This is the first time I stayed at a Hoshino resort. Perhaps my expectations were too high.
Food quality was the best reason to stay here. The restaurant offers an elaborate menu.
The onsen is the next big feature of the hotel. It was not as big as seen in the advertisement. Perhaps wide angle was used.
Location was not great. Not much to do nearby. The free transfers to Omachi helped to kill time if you have no plan to ski at Hakuba.
Service was patchy. Below are two examples:
1) Asked reception about train tickets conditions in general but the response was we are not train company. We know that but would appreciate help in calling into the train company or checking their website in Japanese.
2) Over a supposedly fancy dinner, the server was rushing us to finish by asking us to move unfinished food items from one plate or another by ourselves to make space for the next dish. I would have expected the server to wait for us. On another occasion, the server left the next dish on the table, with lid closed, without explaining what it is. We were not sure if we should start eating or wait. The server came back in a few minutes realizing that she had not explained to us yet and apologized.
With better service and things to do nearby, the hotel will see happier customers.
The hotel's four-person room is larger than expected! The hotel's interior environment is better than expected, and there is also an open-air hot spring.
The receptionist at the front desk is an old man, his English is not very good, his attitude is average, and the service experience is not very good. But based on the cost-effectiveness, it is still recommended!
We love the location because it's not far from Hakuba where we go skiing. The facilities at the hotel are great; bath, gift shop, vending machine. However, they don't have a laundry machine which is not convenience for people who come for skiing. Breakfast and dinner are super delicious. The room is spacious, we booked the Japanese style with futons. However, we wish they come and fold the futons while we were out. Other than that, it's very nice hotel.