Hotele Hot Springs w: Aomori Prefecture, Japan

„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 loved this place and ended up staying two nights. They have the nicest onsen that I have been in after 3 weeks of travel in Japan. Two rock pools, one indoor and one outdoor plus a cold plunge pool. With an ice cream treat for after! Room layout is a little awkward for two people but it works. The location is fabulous, right in the city center so great for walking around in the evening. It is a 15 minute walk from the station but worth it. We did not have breakfast.”

„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.”

„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 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.”

„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!”

„We stayed at the Japanese Style Tatami room for our time at Hirosaki. Location was near Hirosaki Castle Park and not too far away from Hirosaki JR station. There were local bus stops located nearby the hotel - the hotel also provided a free shuttle bus service from the hotel to Hirosaki Station (one way only service, so you still got to find your own way to the hotel when you arrive), just got to inform the front desk at least 1 day in advance.  Room was clean and had a good view of Hirosaki city, free flow of Apple Juice and coffee at the lobby downstairs was a plus.”

„Room clean, a bit small (i think is the standard size in this area) . car park just next to the building. Walking distance to Towada Art Center”

„寶藏酒店🎄◟（˶＞ ᎑ ＜˶）◞🎄，是本次旅途中一個驚喜的存在！弘前開車過來大概20分鐘，晚上到的晚了，是打車過來的（下午有送迎巴士）也不貴，泡的温泉很舒服，有很棒的蘋果温泉，聞着蘋果味，泡着温泉♨️太過享受愜意放鬆極好。公共浴池也很大，室內室外好多種不同種類浴池，泡完滑嫩嫩，並且專門預約了貸切風呂，享受私密的私湯檜木香味風呂。房間很大且乾淨，分區完美。早飯很豐盛，泡之前還體驗了一把滿天風呂，大早上的泡完神清氣爽！！！可惜沒趕上早上去弘前的送迎巴士，時間算好的話其實非常方便的！！！強烈建議來弘前給這家酒店專門安排好時間~下次再來！”

„The hotel was great and the view is unbeatable. The ”bath with a view” is incredible and relaxing. It's a bit further out of the already very small town than other locations, so you're going to be in for a 10 ish minute walk to anywhere except the beach. The hotel staff does not speak much English, but were very helpful all the same. The WiFi didn't really reach all the way to my room. Overall, great stay!”