Extremely Disappointing Stay – Beware of Misleading Photos and Restaurant Fully Booked.
I regret to say that my recent stay at this hotel was a massive letdown. Despite the many photos of the village in the listing, this hotel is not in the village. The hotel is located nearly a 25-minute walk from the historic village, but the photos misleadingly suggest it's part of the scenic village.
Adding to the frustration, the hotel operates a restaurant which, unbeknownst to us until arrival, requires prior reservations for dining. As newcomers unaware of this policy, we were turned away both for dinner and breakfast. This policy is unreasonable and inhospitable, especially considering the lack of any alternative dining options within a 15-minute walk and the absence of taxis in the town.
The lack of basic hospitality and the sheer disregard for my family’s need to eat was a first for me in many years of travel. It felt like the hotel prioritizes extracting every penny from tourists rather than providing a successful stay. For a place that could capitalize on its potential in a beautiful setting like Shirakawago, it sadly chooses instead to disappoint and disillusion its guests. I would strongly advise potential visitors to consider other accommodations that value their guests and understand the essence of hospitality.