you should ask reception about any reservable family/private-bath options.
No, pets are not permitted at this property.
There is no advertised scheduled airport shuttle; nearest major airports are roughly 80–90 km away, so most guests travel by rental car or taxi, or transfer via rail to the local station then taxi.
The nearest rail access is Tatsuno Station (JR Sanyo Line); the resort is about a 15-minute taxi ride from the station.
Check-in begins at 15:00 (3:00 PM) and check-out is by 11:00 (11:00 AM).
Multilingual support including English is available from staff, though the level of service may vary by shift.
A larger shopping mall/supermarket (Aeon Mall Himeji Otsu) is about a 20-minute drive; there are also local shops and restaurants within short driving distance.
The resort has two on-site restaurants offering a buffet breakfast and family-friendly dinner (Japanese and international options). Nearby attractions include Himeji Castle, coastal Setouchi scenery and local parks, all reachable by car.