Simply put, I was completely creeped out by the traditional rooms. It was a whole new experience for a hotel experience. There were no beds when I first walked in, so I was definitely concerned about my night. I remember a sourish smell that was very unpleasant but not a big of a deal. It's a really old hotel, what do you expect? However, the television was very small, compared to all the tv screens in other hotels.

Once we returned from dinner, the beds were already set up in the room -- pretty neat.

Speaking on location, it's very remote and pretty much it's own town. The views are fantastic and just so beautiful. They have a huge garden which is like a trail -- super gorgeous! I do recommend this hotel for those who want to try something different but those of us who are normally used to sleeping in hotels with high beds, you may or may not like it.

It is as one previous reviewer put it: Creepy. A perfect setting for a crimte thriller. The place f e e l s deserted, and although you get the impression that the hotels tries to renew itself (quite new graphical profile it seems, new onsen from 2008), they fight a stronger trend. When mentioning to Japanese friends that I was going to Atami, they would giggle. The garden/walkway on the cliffside towards the sea is falling apart. Abandoned restaurants (?), warning signs, etc. It is a great place for semi-urban exploring I would guess, and in a peculiar way it adds some form of charm - if you're in the mood.

The hotel is indeed old. I would guess that the latest major redocaration was cirka 1989. Rooms are spacious and the view over the sea is very nice, but they are old, run down and dull. Food was well below average. The only thing standing out is the onsen. It is from 2008 and is clean and quite nice actually. You can rent a private onsen suite with a sea view for a bargain.

Breakfast choice was limited. Standard Japanese, nothing special. Dinner was nothing to write home about. Dull. I am not familiar with other hotels in the area, so I couldn't say if this was a good choice on a relative basis, as it seems the whole town is struggling. On an absolute basis it was not.

I was excited to stay at this hotel after reading the good reviews about experiencing a true traditional japanese accommodation. However upon arrival, I noticed immediately that the hotel is NOT so new. The floral decor and old carpeting were the first indication. After checking into our room, I noticed a stale smell in our room and opened the window, but just made it muggier. The room is nice, loved the tatami floors, however the bathroom only fits one person at a time and appliances are old. I thought the chairs in the room were old too and needed to be replaced. Perhaps it was the faded cushions that gave it away.

We took a walk around the property (the garden area) and noticed that it's run down as if no one took care of it anymore. I imagine that the New Akao must've been the place to be 40yrs ago, but not in 2010. I felt like I was walking through a creepy hotel waiting for a geisha ghost to pop out and scare me.

Unfortunately I didn't try the onsen, but I heard great reviews from the people on my tour. Internet is not available in the room (the place is OLD) but it is avail on on the lobby floor. I would not stay here again...I'll find another hotel that offers traditional japanese accommodations where the hotel isn't so dated.

This hotel is definitely older and the decor is a strange mix of traditional Japanese and western, but this is a great place to stay!!!! If you are looking for a luxury hotel, this is not the place for you. What this place does have going for it is the incredible view! The hotel itself extends into the ocean and every room has a gorgeous view. The staff here is also incredibly friendly and polite. This hotel also has a lot to do. There is a bar, traditional Japanese Restaurant, Hot Springs, gaming arcade, shops, and a beautiful garden. I would definately stay here again