The Gran Resort Elegante Shirahama
7,8/10 Very good - Based on 112 reviews
The Gran Resort Elegante Shirahama is a mid‑scale ryokan set on the coast of Shirahama, Wakayama, offering ocean‑facing rooms that combine tatami areas with Western beds and private balconies. Guests encounter a clearly defined public bathing area with indoor and open‑air thermal baths and a separate sauna; communal facilities are described as clean and family‑oriented, with staff often highlighting the panoramic bay views from upper floors. Accommodation types range from compact Japanese‑style rooms to larger family layouts, and many rooms are positioned to take advantage of the seaside outlook.
Facilities extend beyond the bathing complex to include a restaurant serving Japanese cuisine with buffet options at breakfast, a bar and lounge space, an indoor fitness corner, and an outdoor pool (seasonal). The property provides free on‑site parking and public areas intended for children and families, including a small play corner in the lobby. Practical in‑room features typically listed are air conditioning, flat‑screen TV and tea‑making amenities; several guest comments single out the large public onsen and sauna as primary draws after a day of sightseeing.
Positioned within easy reach of Shirahama’s main seaside attractions and short transfer times from local transport hubs, the hotel serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby hot springs and coastal landmarks; the local airport is a brief drive away and bus links connect to the station and beaches. For travelers searching for a ryokan with onsen in Wakayama, the property presents straightforward access to shorefront views and communal bathing; it also functions well as a ryokan with onsen in Kansai for visitors combining beach time with regional sightseeing.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: The Gran Resort Elegante Shira…
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen and varied baths
Multiple guests praised the large public onsen and sauna — described as relaxing, clean, with a variety of baths and late opening hours. Several reviewers called the onsen a highlight of the stay.
Outstanding sea views
Many reviews mentioned great ocean or bay views from rooms (including high-floor rooms), with balconies and scenery rated among the best features of the property.
Friendly, attentive staff
Numerous guests said staff were polite, helpful and made stays comfortable, including positive comments about attentive service for families and groups.
Good breakfast buffet
Several guests enjoyed the breakfast buffet, describing it as tasty, varied and a recommended option when booking the stay.
Family- and kid-friendly facilities; convenient location
Reviewers appreciated on-site family amenities (kids' space, hammocks, child shampoo/body soap) and the hotel's proximity to local attractions and the bus station, making it suitable for families.
Negative Reviews
Pool access, hours and value concerns
Multiple guests reported the pool was not included in room price (membership or extra fee), had restricted hours and in some cases was disappointing in quality or selection of facilities.
Room comfort and aging/deferred maintenance
Several reviews noted dated interiors, signs of age in rooms, uncomfortable futons, and in some cases lack of in-room shower (only toilet) or unpleasant odors affecting comfort.
Cleanliness and pest reports
A few guests reported pest issues (ants in rooms, cockroach spotted in lobby) and occasional unpleasant smells, which affected perceptions of cleanliness.
Limited dining options / dinner unavailable
Guests experienced difficulty finding restaurants within easy walking distance and at least one reported the hotel could not provide dinner on short notice, causing inconvenience in an unfamiliar area.
Communication and small facility inconveniences
Complaints included difficulty reaching the hotel by phone at arrival, occasional language/communication issues, unclear check-in instructions, and minor room inconveniences (no bedside power outlets, AC not adjustable, bathroom fan tied to light, desire for balcony seating or locker-style changing-room storage).
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type; some Japanese-style rooms sleep up to five on futons while many rooms are designed for 2–4 guests — check the room description when booking or contact the hotel to confirm.
Yes — the property offers communal hot spring facilities, including large indoor baths, an open-air bath and a sauna for guests.
Private or reservable family baths are not listed among the standard facilities; please contact the hotel directly to request or confirm any private-use options.
The hotel provides pick-up/transfer on request; otherwise Nanki–Shirahama Airport is about 2 km (roughly an 8–10 minute taxi) and the local Meiko bus from Shirahama Station stops within a short walk.
Common options are the JR Kuroshio limited express from Shin-Osaka/Tennoji to Shirahama followed by a local bus or taxi, direct highway buses to the New Yuzaki stop, or driving (about 2–3 hours depending on route and traffic).
Standard check-in begins at 16:00 (4:00 PM) with latest arrival usually around 20:00; check-out is by 10:00 (some listings show a checkout window of 07:00–10:00).
Pets are not permitted at the property; children of all ages are welcome but the hotel does not provide extra beds or cots, so follow room occupancy rules when booking.
There is one on-site restaurant serving Japanese cuisine and local seafood, with breakfast and lunch options reported; notify the hotel in advance for dietary requests.
Staff primarily speak Japanese and English assistance may be limited; contact the hotel ahead of arrival if you require English support or special arrangements.
The ryokan overlooks Shirarahama Beach and is close to Saki-no-Yu, the Kishu Museum of Art and Adventure World; central Shirahama has shops and convenience stores — ask reception for directions and local transit options.