We were visiting friends who live on island, so we had somewhat specific needs:
- Mostly importantly, capable of comfortably sleeping three adults (a couple and a late teen) for three nights.
- Beachfront for the view and the air, but preferably not a gigantic resort (with the full resort prices ... yikes).
- Easy access if you're not that familiar with the narrow, twisty streets of the island.
Morimar worked out on all these fronts.
The room: We got a very reasonably priced three-bedroom apartment-style suite, complete with en suite 3/4 private bath for the master bedroom (with an East China Sea view), living room with deck facing the water, dining area, and kitchenette. Each bedroom had two beds, closet space, and its own A/C unit. The beds were all somewhere between an American twin and full size, so they'd each sleep one adult. The mattresses and pillows were firm to the extreme, but this wasn't unusual anywhere we stayed in our two-week trip to Japan. The kitchenette had minimal supplies, no plates or utensils to speak of, and it would cost extra to use the stove. The fridge is big enough to fit a good supply of drinks and snacks, though. Dining area seats six, and the living room included a desk, flat-screen TV, two chairs and a sofa, made of rattan with leather pads. Great for indoor or outdoor (patio) use, but not very comfortable for power lounging. Though not what I'd consider spit and polish (spots where the floorboards were getting worn were patched with packaging tape), the rooms were kept very clean and tidy. Not a bug or dust bunny to be seen. Bedding and towels were fresh.
The facilities: We were in the main building, which was the older of the two so slightly more rough around the edges. Internet service in the room was negligible; they offered wifi but only in the lobby. Each floor had a drink vending machine, and there were also drinks and snacks available in the lobby. The lobby itself was open 24 hours, which was necessary since we couldn't come and go without surrendering your room key. The staff were always very friendly; there was a language barrier, but we managed on mostly physical cues and basic words in English and Japanese. (Helpful note: Know which building you're staying in before you arrive. The annex has its own, separate lobby and check-in. Lugging all our bags in there, tired and sweaty, only to be told we were in the wrong place, was dismaying.) Outside was a decently sized parking lot leading down to the on-site restaurant, the grounds (a grass-covered area maintained by goats) and the beach. The Fisherman's Wharf restaurant, like the main building, has a bygone-era feel about it. Our waitress spoke impeccable English and was incredibly courteous, especially when we showed up quite late in the evening, unacclimated to the tropical humidity and past hungry. Food portions were large and reasonably priced. Some dishes were hits, others misses.
The location: Okinawa as a whole is better traversed by private car, since roads quickly turn into blind alleys once you're off the main arterials/highways. And if you're trying to direct a taxi driver when there's a language gap, it's even more difficult. Morimar is, fortunately, just north off the arterial highway that runs past the main gate of Torii Station, so if you can find or direct a driver there, you're 95 percent on your way. There's also signage to the resort itself at the turn off the main road, though it's hard to see at night, high up on the side of an unlit building. As far as nearby amenities, the main road has a couple of shopping marts in reasonable walking distance as well as a grocery store slightly farther afield. A quick car ride, or a walk if you're adventurous (and it's not 90-odd degrees and near perfect humidity), would get you to restaurants within Yomitan or Kadena. It's a reasonably close drive due north to some scenic beaches like Cape Zanpa and Zakimi Castle Ruins are just up the road. If you're hoping to spend a lot of time in the southern part of the island, though, you're going to have a bit more of a challenge. Taxis are easy to get (we requested one at the front desk, and it was there in less than five minutes) but will get very spendy the farther from home base you want to travel. Bus service is hardly worth a mention. It exists but it's not for the out-of-towner. Again, private transportation is your best bet.
AI Summary
