Hotele Hot Springs w: Aomori Prefecture, Japan

„Experiencing a nice Japanese style hotel stay is truly a unique experience. The great facilities offered within such a setting usually enhance the overall experience. Traditional aesthetics often create a calming atmosphere, promoting relaxation and tranquility. Furthermore, these accommodations frequently provide exceptional service, ensuring a comfortable visit. Ultimately, the fusion of comfort and culture makes for a memorable trip.”

„Check-in was very smooth. In fact, they allowed us to check in earlier - about 1 to 2 hours earlier, I think. The room was already ready, so they allocated it to us when we arrived. The room itself was rather small but functional and clean, so we don’t really have any complaints other than it being a bit small. I guess this is Japanese standards. The pricing is fairly more expensive than the inns across the road, perhaps because of the location and also because it is very new. The property itself has a very nice onsen. The female onsen had a lot of apples floating in it, which was a very nice touch to showcase Aomori apples. The front desk staff are very nice and very friendly. They also have staff who can speak Chinese. Not that I am Chinese, but I can speak some Chinese better than Japanese, which I can’t speak at all. Nevertheless, the staff could converse in English, or at least some basic English. There’s free yoga and some classes, but we didn’t utilise them as it’s not really useful for tourists who would rather spend time outside the hotel. This seems more suited for locals who want a short getaway, but still a very lovely touch. Breakfast is paid separately and does not come with the room, so there is no comment on that. The property provides Nespresso capsules in the room, and there is also a better Nespresso machine near the check-in counter. I also love that they provide water for free without having to pay extra. The lounge is available for everybody and overlooks the bridge. They provide some free snacks and drinks depending on the timing - different items in the morning and in the evening. That being said, there is no alcohol being served. Also, the coffee there is very bad. I don’t understand why they don’t put the Nespresso machine in the lounge since they have one at the lobby. Overall, everything was quite perfect for this hotel. In fact, the location was the most perfect part. Once you exit the train station, you enter an elevator that goes up to the hotel. Since it was winter, I was afraid I would need to drag my bags for a long time, but it’s right outside the exit after you tap your card and turn left. If I remember correctly, the elevator is right there and there is no need to go outside at all. However, there are only two elevators servicing the entire building, so there might be some waiting time. I would advise leaving earlier if you have a train to catch. The only reason this is not a full-star review is because I requested about a one-hour late checkout due to our train time, and they told us we needed to pay - if I remember correctly, ¥2,000 per hour. I felt they were very rigid about the 11 am checkout time. To be honest, even if they had given it to us, we probably wouldn’t have used it anyway, as we later decided to change our train time to leave Aomori, since there isn’t much to do here. Still, the rejection and inflexibility made us feel very uneasy and unwelcome. I think they could have handled this better by being less rigid and more human. So that’s minus points from us. After all, this is part of hospitality, and it doesn’t hurt.”

„We love the view from our room on the 7th floor. The free wifi is fast in the room, around the hotel, and in the restaurant. We had buffet dinner and breakfast included room rate. We enjoyed both meals. All travelers must added meals with their room because there is no restaurant or convenience stores within 10km radius. There is a gift shop and convenience stores located inside the hotel. We recommend this hotel; and we’ll come back again.”

„This is a very old Japanese style hotel, but staff are all very nice with good services provided. The hotel is close to the walking path which allows you for enjoy hiking with you friends. But one thing need to be considered, which is toilet, the room itself doesn’t has toilet, you have to use public toilet which locates on the same floor of your room. Even though you have to clean up yourself in the morning, you have to use the public toilet or go to onsen to makeup yourself.”

„Very nice ryokan in Gonohe. I used this place as a place to stay between Osorezan and Lake Towada. Towels not included, ¥160 which is odd for an onsen ryokan. Try the horse sashimi!”

„I enjoyed my stay. The hotel is comfortable, and the onsen bath is huge. The breakfast was very good as well. My only dislike is the distance to the station which is not very walkable on a snowy day. Perhaps on a summer day it might be easier to reach.”

„I really like this hotel ！The staff there are enthusiastic and nice! I lost my card and they told me it’s ok, I really appreciate that. The onsen is also amazing , I could admire the snow and enjoy. And after that, I could have ice cream. The chocolate one tasted good! The only downside is that the pillow is a little high to me. I hope I can have chance to stay there for several nights!”

„good hotel. quite small room. There is parking available and there’s an onsen too. a downside is there’s only one long pillow for 2 people which makes it hard to sleep”

„We thought it's going to be fresh in August up the mountain but it wasn't. Very hot and without air-conditioning you'll be suffering. Rooms are tiny and it barely fit 4 people. Road to get there is rough so make sure you have an off road car (the last 5 min only). The onsen is insanely beautiful especially the women's. Food was pre-served and left out in the heat to stand. Didn't look particularly appealing. Shared bathrooms.”

„핫코다산 중턱에 한적하고 조용한 호텔이었습니다. 시설도 훌륭하고 특히 저녁 식사 프랑스 코스 요리가 아주 훌륭했어요. 온천도 시설이 잘 되어 있어서 아주 기분 좋은 힐링 여행이었습니다. 다음에 가족과 함께 다시 가겠습니다.”