Yumei Hotel

Not impressed by this hotel. For starters, it's the first time in my life that I had to pay for the stay in cash. I stayed in ten hotels across Japan, all but this one took credit cards. I have travelled extensively across all continents (except Antártica), including rural Brazil, inner city Marrakech, etc, never had to pay for a night using cash in forty years. I understand that Japan is very cash based, not bothered that small commerce and restaurants take only cash. But the other nine hotels accepted credit cards, time to get on with the times, just ridiculous. Hotel itself looked worn and dated. Must have been luxurious when it was built in the fifties, but by now the carpets look old, halls and room need painting, external swimming pool is off limits and crumbling, elevators are old and creaky. Onsen was nice, but water was not very hot. Most of the signs were in Kanji only, painful to have to use Google Translate to find out where reception is (bottom floors are confusing), in an international hotel (fortunately there was wi-fi). No need to translate everything, but at least get the basics done. On the positive side, room was nice, breakfast was very good, staff very polite and helpful. If you are a fifties buff and want to stay somewhere that takes you back, this is the hotel for you.

We came to Unzen without hotel reservation, and the tourist information introduced us this hotel. Onsen with open-air bath was very relaxing. We also enjoyed playing ping pong in the hotel. After we checked out, we noticed that my wife forgot her mobile phone in room. But as we called the hotel, the staff kindly sent the mobile to the bus terminal. Thank you for excellent service!

We reached Unzen mid afternoon after a fascinating ferry ride and nearly 2 hours of drive over scenic mountainous roads. Our GPS led us directly to Yumei Hotel without a glitch. Its' reception area is nice and the hotel is doing up its' New Year decoration which we saw checking out the following day - very simple and nice deco - they are creative! Unfortunately the hotel itself looks aged and their facilities do need some work to be brought back to its formal shine. Their rooms are comfortable but toilet and furniture are also in need of make-over. Their hot bath is refreshing and their water smell sulfuric and nice, again their common bath rooms are old and need some re-working. The stay there is overall pleasant but we left wanting more as we know the hotel has good potential if it is restored to its' early state. They have a pool but now closed again due to the state that need maintenance. I would give it a very good rating if only....