Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort

This resort is a memorable destination, primarily distinguished by its stunning ocean views from every room, offering guests a picturesque backdrop to their stay. It is particularly well-suited for families seeking a comprehensive beach holiday, with extensive facilities designed to entertain children. Couples also find it appealing for a relaxing escape, though some note the lively family atmosphere. The hotel consistently receives praise for its cleanliness and modern design, creating a pleasant and comfortable environment. The attentive staff further enhances the guest experience, providing helpful and polite service. To maximize your stay, it is advisable to make restaurant reservations well in advance, both within the hotel and at nearby eateries, as they tend to book up quickly. Additionally, guests should be aware that some amenities, such as the indoor pool and certain beach facilities, may incur additional charges.

Facilities & Amenities
The resort offers a wide array of facilities designed to enhance the guest experience, though many come with additional costs. Guests frequently praise the extensive outdoor pool area, which includes kids' pools, a wave pool, and slides, providing ample entertainment for families. A private beach with direct access is also a significant draw, often described as beautiful and well-maintained. For relaxation, an indoor heated pool, spa, and hot springs (Onsen) are available, though access to these, along with the fitness center or gym, typically requires an extra fee. Some guests noted that the gym equipment could be updated. Conveniently located within the hotel are souvenir shops and a convenience store. Coin laundry facilities are provided, and dedicated kids' play areas are appreciated by families. While Wi-Fi is available, some found its performance inconsistent.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be spacious and clean, contributing to a comfortable stay. Many appreciate the thoughtful design, including separate toilet and bath areas, and the presence of a large bathtub for relaxation. The balconies are often highlighted for their generous size and the opportunity to enjoy the ocean views. While most guests report comfortable beds, some found the mattresses to be quite firm. In-room amenities are typically described as comprehensive, including skin care products and pajamas. However, a few reviews noted issues with unpleasant odors in some rooms, possibly from drainage, and some instances of hair or uncleanliness in bathrooms. Noise levels are generally acceptable, though some guests experienced sound transfer from adjacent rooms or common areas.

Dining & Food Quality
Breakfast at the resort receives widespread acclaim for its variety and quality, with many guests highlighting the extensive selection of both local Okinawan dishes and international options. Specific favorites include smoothies, Okinawan soba, and roast beef. While the buffet is highly praised, a significant number of guests reported considerable waiting times during peak hours, sometimes exceeding 30 minutes, leading to a less relaxed start to the day. The hotel attempts to manage this with a ticketing system and takeaway breakfast options. Beyond breakfast, the hotel features several restaurants, including Teppanyaki and French cuisine, which are generally well-regarded for their food quality. However, many guests found the dining prices within the hotel to be quite high, and reservations are often essential due to limited availability.

Location & Accessibility
The resort boasts a central location in Onna Village, making it a convenient base for exploring both the northern and southern regions of Okinawa. Its direct access to a private beach is a major highlight, allowing guests immediate enjoyment of the coastline. A significant advantage is the abundance of restaurants and convenience stores within easy walking distance, providing diverse dining options outside the hotel. For accessibility, the hotel is approximately an hour's drive from Naha Airport, with a bus stop conveniently located directly in front, offering public transport links. Parking is available, and while some guests noted it can incur an additional charge, others found it to be free or reasonably priced, with efficient valet or self-parking options. However, some guests found travel times to more distant island attractions to be lengthy.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the resort consistently receive high praise from guests, with many highlighting their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend the polite demeanor of the team, from the front desk to the beach and restaurant staff. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient, though a few guests experienced delays or perceived impatience. Specific examples of excellent service include staff accommodating requests for quieter dining spaces, providing assistance with transportation, and offering thoughtful gestures like late check-out. While most experiences with housekeeping are positive, some guests noted inconsistencies in room cleaning or replenishment of amenities. The parking attendants are also frequently mentioned for their efficiency and assistance with luggage. Overall, the commitment to providing a family-friendly service is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several unique aspects of the resort's operations. The hotel promotes an eco-friendly cleaning policy, offering guests a daily resort credit if they opt to forgo daily room cleaning, which can be used at the souvenir shop or other hotel facilities. A notable tattoo policy requires guests with visible tattoos to cover them when using public bath areas or pools. The hotel layout is quite extensive, and some guests found the elevator system to be complex or inefficient, requiring multiple transfers to reach certain areas. Despite this, the hotel's souvenir shop is well-stocked and reasonably priced. A unique offering is the ability to enjoy fireworks on the hotel beach, adding a special touch to evenings. Additionally, some guests expressed discomfort regarding the bathhouse etiquette concerning children of the opposite gender in adult bathing areas.