Review: Okinawa Prince Hotel Ocean View Ginowan

_Location: Don’t let the location of Okinawa Prince Hotel put you off. It might be situated off a very busy street in the heart of Okinawa’s bustling main island, but its close proximity to the airport (30 minutes by car) and the ferry terminals (15 minutes) means it’s a brilliant base for adventurous travellers keen to explore more of the destination.

_{First impressions:} I’ve never been welcomed to a hotel by so many members of staff; their smiling, kind faces made me feel instantly at home. My son made a beeline for the children’s playroom in the lobby, with bright Japanese anime and fun toys keeping him busy while I checked in and learnt about the hotel’s facilities.

In the Club Lounge – open to guests staying in top-category rooms – we were given mocktails and sweet treats as staff helped us plan our ferry tickets for the following day’s adventure. Next we were taken to our gigantic The Club room, an impressive space with an enormous balcony and views over Ginowan Harbour.

_{The facts:} The property has 340 rooms across 14 categories. Floors three to 11 house the Superior rooms while 12 to 14 are considered ‘Club Floors’. The standout feature is the three pools, with two epic outdoor infinity pools (one on level 14 and the other on level two) and an indoor option, the latter located near the spa. Here you’ll also find a sauna, hot-stone spa room and an ice room.

Guests should be mindful that, as in much of Japan, tattoos should be covered in public spaces. The culinary offering is very limited, with only one all-day dining restaurant serving a buffet for all meals. Breakfast was pleasant but I opted to dine elsewhere for lunch and dinner. The hotel doesn’t offer room service.

_{Ideal for:} Families are well looked after, and the Family Rooms are particularly impressive – they have a fun design with a mezzanine bed area for youngsters to enjoy.

_Explore: Ask concierge for assistance in booking ferries to see other nearby islands. If your clients are travelling in February or March, they should consider booking a whale-watching experience.

_Wow: The service really impressed me. During my stay, an alert was sent out to everyone on the island warning that a missile was on approach from North Korea. I was panicking, but the staff were helpful, kind and gave me lots of information. They handled it impeccably.

_{Book it:} A night in The Club room starts from £1,123.
princehotels.com