Relaxing Escape to Grand Mercure Wakayama

Hi everyone! Today, I’m thrilled to share the details of my recent two-night getaway at the Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe Resort & Spa. Located in the beautiful Wakayama prefecture, this resort is part of the well-known Accor group. Since I hold an Accor ALL membership, I decided to book their all-inclusive package directly through the official website. This was a great choice as it covered the room, unlimited access to the onsen (hot springs), and the dinner buffet, allowing me to enjoy everything without worrying about add-on costs. If you’re planning a trip to the area, read on for my full review!

Introduction to Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe Resort

We opted to rent a car for this trip, which made getting to the resort very convenient. Upon arrival, I was relieved to find a massive parking lot—parking was a breeze and, even better, completely free for guests. For those traveling by train, there is a shuttle bus service available from JR Minabe Station. I’d recommend checking the “Access” page on their official website for the latest timetable. Just a heads-up: it looks like advance reservations are currently required for the shuttle, so be sure to book your spot before you arrive. : )

Check-in Process

After a full day exploring Wakayama, we arrived in the evening ready to relax. As you’d expect from a global hospitality brand, the front desk staff spoke excellent English, making the check-in process smooth and stress-free. As an Accor Gold member, I was welcomed with a complimentary drink right away—a refreshing start to the stay.

During check-in, we also secured our time slot for the all-inclusive dinner. Since the restaurant can get quite busy, they operate on a reservation system with 30-minute intervals starting from 5:00 PM (especially during peak seasons) to ensure a relaxed dining experience. Breakfast begins at 6:45 AM and, thankfully, does not require a reservation.

Located near the lobby is an “Amenities Bar,” a smart self-service station where you can grab essentials like toothbrushes and other toiletries. It’s well-stocked, so you can easily pack light knowing the resort has you covered.

For guests staying two nights or more, the resort has an eco-friendly housekeeping policy. You’ll receive a notice explaining that they don’t perform a full cleaning on the second day; staff will simply enter to empty the trash. A complete cleaning, including fresh bed sheets, takes place on the third day. However, fresh towels and toothbrushes are provided daily regardless. If you do prefer your room to be cleaned on the second day, simply hang the “COME ON IN” card on your door, and they will take care of it.

The Lounge

One of my favorite features was The Lounge, a relaxing space open to all guests. From 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, they host an “Evening Social.” It serves as a perfect afternoon tea or happy hour where you can unwind with soft drinks, coffee, tea, and even some fruit liqueurs.

Later in the evening, from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the atmosphere shifts to a “Night Cap.” This is a quieter bar time to wind down your day. During these hours, they offer draft beer, various spirits, and snacks. Everything is self-service, allowing you to help yourself to whatever you fancy.

Self-Service Baggage Storage

There is also a designated area for self-service luggage storage. This is incredibly convenient if you arrive before check-in or want to explore the surroundings a bit more after checking out. : )

The Guest Rooms

The hallways leading to the guest rooms felt wide and airy, offering stunning views while waiting for the elevator. While the resort doesn’t provide complimentary bottled water inside the room, there are water stations located near the elevators. This is a growing trend among hotels to reduce plastic waste, which I appreciate. I always travel with a reusable tumbler, and it definitely came in handy here.

Classic Room Interior

I originally booked a “Classic Room with 2 Single Beds and 1 Sofa Bed, Mountain View,” but thanks to my Accor Gold status, I was upgraded to a high-floor Ocean View room! Compared to the typically compact business hotels in Japan, this room felt surprisingly spacious. Having been recently renovated, everything was clean, modern, and fresh. There were two of us, so we had plenty of room to spread out, but it would easily accommodate a family comfortably.

On the table, I discovered a welcome letter and a thoughtful gift. It’s been a while since I received a welcome amenity like this! The snacks were all local specialties from the Wakayama region, which made them feel extra special. It was a nice way to sample local flavors—if you enjoy them, they make for great souvenirs to take home.

The room was also equipped with comfortable loungewear and a traditional bag to use when heading to the onsen. There was also an air purifier with a humidification function—an absolute essential for keeping the room comfortable during the drier seasons.

The Bathroom

The bathroom follows the standard Japanese layout with separate areas for the sink, toilet, and shower/bath. Everything has been remodeled, so it was spotless. Even though there is a grand onsen downstairs, the room includes a large bathtub if you prefer a private soak. The toiletries provided were Pomelo scented, offering a refreshing and citrusy aroma that I really enjoyed.

Ocean View

Thanks to the upgrade, the view from our high-floor room was spectacular. Just sitting by the window and gazing out at the sea felt like a vacation in itself. It wasn’t just a flat horizon; seeing the beach and various islands dotted along the coast made the scenery dynamic and interesting. I actually regretted spending so much time sightseeing outside; next time, I would love to dedicate a full day to just enjoying the room and the resort’s facilities.

Hot Spring (Onsen) Experience

The onsen facility here is called Kishu Minabe Senrihama Onsen. Located on the basement level (B1), it’s a comprehensive relaxation space featuring an open-air bath, a large indoor bath, a sauna, and an onsen lounge.

Upon entering, you are greeted by the Onsen Lounge, a dimly lit, calming space designed for resting before or after your bath. They offer complimentary tea and juices here, which is a lovely perk.

✔️ Onsen Information (For Guests)
– Morning: 06:00 ~ 10:00 (Last entry 09:30)
– Afternoon/Night: 15:00 ~ 24:00 (Last entry 23:30)
– Fee: Free (Bathing tax is included in the room rate)
– Tattoo Policy: Generally, tattoos are prohibited. However, if your tattoo can be completely covered by one or two 8cm x 10cm stickers (available for purchase at the front desk), you are allowed to enter.

The changing room was spacious and clean, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with a modern touch. (Note: These photos were taken with special permission from the resort during hours when no other guests were present.)

Indoor Bath

The large indoor bath features expansive windows that let you take in the natural scenery. While the indoor water is heated (not raw hot spring water), it’s still very relaxing. The washing stations are plentiful, so you won’t have to wait even during busy times. Each station is stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, and they even have chairs for toddlers.

Sauna

There is also a sizable sauna available, perfect for sweating out any travel fatigue and refreshing your body.

Open-Air Bath (Rotenburo)

The crown jewel here is undoubtedly the open-air bath. It uses natural hot spring water where you can soak while listening to the soothing sound of the ocean waves. The water is a sodium chloride spring, known for its heat-retention properties, so you stay warm long after getting out. There is something magical about soaking here under a starlit sky with the cool ocean breeze on your face.

They also have some unique tubs, including a black bath that utilizes Binchotan (a high-quality charcoal famous in the region) and a Soft Water Bath which is exceptionally gentle on the skin. I enjoyed hopping between the different tubs to experience the variety.

Dinner Buffet

The main restaurant on the 1st floor serves both breakfast and dinner. It’s a stylish space with about 340 seats. The sheer number of tables was impressive, ensuring that they can handle large crowds without the space feeling too cramped. The dinner buffet runs from 17:30 to 21:00 (with the last entry/order at 20:30).

Menu Highlights

The buffet follows the theme “Local Bites, Discover Local,” featuring dishes crafted with Minabe’s famous ingredients like plums (ume), citrus, and fresh seafood. The best part? Drinks, including alcohol, are unlimited (all-inclusive)! They often feature seasonal promotions, so I recommend checking the website or the lobby signage for daily specials. : )

During my visit in late December, the spread included fresh tuna sashimi, Chirashizushi topped with Kama-age Shirasu (boiled whitebait) and tuna, Wakayama Ramen, and various Umeboshi dishes. There is also a dedicated Kids’ Menu corner. The DIY cotton candy machine was a huge hit with the children!

Live Kitchen

The Live Kitchen station was a standout. They served slow-cooked roast beef, beef shabu-shabu, and a unique beef slider with chicken liver pate. For dessert, the chef prepared fresh Mont Blanc by squeezing the chestnut paste right in front of you—a delicious way to end the meal.

Drinks and Alcohol

As mentioned earlier, the beverage selection is extensive. The automatic draft beer machine was fun to use—just place your cup, press a button, and you get a perfect pour. There’s nothing quite like a cold beer after a hot onsen bath! You can also try local Wakayama Umeshu (plum wine).

Dining Experience

Wakayama is renowned for its tuna, and the quality at the buffet did not disappoint. The sashimi was fresh, and despite the popularity of the seafood section, the staff kept refilling the trays constantly, so we never felt short-changed.

Beyond seafood, there were plenty of other delicious options like burgers, shabu-shabu, ramen, and fresh vegetables (zucchini, tomatoes, cabbage). With unlimited food and drinks included, I highly recommend opting for the all-inclusive package if you stay here. : )

Conclusion

The Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe Resort & Spaexceeded my expectations. As an Accor brand hotel, the service was reliable and polished. From the spacious, clean rooms and the relaxing variety of hot spring baths to the locally inspired dining and lounge access, it was a true “hotel vacation.” If you are planning a trip to Wakayama, I wholeheartedly recommend a stay here! : )