Escape to Luxury: Unforgettable Hotel Massimo Mishima, Gotemba
Escape to Luxury: Hotel Massimo Mishima - Gotemba - Or, Did I Actually Escape?! (A Messy Review, In All Its Glory)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea. Or, you know, the onsen water, but we're talking metaphorical tea here. This isn't your buttoned-up, bland travel blog review. This is raw, unfiltered, "I-just-checked-out-and-my-socks-are-still-damp-from-the-pool" realness. Hotel Massimo Mishima in Gotemba? Let's dive in. Honestly, getting out of this place felt like actual freedom.
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The Arrival & the Dreaded Accessibility Question:
First things first. Accessibility. Oh boy. The website was all sunshine and rainbows, promising the world. But reality? A bit… nuanced. I'm not a massive fan of stairs (blame a dodgy knee) so accessible was KEY. The lobby's flat enough, and the elevator… it exists. Hallelujah! They do offer facilities for disabled guests. I'm told you have to specifically request this ahead of time, (I would know, I didn't!). The staff was trying – bless their hearts – but coordinating everything was, let’s just say, a process. It's a solid "Meh" on the accessibility front, leaning towards "Needs a Little Work." But, hey, at least they tried.
Inside & Out: Where To Spend My Precious Time?
- Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Right, the good stuff. The pool with a view. Oh. My. GOD. Picture this: You, lounging, with Mount Fuji peeking over the horizon. Absolutely breathtaking. The sauna was bliss, sweating out all the stress of… gestures vaguely at the world. The spa? I indulged. Body scrub and wrap – pure indulgence. Worth every yen. They had a fitness center, but I opted for strategically placed naps instead. Zero regrets.
- The Onsen: The High Point of the Trip This is really where the 'escape' element kicked in. The onsen, or hot spring bath, was an immersion in all of Japan. The pool was cool, but this was something else. Stepping into the water was a transformative experience. I had to stop myself from taking a selfie. This was the ultimate relaxation. I would gladly go back just for this.
- For the Kids: They've got a babysitting service, kid's facilities, and kids meals. Seems like a good spot for families, however, I was traveling solo, so I can only take their word for it.
- Getting Around: Free car park? Yes, please! Valet parking? Fancy! They also have a taxi service and airport transfer. I rented a car after all, which, in hindsight, was a bit of a bold move considering the Gotemba traffic. But hey, I earned the escape, so I earned the parking.
Cleanliness & Safety: Is It Safe?
- COVID-19 precautions: They’re taking it seriously, which is reassuring, even though the whole thing is a bit… exhausting at this point. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, hand sanitizer everywhere, safe dining setup. They’ve got the hygiene certifications covered, I can't say I saw the staff trained in safety protocol. It felt… clean. I appreciated the effort.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Escape (Or Not)
- Restaurants? Plural! The options were pretty fantastic, with a western and asian influence. There was an a la carte menu, a buffet, and even alternative meal arrangements for picky eaters. I indulged in coffee and tea in the restaurants, as well as a happy hour. I was delighted.
- Room Service? 24-Hour! Genius. Perfect for late-night cravings or, you know, when you just really don't feel like putting on pants. I may or may not have ordered a mountain of dessert. Don't judge me.
- Poolside Bar: Yes! Cocktails with a view. Need I say more?
- Snack Bar & Coffee Shop: Convenient. Necessary. Lifesaving.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (Or Annoy)
- Daily housekeeping: Yes! My room felt clean every day. I really appreciated.
- Concierge: Helpful, though sometimes the helpfulness felt a tad staged. Like they’d read a script. But efficient overall, so great.
- Cash withdrawal: Handy.
- Laundry service & Dry Cleaning: They have them, which is a good thing. I didn't end up needing them, but nice to know they are there.
- Gift shop: I snagged a few souvenirs. Tourist trap prices, but hey, memories!
- The Elevator: It's here!
- Luggage storage: A lifesaver.
In-Room Amenities: My Little Sanctuary… Mostly.
- The Bed: Comfy. Extra long. Good.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for defeating jet lag and indulging in midday naps.
- Free Wi-Fi: PRAISE. BE. Especially as someone who worked remotely. It was not always the fastest, but it worked.
- Mini bar: Well-stocked, but pricey. Still, a great convenience.
- The Bathroom: Huge. Separate shower and bathtub? Luxury!
- Room Decorations: Good. Clean, if slightly… generic. But hey, it's a hotel room, not my dream home.
- TV: Satellite channels, on-demand movies… perfect for escaping the real world, even further.
The Imperfections (Because Life, And My Reviews, Aren't Perfect):
- The "Hotel Chain" Vibe: While luxurious, Hotel Massimo Mishima lacked that unique, boutique hotel charm. It felt a little polished, a little… corporate at times. Like a very, very well-oiled machine.
- The Speed Bump of Language: Some of the staff's English was a little… challenging. This led to a few communication breakdowns, which, while not the end of the world, could be frustrating.
- The Price Tag: This isn’t a budget hotel. Expect to shell out some serious yen. Worth it? Debatable. For the spa, the view, and the feeling of being pampered? Maybe. For everything else? I'm still figuring that out.
- That Little Annoyance: I didn't have an issue with the internet, however sometimes it felt a little slow.
The Verdict: Did I Escape?
Yes. In a way. I escaped the daily grind, the deadlines, the endless to-do list. I escaped into a world of pampering, beautiful views, and delicious food. Hotel Massimo Mishima is a good hotel with a few hiccups. Is it perfect? No. But is it a worthy escape? Absolutely. Would I go back? Maybe. But next time, I'm demanding a specific room and checking the accessibility details before I book. That's a promise!
Escape to Paradise: CAMAKILA Tanjung Benoa's Unforgettable Bali Getaway
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary isn't gonna be your pristine, Pinterest-perfect travel plan. This is what really happened (or at least, how I remember it) at Hotel Massimo Mishima Gotemba. And let me tell you, it was a ride. Consider this less a schedule and more… evidence. Evidence of a slightly unhinged, but ultimately delighted traveler.
Day 1: Arrival – And the Great Ramen Gamble
14:00 - Arrival at Hotel Massimo, Check-in. "Smooth sailing," they said. Yeah, right. The lobby's all sleek minimalist design, which is fine… until you realize you haven't used Japanese in more than a decade. Me, babbling "arimasu?" to the incredibly polite receptionist while gesturing wildly at my suitcase… it was not a graceful entrance. Found my room eventually. Holy moly, the view of Mount Fuji from my window - completely worth the initial mortification. Seriously, picture postcard levels of gorgeous.
15:00 - Room Reconnaissance and Initial Delight (followed by minor panic). Okay, room's tiny, you know, classic Japanese hotel. But spotless! And that bed… already plotting my nap strategy. But then I saw the remote control panel for everything. Lights, air con, blinds, even the freaking toilet! I swear, it took me a solid fifteen minutes just to figure out how to turn on the desk lamp.
16:00 – The Great Ramen Gamble: Okay, feeling peckish. Saw a tiny ramen place a few blocks down. "Authentic experience!" I told myself. Turns out, "Authentic" is also code for "barely understandable menu" and "people staring." I think I ordered pork ramen? What arrived was a steaming bowl of deliciousness (after a quick Google Translate session for the instructions, naturally). The noodles were perfect, the broth was heaven, and I swear, the elderly woman behind the counter gave me a wink when I slurped. Maybe she just felt sorry for me.
18:00 – Golden hour-ish and the Fuji-san Feels: Back at the hotel. Popped open a cheap Sapporo (because, priorities), and just beamed at Fuji-san. This beauty is breathtaking to behold. It's a feeling of serene peace, especially as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues. At that moment, all my awkwardness just…melted away.
19:00 - Hotel Dinner! (Or "How I Learned to Love Tempura.") I was tired from the earlier ramen adventure. A little overzealous in the ordering. So much tempura. But, you know what? The tempura was amazing. Fluffy, crispy, perfect. Also, there was a mysterious green sauce. No idea what it was, but it was delightful. Ended the night feeling pleasantly full and utterly content. This is the life.
Day 2: Into the Hakone Heat – and the Dreaded Ropeway
08:00 - Wakey Wakey! and Breakfast Buffet. The "breakfast buffet" in quotations because it was mostly stuff I didn't recognize. Little fishy things, oddly textured bean paste… But the eggs were perfect, the coffee was strong, and I found a little corner of fruit salad. Victory!
09:00 - Hakone Adventure! (The Plan, and the Impending Doom of Transport) Alright, Hakone. Famous for its volcanic hot springs, art museums and views. I had the idea to take the public transport tour. The first hurdle: the train! Let me tell you, navigating the train was like playing a real-life version of Mario Kart, except the course is a Japanese rail system and you're the slightly bewildered player. Then came the bus. The bus to the ropeway. Ah, the ropeway.
11:00 - Hakone Ropeway of Terror, Part 1: Okay, the ropeway. Everyone said it was a must-do to views of the sulfurous, volcanic valley. Scenic, they said. They neglected to mention the part where the gondolas are jammed packed, smell vaguely of sulfur, and swing precariously over a very long drop. The first leg was glorious. Then it began to feel like I was trapped inside a slightly-too-small tin can suspended above a boiling hellscape.
12:00 - Hakone Ropeway of Terror, Part 2: Ashi Lake. It was pretty, I guess. But mostly I was relieved to be back on solid ground, eating a rather overpriced ice cream. I'm still not sure if I enjoyed the whole ropeway experience. I think my heart rate is still recovering.
14:00 - Ashi Lake Cruise and Post-Traumatic Stress Desserts: Found a charming little cruise on Ashi Lake. It was the perfect antidote to the previous hour of ropeway hell. After the cruise? Dessert! I was craving something sweet to calm the nerves, so I indulged in the most decadent Japanese pastry I could find. I am still unsure of the name, but I have to say, it was worth it.
17:00 - Back to the Hotel, Reflecting..and Planning the Escape Back at the hotel. Spent a long time at the window staring at Mount Fuji the calming influence i needed after yesterday's travel. Decided this hotel was the perfect location for my escape.
Day 3: Departure – Farewell, Fuji-san (and the Memories)
08:00 - One Last Breakfast! Going to miss the almost-understandable breakfast buffet. One last plate of eggs and dubious but delicious bean paste, just for old time's sake.
09:00 - Packing and Fond Farewell to the Mountain. Packed. Reflected. Took one, last lingering gaze at Mount Fuji. Sigh. It was beautiful. Truly. Part of me didn't want to leave.
10:00 - Check-Out. And the Final, Slightly Embarrassing Moment. Saying goodbye to the incredibly patient staff. I managed to stumble my way through a "thank you' and a heartfelt bow, and then I accidentally tripped over a suitcase. The receptionist just smiled. Bless her heart.
11:00 - Goodbye Hotel Massimo, Hello, the real world On the train. The journey began. I left with a heart full of memories, the scent of tempura, the ghost of sulphur, and a desperate need for a very long nap. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe… not the ropeway.
So, is this place REALLY "luxury"? Like, should I bring my tiara and the diamond-studded dog leash luxury?
Okay, look. "Luxury" is subjective, alright? Some people think 'luxury' is a gold-plated toilet brush (seriously, I saw one in Dubai). Hotel Massimo is... well, it *aims* for luxury. The views of Mount Fuji? Unbeatable. The rooms are spacious. The spa? Oh, the spa. But the service? Sometimes… let's just say it has *character*. More on that later. Think fancy-ish, not Versailles-level. I'd leave the tiara at home. The diamond-studded leash, though? Probably safe, since they'd *adore* that little bugger. Bonus points if it's a chihuahua.
What's the view *actually* like? Does Mount Fuji actually *show up*?
THE VIEW. The absolute *reason* to go. When she deigns to appear (Fuji, I mean), it's breathtaking. But listen, Fuji is a diva. She's got moods. She might be all smiles and sunshine one minute, then shrouded in a grumpy cloud the next. I went for a week, and I saw her maybe… three mornings really, fully. The rest of the time? Misty, teasing glimpses. So, manage your expectations. Bring a prayer. And a camera, obviously. And perhaps a small voodoo doll to placate the mountain gods.
The rooms – are they actually nice and what kinds of rooms are offered? Is there a bathtub? (This is vital.)
Rooms are GOOD. Spacious. Minimalist, in a Japanese way, which means beautiful wood, clean lines, and not a lot of clutter. Bathtubs? YES. Glorious, deep soaking tubs. The kind you sink into and forget the world exists. Heavenly. I opted for the Fuji view room (duh). The balcony was small but perfect for morning coffee (or late-night sake, don't judge). There are suites, too, I believe. But honestly, the standard room with that view? That's really the sweet spot.
Tell me EVERYTHING about the spa! Was it worth it? 'Cause sometimes spa treatments are just a rip-off.
The spa...ohhhh, the spa. It was a THING. The scent of essential oils? Divine. The relaxation room? You could lose yourself in there for hours. *Hours*. The massages? I had a deep tissue one, and the therapist… she knew *exactly* what she was doing. My knots? Gone. Poof. Disappeared. Floating in the Japanese-style soaking tub afterwards, gazing out at the gardens? Priceless. Okay, maybe not *priceless*, it's still a spa, but worth every penny. Book a treatment. Seriously, just do it. My only minor complaint: the "music" was a bit…new age-y whale song. But I quickly drifted off anyway.
Restaurant food - Good or bad? What's it *really* like? And how's the service? (Because that can make or break the whole experience.)
Here's where it gets… interesting. The food is generally *good*. The breakfast buffet is decent; you can find some Western and Japanese. The dinner is excellent, but it’s a multi-course meal, so eat your Wheaties before you go. The problem? The service can be… inconsistent. Sometimes impeccable, attentive, and lovely. Other times? Slow. Forgetful. Occasionally, you'll feel like you're invisible. I’m being dramatic, okay? But it can be a *little* frustrating. One time, I waited nearly an hour for my coffee. An HOUR! I mean, I was enjoying the view, but still. It's a small imperfection in paradise, I guess.
What about the location? Is it convenient for getting around and other activities?
Gotemba is… well, it's Gotemba. It's not exactly buzzing with excitement. You’re there for the views, the relaxation, and maybe some outlet shopping (yes, really). The hotel is a bit out of the way, so factor in travel time to attractions. There's a shuttle to the Gotemba Premium Outlets, which is basically the Disneyland of discount designer goods. Get there early, seriously. The other attractions, you're mostly going to need a car or a taxi (or be brave enough to try the buses, which I wasn’t).
Is there anything to do *besides* stare at Fuji and eat? Are there any recommended activities?
Okay, yes, there's *stuff* to do! Besides worshipping Fuji, that is. The Gotemba Premium Outlets are a must-do if you're into retail therapy. Hakone is nearby, with its art museums, hot springs, and stunning views (different views, mind you, not Fuji). You can hike, visit the Fuji Safari Park (I heard it’s awesome, but I chickened out), or explore some of the smaller, charming villages nearby. I mostly stuck to the spa and room, though. Judge me later.
Okay, so, any major annoyances? And what could the hotel improve?
The service, again. It’d be nice if they could be a *little* more proactive. And the wifi in my room was spotty. Seriously, no one wants buffering when you're trying to upload Instagram photos of Fuji. Also, the hotel is beautiful but a bit…quiet. A little more life in the bar (maybe some live music, preferably not whale songs) wouldn't go amiss. But honestly? These are minor gripes.
Would you go back? Be honest!
Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Despite the occasional service hiccups, the view, the spa… it’s magical. It really is. It's the kind of place where you can truly unwind and disconnect. And the opportunity of seeing Fuji? It's worth the gamble. Just pack some patience, a good book, and maybe a spare bottle of sake. And for the love of all that is holy, pray for clear skies.
