Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel New Moustache, Shizuoka!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel New Moustache, Shizuoka! - A Hot Mess of a Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little sake) on the Hotel New Moustache in Shizuoka. "Unbelievable Luxury Awaits," they say. Well, let's see if the mustache lives up to the hype. This isn't your perfectly polished, PR-approved review. This is the real deal. Prepare for some rambling, some gushing, some "WTF" moments, and hopefully, a genuine, unfiltered peek into the experience.
First Impressions (and a Slight Panic Attack Over the Elevator)
Getting there was, well, a journey. I'm one of those slightly panicky travelers who checks everything beforehand, especially accessibility. Finding out Hotel New Moustache boasts "Facilities for disabled guests" had me breathing a sigh of relief. And guess what? Wheelchair accessible? YES! (High five to the planning!) The elevator… well, let's just say it had a personality. It worked, thank goodness, but I swear, the door closed a little too slow for my comfort. Maybe I'm just a product of my impatient age. But hey, it got me to my room.
Rooms: Where the Magic (and the Blackout Curtains) Happened
The room? Oh. My. God. I’m normally a budget traveler, so I felt like a queen walking in. Air conditioning, people! Blessed air conditioning! And a free Wi-Fi that actually worked. Not like those hotels that promise it and then you're staring at a spinning wheel of death for the entire stay. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!? Praise be! Plus, the blackout curtains… absolute game-changers. Slept like a baby, or well, a slightly sleep-deprived adult who finally had a chance to properly sleep. Plus, the extra-long bed was a godsend because I'm a notorious bed hog. And let's not forget the bathrobes… soft and fluffy, perfect for pretending I was royalty. They even had a scale. (Guessing this is the point where my inner critic makes its presence known, but I digress…). Interconnecting rooms are available! And oh, the window that opens! Small joys, people. Small joys.
The bathroom was a dream. Separate shower AND bathtub? Count me in! And that complimentary tea and free bottled water! Little touches like that seriously elevate the experience. Toiletries, too! The whole room experience showed off Room decorations.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (and the Occasional Glitch)
Alright, the food. This is where things get interesting. Restaurants? Plural! And, oh boy, did I try them all. They offer Asian cuisine and International cuisine here. I went for the buffet, and it was pretty epic, with a pretty wide selection of Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and things that fell outside of any category I could even imagine, which is precisely what I wanted. Buffet in restaurant? Delicious. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Essential. The desserts in restaurant? Dangerous. I may or may not have had three servings of the mango mousse.
The Poolside bar and the bar itself were amazing. The happy hour? Even better. I indulged in a few too many cocktails… but hey, you're on vacation! Poolside bar and Happy hour are the real deal.
One little hiccup: The room service… It took a bit longer than promised. But the food was amazing, so all was forgiven. Plus, they have 24-hour room service. Amazing!
Quick tip: They had a vegetarian restaurant, a big win for the herbivore in me, and offer alternative meal arrangement
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax) - I Needed a Vacation, Too!
The swimming pool and the pool with a view? Stunning. I could (and did) spend hours just floating there, staring up at the sky. They have a gym/fitness! You'll want to work out after the buffet. They have a Spa! I booked a massage. Let me tell you, the massage was pure bliss. They have a sauna, and a steamroom.
The Foot bath? Pure heaven! This spa is definitely worth it. And what is a vacation without a little self-care? They also offer a body scrub and a body wrap.
Cleanliness and Safety: Actually Feeling Safe (and Sanitized)
Okay, COVID-19 is a big thing. I was a little anxious about traveling but they were on it. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely! They had staff trained in safety protocol and everything felt super clean. Individually-wrapped food options too. Nice. Safe dining setup, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, hand sanitizers everywhere. rooms sanitized between stays and sanitized kitchen and tableware items were definitely appreciated. The also have doctor/nurse on call, and a first aid kit. I love seeing smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher. It's a safe and sound place to be at, even if you're a slightly anxious traveler like me.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
This is where the Hotel New Moustache really shines. They think of everything! Daily housekeeping was impeccable. There's a concierge who's genuinely helpful. Cash withdrawal? No problem. Currency exchange? Sorted. They even have a convenience store!
I even saw a shrine. How cool is that?
They have a doorman and a luggage storage. And a laundry service.
For the Kids:
I saw some kids running around and they seemed to be having a grand time. They have babysitting service and kids facilities, and kids meal.
Getting Around
I didn't want to drive, so seeing Taxi service available was a win. They also have airport transfer! I was worried!
Oh, and the Internet!
Internet access – wireless, internet access – LAN, and free Wi-Fi! The internet was fast and reliable, which is essential for a digital nomad like myself. And they had Wi-Fi in public areas, meetings and seminars!
Now, The Imperfections (because nobody's perfect, including this review)
Look, no place is perfect. My only real gripe? Sometimes the service was a little too attentive, if that's even possible. And the elevator, as I mentioned, had a personality of its own. But honestly, these are minor quibbles.
Quirky Observations and Emotional Reactions:
I literally squealed when I saw the size of my room. I mean, I may have done a little dance. The sheer extravagance of the place, after the grueling journey that was getting there was beyond anything I ever expected.
The Verdict – Unbelievable (Mostly!)
Would I go back? Absolutely. Despite the minor quirks, the Hotel New Moustache delivered on its promise of luxury. The rooms are gorgeous, the food is delicious, the spa is divine, and the staff is genuinely friendly. It is the real deal. This place is a solid five-star rating!
Now, Let's Get You Booked: The Unbelievable Offer You Can't Refuse!
Stop Dreaming, Start Living! Book Your Unbelievable Escape to Hotel New Moustache Today!
Tired of the same old, same old? Craving an escape that's both luxurious and unforgettable? Then look no further than the Hotel New Moustache in Shizuoka! Imagine:
- Waking up to breathtaking views from your spacious, beautifully appointed room
- Indulging in culinary delights at their world-class restaurants and bars.
- Rejuvenating your mind, body, and soul at their spa, complete with a sauna, steamroom, and a massage that will melt away your stress!
- Relaxing in the swimming pool and the pool with a view.
- Absolutely everything you'd ever want.
But wait, there's more! Book your stay at the Hotel New Moustache this week and receive:
- A complimentary upgrade to a premium room (subject to availability)!
- A free bottle of the finest sake from the region upon arrival!
- 20% off all spa treatments!
Don't Miss Out! This offer is only valid for a limited time. Click the book now button below and start planning your unforgettable luxury escape to the Hotel New Moustache today!
Escape to Paradise: Casa Lanka Hotel, Hikkaduwa's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-manicured travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the chaotic, beautiful, and utterly unpredictable whirlwind that is… HOTEL NEW MOUSTACHE in Shizuoka, Japan. This is less a schedule, more a loose-limbed suggestion with a healthy dose of "wing it and see what happens." Let's get messy, shall we?
The "Definitely Gonna Happen Eventually… Maybe" Itinerary: HOTEL NEW MOUSTACHE & Shizuoka – Prepare for Glorious Chaos
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Moustache Mystery
Morning (Probably Late): Ugh, the train. Delayed, of course. You'd think after all these years I'd learn to factor in a solid hour of "Japan Time" (translation: things always take longer than anticipated – in the best way). Finally rumble into Shizuoka Station. Breathe in. Smells like… adventure? And ramen. Definitely ramen.
Afternoon: The Hotel Search Begins. Okay, the New Moustache. I read the reviews. “Quirky.” “Charming.” “Slightly confusing check-in process.” Slightly. That’s code for “you'll be wandering around like a confused goldfish for a solid twenty minutes.” Found the place! And… it feels… very Japanese. Small. Efficient. Filled with the hushed anticipation of a library. Except… where’s the moustache? I mean, it’s the hotel's name! Surely it's plastered everywhere? Apparently not. This is going to be an experience.
Evening: Okay, I Found the Moustache (Maybe?). Finally in the room. Tiny. Adorable. And… there's a single, majestic, cartoonishly large moustache on the wall. That's it. At least I assume it's it. Maybe it's a code. A secret sign for like, secret moustache meetings. (I’m already picturing a clandestine society of distinguished moustachioed gentlemen). Decide to wander around the area. Found a tiny, smoky izakaya. Perfect. Get lost in the sea of sake, yakitori, and the general buzz of happy locals. Maybe this is where the real moustache action is.
Day 2: Wasabi Wonderland and Spiritual Awakening (Possibly)
Morning: Wasabi Farm! (The Smell, The Heat, The Tears!) Okay, okay, I'm obsessed with wasabi. Like, borderline obsessive. Off to the wasabi farm! The air smells of peppery heaven. I watch the farmers carefully tend to the wasabi plants. Then, the moment I've been waiting for: real wasabi ice cream. Don't judge. It was like a spicy, creamy explosion in my mouth. The heat crept up after a few seconds. Tears. Lots of tears. But the taste… it was heavenly. I want more! Then, I tried the freshly grated wasabi on some local soba noodles. So many layers of flavors. That was truly perfection. (And the tears kept coming).
Afternoon: Tea Time and Temple Tranquility. Shizuoka is famous for its tea, so a traditional tea ceremony is a must. The matcha was incredibly bitter. The host’s quiet grace and the ritual itself were meditative. Then, back at the hotel, I tried to replicate it in my room with a matcha kit I bought. Let’s just say, there was more matcha on the walls than in my cup. Next up, a temple visit. Trying to soak up that zen. Mostly thinking about lunch. But the architecture… stunning.
Evening: Karaoke! (Deep Cuts and Humiliating Performances). This is Japan. You have to karaoke. Find a tiny room (probably bigger than my hotel room). Select a playlist of 80’s rock ballads. Sing horribly. Laugh hysterically. Bond with my fellow karaoke-ers. Realize I have lost my voice and will be paying for this tomorrow. Worth it. Every. Single. Second.
Day 3: Coasting, Contemplation, and Culinary Conquests
Morning: Coastal Chaos and Unexpected Sunsets: Head out to the Pacific Coast. Blue. Vast. Breathtaking. The wind whips your hair around. Stumbled upon a tiny fishing village. The smell of the ocean. The cries of seagulls. Pure, unadulterated bliss. Also, I got slightly lost trying to find a specific shrine. Got to chat with some local fisherman about the best sushi spots. They were pretty adamant about a place called "Sushi Heaven". That’s my kind of place.
Afternoon: The Soul-Searching Stroll? Spent way too long in a used bookstore. (The smell of old books… I could live in it). Find a beautiful old map of Shizuoka. Get side-tracked by a vintage camera shop. Buy a film camera. Realize I have no idea how film cameras work. Worry that I just wasted money. Tell myself that it's okay. Now I have a camera to learn about.
Evening: Finding Sushi Heaven and Eating My Weight in Rice. Found Sushi Heaven. (It was, in fact, heaven.). Watched the chef work his magic. Every single bite was a revelation. The freshest fish I've ever tasted. The rice perfectly seasoned. The entire experience borderline religious. Maybe I should live here. End up chatting with the chef for hours, who told me stories about the best fishing spots, and the importance of the local seaweed. I’m pretty sure I'm going to gain five pounds during this trip. Don't care.
Day 4: Departure (Sniff, Sob, Sigh)
Morning: Final Breakfast and Moustache Musings: Last breakfast at the hotel. Try the Japanese breakfast. Rice, miso soup, grilled fish… and more tears. Tears of joy. Tears of sadness. Tears of "I don't want to leave!" I'll have to say goodbye to the New Moustache.
Afternoon: Trains and Goodbye: Head for the train. Looking back at the hotel, wondering about the meaning of the moustache. Was it a metaphor? A joke? Or a secret portal to some dimension of amazing sushi and wasabi ice cream? (Probably that last one). I don't know, but I will be back.
Evening: On the Road: The train is finally moving, and I see my trip come to an end. I'm already plotting my return. And my next matcha kit. And perhaps, an actual moustache. Goodbye, Shizuoka. You were perfectly imperfect. Until next time!
So, what *is* this FAQ about, anyway? Besides existential dread?
Good question! Honestly? It's about everything and nothing. It’s what happens when a slightly caffeinated brain has to answer questions about, well, *life*, I guess. So expect the usual suspects: some practical stuff mixed with a healthy dose of "what were they *thinking* when they invented this?"
Do you, like, *have* a day job? Or are you just a professional question-answerer?
Oh honey, if only! I'd be living on a beach somewhere, fueled by piña coladas and the sheer joy of not having to deal with spreadsheets. The truth is, this is a side hustle. A very *witty* side hustle, mind you. Currently, I’m juggling a career that I’d rather not disclose, but let's just say it isn't as fun as writing this. I may be answering questions, but I’m *also* trying to figure out why my cat thinks the kitchen counter is his personal runway. I suspect it’s related.
Okay, practical stuff: What's your stance on pineapple on pizza? This is very important.
Alright, buckle up. This is where I get real. Pineapple on pizza? It’s a *crime against nature,* frankly. Its acidic taste is a betrayal of culinary perfection. My stomach clenches even THINKING about it. I’ve engaged in heated debates about this. I’ve lost friends over pineapple on pizza. I consider anyone who *likes* it a walking, talking enigma. End of rant. But you know what? Live and let live, I suppose. (But don't offer me any.)
Okay, I was a little harsh. But let's just say I'm not ordering it.
What are your favorite books? I need something to distract me from the existential horror of it all.
Ooh, good question! Books are my escape hatch. I love anything with a good story. I recently reread "Pride and Prejudice" (guilty pleasure – I'm a sucker for Mr. Darcy). I got hooked on fantasy novels. The best part is always the ending.
I *will* freely admit I judge people who don't read. Don't @ me.
On the other hand, if you like a fast, fun read I can recommend "The Princess Bride"... (also, that movie is perfect).
Tell us something you’ve messed up *really* badly. Go on, be honest.
Oh, sweet heavens. Where do I *start*? Okay, here’s a good one. Fresh out of college, brimming with youthful arrogance, I decided to try and cook a romantic dinner for a… let's call him, "enthusiastic" boyfriend. I decided to "make" homemade pasta. Emphasis on the air quotes, because it was more of a pasta *attempt*. I was using a recipe I found online (big mistake), and the instructions were about as clear as mud. I ended up using the wrong kind of flour (too much?), and when I tried to roll it out, the dough was like cement. Like, seriously, a sculptor could have built a statue out of it. My boyfriend at the time, bless his heart, tried to be supportive. He pretended to enjoy the (barely edible) result. We ended up ordering pizza anyway. The pasta fiasco became a legendary tale, immortalized in our friend group. Lesson learned: when in doubt, order takeout. Also, maybe don't cook for the first time on a special occasion. A life lesson for you.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you?
Hmm, weirdest… I had this one experience. Ok, so picture this: I'm backpacking through Southeast Asia, feeling all "Eat, Pray, Love-esque" (though significantly less glamorous). I'm in a tiny village in the middle of nowhere, and I spot a giant, fluffy chicken roaming loose. I mean, *giant*. Like, it was almost as big as me (okay, maybe not *that* big, but still...). This chicken just stares at me – *stares* – for a good five minutes. Then, it slowly, deliberately, begins to chase me! Down the dirt road, past startled water buffalo, through a gaggle of giggling children… I screamed, I ran, and I swear I could feel its beady little eyes burning a hole in the back of my head. Eventually, I lost it in some bushes. I swear I heard a cackle. To this day, I have no idea what that chicken wanted. Was it hungry? Did it just hate tourists? Was it a spy? It’s a question, and a fear, I may never know. That chicken haunts my dreams.
Do you ever feel like everything is hopeless?
Oh, *all the time*. Especially when I look in the mirror. But seriously, yes. The world is a mess sometimes, and it's easy to get bogged down in it. I think it's important to acknowledge those feelings. I find that a certain amount of dark humor helps. And pizza. Always, pizza. Then you push yourself a little. You try to do things, even if they don't matter in the "grand scheme" of things, and you remember that you can't control a lot of things.
Any advice for someone feeling… lost?
Deep breaths. Okay. First, it's okay to feel lost. It’s a human condition. Second… just *do* something. Anything. Start small. Clean your room, call a friend, go for a walk. Set small goals. And don't be afraid to ask for help. It's okay not to have all the answers. We're all winging it. Believe it or not, *most* people are. And maybe, just maybe, find a really, *really* good pizza place. Consider it a reward for surviving another day.
What are you working on right now?
Right now? Besides, frantically trying to keep this whole digital house of cards from crumbling? I'm trying to finish a *Scenic Stays
