79%Hoshide-kan

We wanted to head out at 10 that morning (the check-out time) and the Oku-san wasn't there. We rang the bell several times to pay so we could leave, but we were ignored by the woman in the office - eventually the kitchen woman came out to help us. But she couldn't take our money so we had to wait... more We wanted to head out at 10 that morning (the check-out time) and the Oku-san wasn't there. We rang the bell several times to pay so we could leave, but we were ignored by the woman in the office - eventually the kitchen woman came out to help us. But she couldn't take our money so we had to wait for the Okusan to get back from wherever she went. It was ridiculous. Why would she leave at check-out time? When she finally came back, she didn't want to take my credit card (the ad said they could take it) for a reason that she said too quickly so neither of could understand (our Japanese is not the best). We had to scrape through our wallets for cash to pay for the night. Other than that, I assume it was a pretty standard ryokan stay in the winter - incredibly cold, thin walls, futon, no private bath (again, despite the ad) etc. I really think they could have put better heaters in the rooms. Ours was very weak. I suppose the only good thing about it was that now I can say I have a ryokan experience. Probably won't do it again, at least not at that one.close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by field – posted on Mar 7, 2008

1

It's a little bit difficult to rate guesthouses in out of the way locations like Ise because they might not have some of the amenities that other guesthouses may have. Hoshidekan is one of those places. The location is great if you're going to the shrines of Ise because... more It's a little bit difficult to rate guesthouses in out of the way locations like Ise because they might not have some of the amenities that other guesthouses may have. Hoshidekan is one of those places. The location is great if you're going to the shrines of Ise because it's walking distance from the outer shrines. However, it's located right next to a road so it can get noisy at times. Security wise I know that it's pretty safe around Ise, but there are no locks on any of the doors including the front entrance. So anybody can walk in. Futons were pretty uncomfortable and hot water didn't last for long. On the positive side, the garden was nice looking and the decor was very nice. Owner was not as friendly as at other places. All in all, there aren'T too many options in Ise and those who go are pretty hardcore so none of the negative qualities were really deterrents. So I would recommend it but with I would also give visitors the heads up. The place definitely had unique character and though it sounds like I had complaints, I still had a fun time.close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by hokuto2483 – posted on Dec 26, 2006

3

Excellent. I wouldn't stay anywhere else when in Ise.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by bleeya – posted on Jul 30, 2006

6

The staff here were nothing short of amazing, so helpful even though there was a language barrier, i had problems trying to get cash out of ATMs in Japan but thanks to these girls thats all been sorted. The character is fantasic i felt like i was a geisha in meiji japan was great, secruity,... more The staff here were nothing short of amazing, so helpful even though there was a language barrier, i had problems trying to get cash out of ATMs in Japan but thanks to these girls thats all been sorted. The character is fantasic i felt like i was a geisha in meiji japan was great, secruity, although there were no locks as such on the doors the girls make sure the people who dine downstairs do not disturb the guest or enter the higher levels, theft isn't a huge issue in Japan so i felt quite safe leaving my iPod etc in my room. Overall the nicest hostel i've been to so far.close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by nollyc – posted on Jun 5, 2006

3

Very home-y place, very Japanese ryokan. So expect to share a bath, sleep on a futon in a tatami room, be served tea in the evening when you return, take off your shoes at the door in exchange for slippers, and spend any in-the-room time under your kotatsu. The garden is lovely. Staff is largely... more Very home-y place, very Japanese ryokan. So expect to share a bath, sleep on a futon in a tatami room, be served tea in the evening when you return, take off your shoes at the door in exchange for slippers, and spend any in-the-room time under your kotatsu. The garden is lovely. Staff is largely elderly, with very little English, but kind. Mostly we were left to our own devices, which was fine.close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by whettedk – posted on Apr 24, 2006

2