Booked 2 nights at this âgreatâ hotel, only to find thereâs no shuttle from the nearest train station. Instead, I endured a cramped 2-hour bus ride to get there. Upon arrival at 14:00, I wasnât allowed early check-in. Dining options? Hotel restaurants charging $120 per person or nearby spots that only take cash and close at 16:00. Need an ATM? Youâre directed to a 7/11 thatâs 2 km awayâenjoy the walk, or wait for a $1.50 bus each way.
The famed bathsâallegedly the hotelâs crown jewelâare small and underwhelming. For $260 a night plus an onsen tax, youâd expect large baths with outdoor options, maybe a cold pool or sauna. Reality? Two baths: one tiny with two hot tubs and another slightly better one with jets and an open-air tub. They alternate between men and women in the morning and evening, so you donât get to choose.
The property itself feels like it peaked 40 years agoâlots of wood and bronzeâbut luxury is more than hardwood floors and marble columns. Itâs about service, and here itâs sorely lacking. Guests must hand in their keys when leaving and retrieve them on return, which can take 2â15 minutes depending on staff.
Yes, there are plush lounges with stunning Mount Fuji views. But wine? You need to buy a special 500 yen coin to get a measly 60ml from a dispenser. Thatâs not luxuryâitâs a joke. Avoid this place unless you enjoy overpriced mediocrity dressed up as grandeur.