Hotel Matsushima Taikanso

夕食朝食共ビュッフェがとても充実していて満足でした。

部屋が山側だったのでロビーから松島を眺める感じでしたが、上階に展望台があったら、と思いました。

We had a large family room with nice views of the mountains (and rear parking lot); many rooms, however, have bay views, which would be lovely. Tatami floors, comfortable beds, separate toilet and ofuro/shower rooms. Shower hot and strong. Buffet dinner was extensive and multi-cultural. Breakfast could be a bit more interesting for us westerners. Yukata robes provided in rooms (even for children!!) and many guests wander around the hotel wearing them. The best was their onsen with indoor and outdoor options and amazing views. Tons of well-equipped pre-onsen washing up stations and lockers.

Large and somewhat impersonal hotel/resort. Luggage racks and hooks in the room would be appreciated.

Superbe vue sur l’océan depuis la chambre, le hall d’entrée, et le restaurant. La chambre était spacieuse. Il y a un grand parking gratuit à disposition. Grand buffet varié pour le petits déjeuners et dîners.

La salle de bain de la chambre est ancienne, et mérite d’être rénovée. Elle est toutefois très propre. L’accès à la salle du petit déjeuner avec vue sur l’océan nous a été refusé les deux jours, car trop de monde. L’autre salle est dans fenêtres. Les menus des buffets sont identiques de jour en jour.

Everyone says it, but the view really *is* beautiful. When booking, I was torn between booking a hotel near the water (in the lively part of town) or booking this place up on the hill with the beautiful view-----and I am soooo glad that I chose this place on the hill. During the day, you can take the free shuttle down to the little town by the water, ride the boats, eat the yummy food, enjoy the lively touristy atmosphere, etc. But because there are so many little islands in Matsushima, you can't fully appreciate how beautiful the area is just by looking at it from sea level. Being up in the hill gives you a fantastic persective of the sea and islands which you wouldn't be able to enjoy if you stayed near the water. This hotel has big windows everywhere, and it's like a mini town all on its own. Apart from the buffet-style all-you-can-eat meals, there are Onsen, a little game center, bars, karaoke rooms, a pool, massage therapists, a fairly large gift shop, vending machines (some with alcohol), a laundry room, live piano music, and even little events run by the hotel (yoga classes, crafts, and we went in the summer, so there were even little fireworks/sparkler activities).

We liked everything! The hotel was lovely. One small note to future travelers, though: there aren't any convenience stores in Matsushima, which means it's really hard to find an ATM. We were shocked that there weren't any convenience stores around, but it definitely makes the place feel more historic and quaint. Since many of the shops and taxis in the town only take cash, though, I highly recommend visiting an ATM *before* you arrive in Matsushima.