Hotel New Akao
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Hotel New Akao perches above the Sagami-nada coastline in Atami, offering a clear emphasis on sea views and resort-style amenities. The property presents itself as a coastal ryokan with onsen in Shizuoka, combining traditional Japanese room types with larger contemporary units that face the ocean. Guests arriving from JR Atami Station can reach the hotel by a short drive; a shuttle service is provided for scheduled pickups. The setting is characterised by tiered buildings and gardened terraces that frame wide vistas across the bay, making sunrise and evening light a defining feature of the stay.
Accommodation ranges from tatami-style Japanese rooms to horizon-facing Western layouts, with in-room essentials such as climate control, refrigeration and tea/coffee facilities. Public bathing facilities include indoor thermal pools and ocean-facing onsen baths, plus seasonal outdoor seawater pools that operate during the summer months; a rooftop garden and open-air bathing options add variety to the bathing programme. Dining options span a formal French-style restaurant and banquet-style Japanese service, while wellness offerings include a spa area and massage services. The hotel provides conference and event spaces alongside family-friendly room configurations.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel New Akao
Positive Reviews
Stunning sea views
Multiple reviewers highlighted magnificent ocean views from rooms, the reception terrace and the restaurant — many described the view as a standout feature both day and night.
Excellent onsen variety and quality
Guests praised the hot spring facilities (including open-air baths and several different onsen areas). Many called the onsen perfect or amazing and noted options for private baths.
Friendly, attentive staff
Numerous comments mentioned helpful, polite and accommodating staff who improved the stay and assisted with meals, shuttle service and other needs.
High-quality Japanese meals and dining options
Several reviews praised the Japanese dinner and breakfast (fresh local fish, sashimi and thoughtful vegetarian accommodations). The hotel also offers multiple restaurants, including a well-reviewed French option.
Convenient shuttle and wide resort facilities
Guests appreciated the free shuttle to/from Atami station and the hotel’s broad facilities — large rooms, pools, retro game area and many onsen choices — offering good value for a resort-style experience.
Negative Reviews
Crowded buffet service and poor organisation
Many guests reported crowded buffet dining with long queues, wait times for elevators and buffet rooms feeling chaotic or like a canteen; some were disappointed the listing didn’t make the buffet format clear.
Dated rooms and bathroom issues
Multiple reviews noted ageing decor and facilities, lingering odors, small or cramped bathrooms, ineffective AC in some rooms and general signs of wear that reduce the perceived luxury.
Large complex — long walks and navigation problems
Several guests found the hotel very big, requiring long walks between wings and venues, with elevator queues and the need for a hotel map to find facilities — potentially difficult for less mobile visitors.
Inconsistent meal arrangements and communication issues
A few guests reported confusion over meal types (set meal vs buffet) and experienced language barriers that initially led to wrong meal arrangements before being resolved.
Strict tattoo policy and costly private bath option
At least one reviewer noted a strict onsen policy for guests with tattoos, forcing them to book an expensive private bath (reported as 5,500 yen for one hour) if they wished to use the onsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hotel New Akao has about 350 guest rooms across the Ocean Wing and Horizon Wing, with room types suitable for couples, families and larger groups; specific room capacity varies by room type, so contact the hotel for group arrangements.
Yes — the hotel operates multiple hot spring facilities including Sparium Nishiki with an infinity-style bath, a large public bath (Saikai) and the open-air Namine bath, all supplied by local Atami sources.
Private baths are available (examples include Sora and Tsuki); guests should check availability and reserve at the front desk or during booking.
A hotel shuttle connects with JR Atami Station (the ride is about 10 minutes); shuttle seats are limited so reservations or advance notice are recommended.
From Haneda or Narita, travel by train to JR Atami Station, then take the hotel shuttle or a short taxi ride to the property.
The primary service language is Japanese; some staff can assist in English but English support may be limited, so contact the hotel in advance if you need extra language help.
The resort offers an ocean-connected pool and indoor pool, seasonal sea activities (SUP, snorkeling, kayak), fishing experiences, cultural/seasonal events, and a guest lounge with welcome drinks and wine service.
Nearby highlights include the Akao Rose Garden, Atami Castle, local beaches and the scenic Nishikigaura cliffs (part of a recognized geopark), all within short drives or a local bus ride.
Standard check-in is 15:00 and check-out is 10:00; front desk locations differ by building — guests staying in Horizon Wing use the Horizon front desk and Ocean Wing guests use the Ocean front desk.
The hotel offers designated pet-friendly rooms for guests traveling with pets; for other stays the property is generally not pet-friendly. There are on-site shops and eateries, and convenience stores or supermarkets are available a short drive away.