Izumo Hotel The Cliff

Izumo Hotel The Cliff, a Michelin Key One-Keys property, offers a unique and highly praised luxury experience nestled into the cliffs overlooking the Sea of Japan. Guests consistently highlight its breathtaking ocean views, distinctive design, and exceptional hospitality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Izumo Hotel The Cliff is overwhelmingly positive, with an "exceptional" rating of 9.5 based on 75 reviews. Guests frequently describe their stays as "phenomenal" and "incredible," with many expressing a strong desire to return. The hotel boasts high scores across various categories, including location (9.8), cleanliness (9.6), facilities (9.6), comfort (9.6), and staff (9.7).

2. Key Highlights

Guests are particularly enamored with several aspects of Izumo Hotel The Cliff:

• Breathtaking Sea Views & Sunsets: The hotel's prime location on the cliffside ensures magnificent, unobstructed views of the Sea of Japan, especially during sunset. This is a consistent highlight, with guests finding the views "breathtaking" and "magical". Many rooms include private jacuzzis perfectly positioned to enjoy these vistas.
• Unique Design & Architecture: The hotel's eight rooms are literally carved into the cliffside, resembling private caves with modern, minimalist interiors that blend raw concrete with delicate woodwork. This "quirky" yet elegant design contributes significantly to the unique atmosphere.
• Exceptional Service: The staff receives high praise for being "kind, attentive, and helpful," often going "above and beyond" for guests. Their professionalism and friendly demeanor enhance the overall experience.
• High-Quality Dining: The on-site restaurant is frequently mentioned for its "phenomenal" and "delicious" food, with some guests suggesting it deserves a Michelin star.
• Private Jacuzzis: Each room features a private terrace with a jacuzzi, allowing guests to relax and soak in the views, even the starry night sky.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers just eight rooms, each designed to maximize sea views and provide a private, serene retreat. Rooms are described as:

• Breathtaking and Luxurious: Interiors are a minimalist mix of brutalist raw concrete and delicate woodwork, creating a luxurious yet understated feel.
• Comfortable and Well-Designed: Despite some mentioning rooms can feel small, they are generally found to be comfortable, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed for a relaxing stay.
• Sea View and Balcony/Terrace: All rooms offer ocean views, often through a huge frontal opening, and come with a spacious private balcony or terrace.
• Private Jacuzzi: A significant feature is the private jacuzzi on the terrace of each room, perfect for enjoying the scenery.
• Amenities: Rooms include air conditioning, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, refrigerators, and tea/coffee makers. Complimentary drinks, snacks, alcohol, and bathrobes are also provided. Some guests noted the absence of lotion or moisturizer in amenities. There is typically no TV in the rooms, encouraging guests to enjoy the scenery.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's restaurant, GARB CLIFF TERRACE IZUMO, located on the upper floor, offers panoramic views of the Shimane coast.

• Cuisine: The restaurant serves modern European cuisine for lunch and dinner, with a focus on Japanese dishes made from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients from the Shimane food trove. Specialties include Shimane Wagyu beef and fresh seafood.
• Dinner: A 7-dish dinner course is offered exclusively to hotel guests, including soup, appetizers, fish, meat, pasta, and dessert. Many guests rave about the "phenomenal" and "delicious" meals, often stating they would expect to pay much higher prices for the quality. The chef is also able to amend menus for allergies.
• Breakfast: Breakfast is a highlight, described as "excellent" and "wonderful," featuring healthy Japanese dishes and local Shimane specialties like freshly cooked Nita rice and Tai-meshi (sea bream rice). It is exclusively for staying guests, offering a calm dining experience.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Izumo Hotel The Cliff is consistently rated as "impeccable" and "perfect".

• Attentiveness and Friendliness: Staff members are described as "kind and attentive," "professional," "friendly," and "always smiling". They are noted for going "above and beyond" to assist guests.
• Responsiveness: Staff are praised for their polite reception and ability to handle requests flexibly, such as amending menus for allergies or even helping locate forgotten items after check-out.
• Privacy: Guests appreciate that the staff are not overly intrusive, maintaining a good distance while still being helpful, which contributes to a feeling of privacy.

6. Location & Accessibility

Izumo Hotel The Cliff is located in Kumura, nestled on a cliff approximately 10 meters above the beach.

• Remote but Scenic: The location is described as "gorgeous," "quiet," and "relaxing," allowing for a deep connection with nature and magnificent sunsets. However, it is a bit remote from the city area.
• Transportation: Arriving by car, rental car, or taxi is recommended. It's approximately a 5-minute taxi ride or 30-minute walk from JR San'in Main Line Odashi Station. Izumo Enmusubi Airport is about 35 minutes away by car via the San'in Expressway.
• Nearby Attractions: The hotel is near Masakigaoka Park (6.2 miles) and Izumo-Taisha Grand Shrine (11 miles).

7. Value & Pricing

Izumo Hotel The Cliff is considered a premium property with prices averaging between $401 and $450 per night.

• Excellent Value: Despite the premium pricing, many guests feel it offers "incredible value" for the quality of the experience, particularly the meals and breathtaking views. Some stated they would expect to pay much higher for the quality received.
• Luxury Experience: The elevated price reflects the exceptional quality, unique charm, and luxurious offerings, making it an "extraordinary getaway" for those seeking unparalleled hospitality and scenery. Room rates can start from around 32,000 JPY (approximately $215 USD) with breakfast included, depending on the room type and season.

8. Common Complaints

While overall feedback is highly positive, a few minor recurring issues or suggestions for improvement have been noted:

• Jacuzzi Maintenance: Some guests reported finding leaves or insects in the outdoor jacuzzi, suggesting a cover would be beneficial. One review mentioned finding hair, raising concerns about cleanliness.
• Dining Service Speed: Dinner service can sometimes be slow, especially when the restaurant is busy with non-staying guests. One guest experienced a 2.5-hour dinner with delays and mix-ups in serving order.
• Room Lighting: A couple of guests mentioned that the lighting in the rooms could be insufficient in some areas.
• Limited Amenities: While generally well-prepared, some guests wished for additional amenities like lotion or moisturizer, and a chair and makeup mirror at the washstand.
• Sauna Privacy/Security: For guests not in the private villa, the communal sauna area lacks locks on the entrance door or surveillance cameras, which some found uncomfortable for privacy and security of valuables.
• Accessibility without a Car: The hotel's somewhat remote location means it's not very accessible without a car.

Sources

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5. japan.travel
6. michelin.com
7. hotel-the-cliff.jp
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10. ikyu.com