Hotel Tokyu di Kawazu

This used to be our favorite summer spot. We'd return at least once a year, for perhaps 4-5 years in a row. However, we hadn't been back for quite a long time. This is what I learned on our most recent visit: The hotel room (I think we had a ”Hollywood Standard Twin) was quite spacious. The beds were large and comfortable, and there is a nice-sized balcony with a generous ocean view. I see some other reviews on Tripadvisor calling the rooms ”old and smelly” -- this has never, ever been my experience, not once. The room seemed exactly as it was over 10 years ago, but that's fine. The colors are soft, muted ”beach” colors and we were very comfortable. On our first night we ate at the ”Melesea” restaurant, which serves French cuisine. We chose the ”Demi portion” course, which was about 9,000 yen (about $62USD with today's exchange rate). We chose it because it wasn't as high priced as some of the other course meals and the portion sizes sounded right for us. There is no question that the ”Demi portion” course was one of the best I've ever had in my life. The chef (Mr. Ohki) is obviously a professional who really understands how to bring out the delicate flavors of any dish, and he is a master at preparing sauces. Everything that was served was outstanding. No, we didn't want to pay that much money per person, but ultimately we made the right choice. We both were extremely impressed. The above two things, plus generally good weather, added up to a good experience. Here, though, are things that you should be aware of: This is essentially a family hotel. That means if you are coming here for peace and quiet, and you make the mistake of coming on a weekend or a national holiday, you can expect lots of screaming children running with abandon down the hallways and fussing in the restaurants and everywhere else. Japanese parents tend to indulge and spoil their little ones. And forget about using the pool, since that's where parents will be staked out the first thing in the morning. If you are a parent, you might find this to be the perfect hotel. If you aren't, and you do not enjoy the boundless energy and noise of children, you will be sorry you booked a room here. So, think carefully about the dates you arrive and leave. As for prices: Although you can get a ”Tokyu Hotel” member card, and although you can find online promotions, the way the hotel makes its money is through its dinners. You are going to pay a lot for them, although there is effort put into them, so, you do feel you are having an ”experience.” But they do not come cheaply. Also, if you don't book your room with breakfast, expect to pay ¥2900 for a ”buffet breakfast.” If you are Japanese, you will love this breakfast; if not, you will find an adequate selection of items for a Western breakfast. But what if you want to go ”out to eat” at night, instead of paying between 10-20,000 yen for a meal? Good luck. Unless you have your own car (and I'd say about 90% of the customers