SOUTHWEST GRAND HOTEL

Urban Serenity in the Heart of Okinawa

Tucked just a minute’s stroll from Kokusai-dori — the vibrant main street of downtown Naha — the Southwest Grand Hotel is a harmonious blend of understated luxury, cultural resonance, and modern hospitality. Just 12 minutes from Naha Airport and steps from the city’s central bus terminal, this 12-storey property is as practical as it is poised, offering guests both a base for exploration and a refined urban escape.

Words by Adam Chan.

Steeped in the Ryukyu Kingdom’s time-honoured tradition of omotenashi (hospitality), the hotel’s philosophy is embedded in both its design and service. Interiors channel warm mid-century Americana, softened by Okinawan natural materials, creating inviting spaces that feel quietly exclusive. From the moment one enters, a sense of calm takes hold, echoing the gentle cadence of island life.

We stayed in one of the Grand Twin rooms, a spacious 45-square-metre retreat furnished with twin beds and a stylish seating area. A thoughtful layout divides the bathroom into separate areas — shower, lavatory, and a central mirrored vanity — adding both function and flow. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of Naha’s low-rise skyline, offering a snapshot of this unique island capital, where subtropical air and cultural fusion lend a character unlike anywhere else in Japan.

While the views may not be dramatic, they offer an authentic sense of place. The hotel rises 12 storeys, with guest rooms occupying the fourth to tenth floors and standout facilities above. On the eleventh floor, a rooftop pool and heated jacuzzi invite moments of relaxation with panoramic city vistas. Ascend one more level to find the open-air sauna — an unexpected yet serene feature, where the warm Okinawan breeze and sweeping views combine in quiet ritual. Guests can also unwind in the private lounge (complete with complimentary coffee, snacks, and even ice cream) or keep active in the boutique fitness room, equipped with sculptural NOHRD wooden machines.

Dining is another standout. Four venues offer thoughtful experiences: The Sailor’s Club, on the rooftop, serves a curated breakfast buffet spotlighting Okinawan ingredients — think customisable seafood donburi, house-made miso soup, and freshly baked bread. Come evening, it transforms into a sunset bar with creative cocktails and light bites.

On the lower level, guests can choose between A LONG VACATION, the all-day dining venue offering international fare with Italian flair; Shikaku, a Japanese restaurant with private rooms and a garden terrace; and Teppanyaki Matsuo, where chefs prepare premium wagyu and Okinawan vegetables before your eyes. Each space has its own distinct atmosphere, and the quality and variety of the cuisine elevate the experience beyond that of a standard city hotel.

The location is especially strategic — just moments from the monorail at Kenchō-mae Station and within walking distance to the markets, eateries, and nightlife of Kokusai-dori. While the neighbourhood hums with energy after dark, the hotel’s upper floors offer a welcome sense of tranquillity. As one guest noted, the city noise quickly fades into the background when you’re exhausted after a day of island adventures.

In a region without trains and with limited bus coverage, proximity to transport hubs is more than a perk — it’s a necessity. In this respect, the Southwest Grand delivers. It may not shout ultra-luxury like some of its flashier contemporaries, but its quiet confidence, attention to detail, and thoughtful design make it a compelling choice for travellers seeking authenticity and comfort in equal measure.

For more information, visit the Southwest Grand Hotel's website