Laguna Garden Hotel, Okinawa

All rooms face the ocean and have good-sized balconies with table and chairs, so even the smallest feel spacious

WHAT’ S IT LIKE?

The atmosphere in this gleaming white complex is unashamedly resort-like, but the hotel’s partnership with the Okinawa Convention Center makes it the most appealing place to stay for event delegates.

FACILITIES

There are 303 rooms and suites, with 99 in the newer East Wing (added in 2002). The majority are Western style, but there are also some traditional Japanese rooms with tatami matting, etc. The standard rooms are simple and functional, but a big plus is that all rooms face the ocean and have good-sized balconies with table and chairs, which make even the smallest rooms feel spacious. There are four restaurants: Italian-style eatery Paseo Garden; Japanese restaurant An-non, which features Okinawan cuisine; and Grill Restaurant Rin, where the best Japanese beef is on offer (book a table in advance). On the 13th floor, Kochuten Chinese restaurant specialises in Sichuanese food with the benefit of stunning views, which are also available next door in Paddle cocktail bar. For events, the hotel offers a 1,000 sqm banquet hall, plus three smaller rooms, but can combine facilities and catering with the convention centre nearby. There are two swimming pools, a lush tropical garden, and a gate gives access to the main public park with the beach 5-10 minutes’ walk away. Also in the hotel’s “Aqua Zone” is a public bath and sauna room, and a small fitness centre. Chura Bless spa on Level 2 offers “Ryukyu Esthetique” treatments.

VERDICT

Okinawa is a holiday hotspot first and foremost, but also an increasingly attractive MICE destination, and this hotel manages to set the right tone for both sets of customers. Business visitors will find an excellent level of comfort and facilities at this price point – and it’s easy to get into holiday mode once the work is done.