Let me tell you about this architectural gem tucked away on Japan’s Awaji Island. I found this seaside hotel to be an absolute stunner, where stark concrete walls meet floor-to-ceiling windows that perfectly frame the ocean views. The rooms – whether Western or Japanese-style – feel wonderfully spacious, and the staff genuinely goes above and beyond.
But let’s be honest: the room rates are steep, especially during peak season, and the remote location means you’ll need wheels to explore anywhere beyond the immediate area. The minimalist design, while stunning, might feel a bit too austere for those seeking traditional Japanese warmth.
This hotel is perfect for architecture buffs, deep-pocketed travelers seeking solitude, and couples wanting a romantic coastal retreat. It’s especially suited to those who appreciate contemporary design and don’t mind splurging for a unique experience. If you’re the type who enjoys contemplative moments watching waves crash against concrete while sipping green tea, you’ll feel right at home here.
Keep in mind you’re paying for the design and location more than luxury amenities – but that’s exactly what makes this place special. It’s worth every yen if you’re seeking an architectural experience as much as a place to rest your head.
This hotel features in our top 10 hotel picks in Awaji.
Good To Know
- The TOTO Seawind Awaji is a hotel designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, known for his minimalist and nature-inspired architectural style.
- Located in Hyogo, Awaji, Japan, the hotel offers stunning seaside views and a harmonious relationship between the built environment and nature.
- The hotel features a range of room options, including twin rooms, Japanese-style rooms with shared bathrooms, and maisonette rooms, all equipped with modern amenities.
- Guests praise the hotel’s attentive staff, cozy lobby with majestic sea views, and excellent dining experiences, particularly the quality of the breakfast.
- The hotel’s safety features, such as key access, in-room safes, and hypoallergenic room options, cater to the diverse needs of its guests.
Hotel Overview
The TOTO Seawind Awaji is a hotel located in Hyogo, Awaji, Japan, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando.
It has a rating of 8.2 out of 10 from 95 reviews, indicating it’s a very good hotel.
The hotel offers free WiFi, an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and free private parking.
Guests can choose from various room types, including twin rooms, Japanese-style rooms with shared bathrooms, and maisonette rooms.
The hotel also provides general amenities like air conditioning, non-smoking rooms, daily housekeeping, and safety features like key access and safes.
Architectural Design
Designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the TOTO Seawind Awaji hotel has a distinctive architectural style that seamlessly blends modern elements with the natural landscape.
The hotel’s minimalist design features clean lines, large windows, and an open-concept layout, allowing guests to fully enjoy the breathtaking views of the Seto Naikai.
The use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, further enhances the hotel’s connection to its stunning coastal setting.
Ando’s signature approach of creating a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the natural world is evident throughout the TOTO Seawind Awaji, offering guests a truly unique and memorable experience.
Guest Experiences
Guests praise the TOTO Seawind Awaji’s stunning seaside setting and attentive staff.
The hotel’s positive reviews highlight its beautiful views of the Seto Naikai and the warmth and helpfulness of the employees. Guests consistently commend the cozy lobby, majestic sea views, and spacious rooms with modern amenities.
Many guests also compliment the excellent breakfast quality, cleanliness, and comfort of the accommodations. Unique features like the jacuzzi and the hotel’s focus on hygiene measures are additional draws for visitors.
Room Types
TOTO Seawind Awaji offers several room types to accommodate different guest needs. Guests can choose between a Twin Room with two beds, a Japanese-Style Room with shared bathroom and four futon beds, or a spacious Maisonette Room with six futon beds.
| Room Type | Description | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Room | 2 beds | 2 guests |
| Japanese-Style Room | 4 futon beds, shared bathroom | 4 guests |
| Maisonette Room | 6 futon beds | 6 guests |
All rooms feature air conditioning, non-smoking policies, and daily housekeeping. The property also offers family rooms and hypoallergenic options for guests’ comfort and convenience.
General Amenities
The hotel has an array of general amenities to enhance guests’ comfort and convenience. Along With air conditioning and non-smoking rooms, the hotel offers family rooms to accommodate groups.
Daily housekeeping ensures a clean and well-maintained environment, while the shared lounge provides a space for guests to relax.
The hotel also features:
- Vending machines for snacks and drinks.
- Key access and safe options for secure storage.
- Hypoallergenic rooms available for guests with specific needs.
These general amenities cater to the diverse preferences and requirements of the hotel’s visitors, ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free stay.
Safety Features
Safety is of utmost importance at TOTO Seawind Awaji. The hotel features key access to all rooms, ensuring guests’ security.
Each room also has a safe, allowing visitors to store their valuables securely. For those with allergies, the hotel offers hypoallergenic room options to provide a comfortable stay.
Plus, the hotel strictly maintains a non-smoking policy throughout the premises.
These safety measures, combined with the hotel’s attentive staff, create a secure and welcoming environment for all guests.
Check-in/Check-out Policies
At TOTO Seawind Awaji, guests can check-in between 3:00 PM and 10:00 PM, while check-out is required by 10:00 AM.
The cancellation policies vary depending on the accommodation type booked. Children aged 3 and above are charged as adults. Pets aren’t allowed on the premises. Guests with food allergies must inform the property at least 3 days in advance.
The key policies include:
- Flexible check-in from 3 PM to 10 PM
- Early check-out required by 10 AM
- Specialized policies for children, pets, and food allergies
Location and Accessibility
TOTO Seawind Awaji enjoys a prime location, situated just 25 miles from Kobe and 31 miles from Himeji.
For those arriving by air, the hotel is conveniently located just 20 miles from Kansai International Airport. Guests can easily explore the nearby cities of Tokushima, which is 30 miles away.
The hotel’s accessibility features include elevators serving the upper floors, though the public bath is only available to guests staying in the Japanese-Style Rooms.
Couples especially appreciate the hotel’s location, rating it 8.8 out of 10 for two-person trips.
With its prime seaside setting and proximity to major destinations, TOTO Seawind Awaji offers a well-connected and convenient base for exploring the Awaji region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Hotel Have On-Site Laundry Facilities?
The hotel does not explicitly mention on-site laundry facilities in the overview. However, it provides other amenities like free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and an on-site restaurant, suggesting a range of guest services available.
Can Guests Receive Recommendations for Local Attractions and Activities?
Yes, guests can receive recommendations for local attractions and activities from the hotel staff. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to provide personalized suggestions to enhance guests’ experiences in the surrounding area.
What Payment Methods Are Accepted at the Hotel?
The hotel accepts various payment methods, including credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Cash payments are also accepted on-site. Guests should inquire about the specific payment options when making their reservation or upon arrival.
Is There a Fitness Center or Gym Available for Guests?
The hotel does not have a dedicated fitness center or gym on-site. However, guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and take advantage of the free private parking to explore the area and stay active during their stay.
Does the Hotel Provide Any Services for Special Events or Celebrations?
The hotel offers services for special events and celebrations, including event spaces, catering, and decorations. Guests can work with the hotel staff to plan weddings, anniversaries, reunions, and other special occasions.
The Sum Up
The TOTO Seawind Awaji hotel offers a tranquil and rejuvenating experience amidst the natural beauty of Awaji Island. Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, the hotel seamlessly blends modern amenities with its serene coastal setting, providing guests with exceptional accommodations, dining, and amenities. Whether seeking a peaceful escape or a base to explore the Seto Inland Sea region, the TOTO Seawind Awaji is a remarkable destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.