Baton Suite Okinawa - Kourijama

Baton Suite Okinawa - Kourijama, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its luxurious accommodations, breathtaking ocean views, and attentive service. Guests often describe it as an excellent choice for a relaxing and memorable stay on Kouri Island.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Baton Suite Okinawa - Kourijama enjoys an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, with ratings generally falling into the "Exceptional" or "Wonderful" categories. It holds a strong average rating of 9.6/10 from numerous reviews and 9.3/10 on other platforms. Guests frequently use terms like "Outstanding," "Excellent hotel definitely worth the money," and "Very friendly, super nice and welcoming" to describe their experience. The hotel is perceived as providing 100% value for its cost.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the spacious rooms and their fantastic views of the ocean and the iconic Kouri Bridge. The attentive and friendly staff, along with the personalized service, is a recurring highlight. As a relatively new property, the hotel benefits from modern design and well-maintained facilities. The presence of private balconies and view baths in many suites adds to the luxurious experience. The hotel also offers a convenient electric cart shuttle service for exploring Kouri Island.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Baton Suite Okinawa - Kourijama are all-suite, characterized by their significant size and comfort. Every room features a balcony, many offering stunning ocean views that can also be enjoyed from private view baths. The design is modern and tasteful, ensuring a comfortable and serene environment.

Amenities are comprehensive, including air conditioning, television with satellite/cable, YouTube, and Netflix access, a mini-bar, refrigerator, complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, plush linens, and comfortable pajamas. Notably, all rooms are equipped with a drum washer-dryer, and some suites, such as the Garden Suites, include kitchenettes with induction cooktops, dining tables, double-layer refrigerators, and microwaves. The Deluxe Ocean Suite further elevates the experience with an 85-inch large-screen TV and a premium TOTO bidet toilet seat. Guests also appreciate thoughtful touches like Refa series shower heads and hair dryers, and coffee bean grinders for freshly brewed coffee.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's restaurant, MEDITERRANEAN GRILL OCTO, provides a delightful dining experience with farm-to-table Mediterranean cuisine and ocean views. The Italian dinner has been specifically praised as delicious and generous.

Breakfast is served as a set menu rather than a buffet, with both Japanese and Western options available. While the Japanese breakfast, described by one reviewer as a "collection of Japanese pickles," was not universally recommended, the Western-style breakfast with a Ryukyu twist has been mentioned. Portions are generally considered sufficient and of good quality, with children's meals also available. The restaurant prioritizes Okinawan vegetables and meats and is capable of accommodating special dietary needs. Special occasions, such as anniversaries, are enhanced with thoughtful gestures like complimentary cake plates at breakfast.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Baton Suite Okinawa - Kourijama are consistently highlighted as a major strength. Guests describe the staff as attentive, friendly, and professional, offering a warm welcome and exceptional hospitality. The hotel is noted for its willingness to customize services, such as arranging birthday surprises, to make stays more memorable. Furthermore, the hotel provides a valuable electric shuttle service for transportation around Kouri Island, with staff going the extra mile, like assisting guests in finding and shuttling them to nearby restaurants.

6. Location & Accessibility

Baton Suite Okinawa - Kourijama is beautifully situated on Kouri Island, connected to Okinawa's main island by the picturesque Kouri Bridge. The hotel's elevated position, halfway up a hill, affords stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.

While the location is considered somewhat inconvenient without a personal car (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Naha Airport), this is largely mitigated by the hotel's electric cart shuttle service on the island. Guests can easily access Kouri Beach and Kouri Bridge within an 11-minute walk. Nearby attractions include Chigunu Beach (5 minutes by car/walk), Tokei Beach (10 minutes by car/walk), the Kouri Ocean Tower, and the historic Nakijin Castle Ruins. Free on-site private parking is available for those traveling by car.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally agree that Baton Suite Okinawa - Kourijama offers excellent value, despite its premium price point. Reviewers state it is "definitely worth the money" and that guests receive "100% value" for the cost. Average room prices typically range from $351 to $400, with rates starting from around US$253 during certain periods. While positioned similarly to other luxury resorts on Kouri Island, it may sometimes be slightly more affordable than its direct competitors.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few minor recurring criticisms have been noted:

• The Japanese breakfast, described as a "collection of Japanese pickles," was not to every guest's taste.
• Some guests have suggested improvements such as adding a heated swimming pool and a gym.
• The absence of EV charging stations has been pointed out.
• While the hotel provides a shuttle, the overall location can be inconvenient without a private car.
• Guests staying in upper-floor suites occasionally reported the presence of insects on balconies, despite diligent care.
• A minor point raised was the desire for more power outlets in rooms, particularly away from the twin beds.
• There were isolated comments regarding the service attitude of some employees needing strengthening and a perceived lack of welcoming and guiding services at the entrance.
• It's important to note the hotel's policies: outdoor spaces like balconies may not be suitable for children, children are not permitted to stay free of charge, and guests with tattoos may be restricted from using public bathing facilities, a common practice in Japan. The hotel also does not accommodate parties or events.

Sources

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