Shimanami Kaido's BEST Kept Secret: Imabari's Luxury Hideaway (Shimanami Prime Hotel)
Shimanami Prime Hotel: My Messy, Mostly Fantastic, and Utterly Honest Review (Plus, You NEED to Go!)
Okay, friends, buckle up. Because I've just returned from a pilgrimage to the Shimanami Kaido, and specifically, this "BEST Kept Secret" – the Shimanami Prime Hotel in Imabari. And lemme tell you, it's less a secret, and more a well-kept…well, okay, maybe a secret. But a REALLY good one.
First, the raw emotions. Walking in, I actually gasped. Okay, maybe not gasped gasped, but I definitely did a little involuntary intake of breath. The lobby? Sleek, modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows that practically beg you to stand there and soak in the view. And that view… We'll get to the pool with a view later. Honestly, my initial reaction was pure, undiluted relief. I was exhausted from the cycle trip, sweating like a pig (apologies to any pigs reading this!), and just… needed luxury. And this hotel, my friends, delivers.
Accessibility? Let's Dig In (Because I Know It Matters):
Look, I don't have any accessibility issues myself, but I always pay attention. And the Shimanami Prime scores major points. Elevators are plentiful and easy to use. Facilities for disabled guests are clearly in place, though I didn't personally audit them – but I'm optimistic based on the overall attention to detail. There’s also a CCTV in common areas and outside property for added peace of mind. Facilities for disabled guests are present.
Getting Around & the Convenience Factor (Because I’m Lazy on Vacation):
Accessibility to the hotel itself? Piece of cake. Car park [free of charge] – YES! That was a lifesaver. I'm not a huge cyclist, so I appreciated having my car. Car park [on-site], Valet parking – fancy! Now, I just plop into the hotel and the world is my… oyster? No, wait. My onsen. Which is a good segue…
Ways to Relax, Really Relax (My Happy Place = The Spa!):
Okay, let's talk about the real reason you should book this place. The spa. Just… wow. They have a *spa/sauna, *sauna*, *steamroom*, a truly beautiful *pool with view*, and a *fitness center* for the masochists among us. I'm more of a "lie around and get pampered" kind of gal. They offer Body scrub and Body wrap - seriously, what more do you want?
And, the real star of the show: the swimming pool [outdoor]. Imagine this: sparkling water, the Seto Inland Sea stretching out before you, and zero obligations. Just pure, unadulterated bliss. I spent a glorious afternoon there, alternating between swimming and… well, staring. It’s that beautiful. Honestly, my one "minor" complaint? I wish they'd had more pool-side cocktail options. (Though the Poolside bar was pretty darn good.)
Rooms: My Luxurious Refuge:
My room? Non-smoking, thankfully. Air conditioning that actually worked (a godsend in the humid weather!). Free Wi-Fi, obviously (and it was FAST! Needed to post those Instagram pics, obviously.) Air conditioning was perfect. A massive Extra long bed – I could starfish all night! The Blackout curtains were essential for my afternoon naps. They also had a Coffee/tea maker (vital for any traveler), refrigerator (for the pre-dinner beers), and a lovely, spacious Private bathroom with a separate shower/bathtub. The Bathrobes and Slippers were the cherry on top. Pure luxurious comfort is what you get.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or the Napping!)
Let's be honest, a great hotel is only as good as its food. And the Shimanami Prime does not disappoint. Restaurants on-site? Check. Options? Check. They totally catered to my weird breakfast needs. Seriously, you can choose a Western breakfast (bacon, eggs, the works!) or an Asian breakfast. I went for the Western, naturally. But the Asian cuisine in restaurant was also impressive, with beautiful plates of fresh seafood.
And the drinks! The Bar was a cozy spot to unwind with a drink after a long day of cycling (or napping… like me). The Poolside bar was perfect for a midday refresher. And they even had Happy hour!
Things to Do (Besides Vegging):
Okay, if you're not me, you might actually want to do things besides lying by the pool. The Shimanami Kaido is right there! But let's go deeper on the hotel…
- Seminars & Meetings: Yup, they have those. Meeting/banquet facilities, Audio-visual equipment for special events, and all that jazz. Perfect for a corporate retreat (or, ya know, a super fancy wedding. Just imagine).
- Gift/souvenir shop: Perfect for picking up a little memento.
- Shrine: A bit quirky, a bit cool. Adds character!
- Bicycle parking: Essential for exploring the Shimanami Kaido.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because… Times):
Look, let's be real. I'm a bit of a germaphobe. But the Shimanami Prime put my mind at ease. Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Hand sanitizer everywhere… They're taking this seriously. The staff was amazing regarding Staff trained in safety protocol. They also had a doctor/nurse on call which is always a good feature.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Make a Difference):
I'm a sucker for good service, and the Shimanami Prime nails it. Concierge? Doorman? Daily housekeeping that was spotless? Check, check, and check! Food delivery, a convenience store… They clearly thought of everything. Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Laundry service and all the standard stuff.
Overall: The Verdict?
This place? Fantastic. Flawed in a few minor ways, but fantastic. Is it the most budget option? No. But is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY. It's a luxurious, relaxing, and well-run hotel in a stunning location. This is a perfect place to unwind. The hotel is Family/child friendly. The hotel is also Couple's room and Proposal spot ready.
And Now, the REALLY Persuasive Stuff: The Offer!
Tired of the ordinary? Craving an escape that combines breathtaking scenery with unparalleled comfort?
Here's why you should book your Imabari getaway at Shimanami Prime Hotel TODAY:
- Unbeatable Relaxation Package: Experience the full spa treatment: enjoy a signature massage to melt away stress, then soak in the breathtaking views from our outdoor pool and sauna.
- Culinary Delights: Indulge in a gourmet dining experience at our restaurants, savoring the freshest local ingredients and expertly crafted dishes. Every meal is a journey for your taste buds!
- Effortless Exploration: With convenient access to the Shimanami Kaido cycling route and easy car parking, discover the beauty of Imabari and its surroundings with ease.
- Guaranteed Comfort and Safety: Enjoy peace of mind with our rigorous safety and cleanliness protocols, including daily disinfection and sanitation throughout all areas.
Limited-Time Offer:
Book your stay at Shimanami Prime Hotel now and receive:
- Complimentary welcome drinks at the bar upon arrival.
- Upgraded room category (subject to availability).
- 10% discount on all spa treatments.
Don't miss this chance to experience the BEST Kept Secret on the Shimanami Kaido!
Click here to book your unforgettable getaway: [Insert Booking Link Here]
P.S. Seriously, book that spa massage. You won't regret it. Tell them I sent you… and maybe they'll throw in a free bottle of sake. (A girl can dream, right?)
Escape to Paradise: Luxury Awaits at Querétaro's Hidden Gem, Ex Hacienda La Pitaya
Alright, strap in, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly pressed, Instagram-ready travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, possibly slightly disastrous (but hopefully hilarious) account of my Shimanami Kaido adventure, starting with a stay at the Shimanami Prime Hotel in Imabari. Get ready for a whirlwind of carbs, questionable decisions, and a whole lotta love for Japan.
Day 1: Arrival in Imabari & the Existential Dread of Hotel Elevators
14:00 - Arrival at Shimanami Prime Hotel: The Beginning (or is it?)
- So, after a frankly brutal (and budget-friendly) flight, I finally arrive in Imabari. Tired? Understatement. Smelly? Probably. Ready for adventure? Absolutely! The hotel is… well, it's a hotel. Clean enough, but the fluorescent lights are a real mood killer. And the elevator. Oh, the elevator.
- (Quirky Observation): The hotel elevator. Every single time I entered, I felt like I was descending into a void. Like, what if the cables snapped? What if I got stuck with a gaggle of overly enthusiastic tour groups and was FORCED to sing karaoke? The existential dread was real, I tell you. Verdict: Elevator needs a personality transplant.
- Emotional Reaction: Relief! Pure, unadulterated relief to finally be somewhere. Even if "somewhere" is a slightly beige hotel room with a questionable view of a car park.
15:00 - Room Reconnaissance & Snack Acquisition:
- The room is… functional. The bed looks comfy. The minibar, however, is a crime against snack-kind (seriously, no decent crisps?).
- Minor Category: Hotel Amenities: The vending machines? Excellent. Japanese vending machines are a national treasure. Hot coffee, cold tea, weird but delectable snacks…I spent a small fortune and no regrets.
- (Opinionated Language): Those tiny, watery hotel soaps need to be outlawed. Seriously, you can't even wash the grime of travel off with them, and they smell… like disappointment.
16:00 - Imabari Exploration - First Panic Snack Stop:
- Okay, time to face the outside world. First stop: food. Because travel, for me, is about eating first and asking questions later. I stumble upon a tiny bakery with the most glorious-looking melon pan. My stomach does a happy dance.
- (Anecdote): Attempting to order in broken Japanese is always a highlight. I mumbled something about "melon" and "pan" and ended up with… a melon pan. Victory! That first bite? Pure bliss. This bakery saved me from turning into a hangry monster.
17:00 - Imabari Castle (Attempted):
- The Imabari Castle is on the cards, I am in Japan, and I must take it in; this whole journey is about it! Got utterly lost. Wandered past some charming little shops, a very friendly Shiba Inu who judged my choice of footwear, and then… back to the hotel.
- Emotional Reaction: Mild frustration mixed with a surprising amount of amusement at my own ineptitude. Maybe tomorrow is a better day to get lost in search of something specific, for now, carbs it is!
19:00 - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant: The "I'm too tired to care" Meal:
- Fine, the hotel restaurant it is. Sushi? Tempura? Yes, please! (Though I'm pretty sure I ordered a spicy mayo disaster as 'soup of the evening'.)
- Messy Structure & Rambles: The presentation was beautiful, the taste was… fuel. I ate it all. The people watching was far more entertaining. A family arguing loudly over chopsticks, a businessman glued to his phone, a lone woman reading a book and looking incredibly serene. Japan is a sensory explosion, even in a hotel restaurant.
21:00 - Bedtime & Anticipation:
- Crash. Sleep. Dream of cycling across the bridges. And maybe a bigger, crisper-filled minibar.
- (Stronger Emotional Reaction): Excitement! The Shimanami Kaido! Tomorrow, I cycle! (Please, please, let me not fall off my bike.)
Day 2: The Shimanami Kaido - Bridges, Bikes, and Butt Pain (Mostly)
08:00 - Breakfast of Champions (and Instant Miso Soup):
- Hotel breakfast. The usual buffet of scrambled eggs that might be reconstituted and that questionable juice. I'm more excited for the instant miso soup and the rice.
- (Opinionated Language): Hotel buffet breakfasts: always a mixed bag. The key is to focus on the things you can enjoy. In my case, carbs. All the carbs.
09:00 - Bike Rental & The "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Stare:
- Finding a bike rental place. Getting the bike. Praying it doesn't fall apart halfway across the bridges.
- (Anecdote): The bike rental guy. He looked at me. He looked at the bike. He looked at the map. His expression was a mixture of pity and amusement. I’m sure I looked pretty unfit. The bike fit, too good, it was more of a 'sit-up-and-beg' type of experience.
- Emotional Reaction: Nervous excitement. This is it. The adventure begins.
09:30 - The Shimanami Kaido - Bridge 1: The First Bridge!
- Okay, first bridge conquered! Wind in my hair (what little I have), stunning views, and the distinct feeling of my butt rapidly turning to stone.
- (Quirky Observation): The sheer number of cyclists on this route. It felt like a peloton of lycra-clad warriors, except I was the wobbling, slightly terrified newbie.
11:00 - Island Hopping & Unexpected Delights:
- Stopped at a small village. The most gorgeous little cafe with perfect iced coffee, local crafts, and a very friendly cat.
- (Doubling Down on a Single Experience): That cafe. I could have stayed there forever. The woman running it was so kind, and the coffee was the best I've had in ages. She told a joke that I didn't understand but I laughed anyway. Pure joy.
- Messy Structure & Rambles: The villages along the way.. each one unique. The smell of the sea, the sound of the waves, the quiet beauty. This is why I travel. To get lost and to find myself, to taste the local flavors and to meet some incredible people.
14:00 - Lunch & The Great Carb Caper:
- More food! Because, cycling! Had to refuel. Ramen, of course! That beautiful bowl of noodles.
- (Anecdote): Attempting to use chopsticks with numb hands after so much cycling. Let’s just say, the noodles and I became very well acquainted.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure happiness. My body was aching, but my soul was soaring.
17:00 - Reaching Destination & Realization:
- The final bridge and destination! I am done.
- (Stronger Emotional Reaction): Relieved, exhausted, exhilarated. I did it!
- (Opinionated Language): That last bridge was the most beautiful, and also the longest. My butt. My butt.
19:00 - Return to Hotel: The "Need a shower, need a beer, need a coma" Stage:
- Back to the hotel. Shower. Cold Asahi. A long, glorious collapse on the bed.
- Messy Structure & Rambles: I probably didn't do everything in order. I took a wrong turn. I wanted to quit at one point. But I made it. And that’s what matters.
Day 3: Farewell Imabari & The Promise of More Adventures
08:00 - Breakfast and Goodbye:
- Another breakfast, another longing look at the vending machine.
- (Quirky Observation): The woman in the hotel gift shop who seemed to know everything. I asked her about the weather and she gave me a detailed forecast for the next two weeks… in perfect Japanese.
09:00 - Check Out & "See You Again Someday, Imabari":
- Time to leave. Part of me wanted to stay, to cycle more, eat more melon pan, and get better at Japanese.
- (Emotional Reaction): Sad to leave, but excited for the next adventure. Japan, you have stolen my heart (and possibly my backside).
10:00 - Travel to next destination:
- (Unspecified, but somewhere exciting!).
- (Opinionated Language): More adventures to come!
And so…
Shimanami Prime Hotel: Forget the Guidebooks, Here's the REAL Deal! (FAQ...ish)
Okay, spill it. Is Shimanami Prime Hotel *actually* "luxury," or is it just fancy-sounding marketing fluff?
The food… what’s the deal with the food? Everyone raves! Is it REALLY as amazing as they say?
Pro-tip: They do have a limited English menu. But honestly? Go adventurous. Point at things. Embrace the mystery. You won't regret it.
Okay, so you're selling me. But… the price? Is it going to bankrupt me?
The hotel… what’s it *actually* like? I'm picturing a… stuffy, old-school hotel?
Let's talk Imabari. Is there anything *outside* the hotel, or am I going to be stuck in a bubble?
Any hidden gems *within* the hotel itself? Like a secret bar, or a massage parlour?
What are the rooms *really* like? Give me a detailed description!
Okay, okay, you've convinced me. Anything I should prepare for *before* I go? Any *actual* downsides?
