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9.6/10
Amazing
GGuest UserA wonderful place to stay in. The service was fantastic. The room was huge, much too large for just a solo traveler like me but it would have been perfect if I had brought my wife and child along. The onsen quality was great, albeit the fittings at the shower area were a bit old. The food was hands down amazing and featured great local produce. Honestly there was too much for one person to finish! What I especially liked was that they had a separate room on the first floor where if it was too early for you to check in, you could drop your luggage off, change, and then grab your gear and head to the slopes. Same thing if you intend to charge the slopes a bit more on your last day, just leave your stuff in the storage room, hit the slopes, come back and change out, hit the onsen for the last time, then go off. Definitely recommending this place to my friends visiting Zao.
ZZoeAbsolutely lovely place. At first I thought I'd be uncomfortable with how spaceous the room was (I'm a very jumpy solo traveller), but the room was just so comfy with an excellent view. The heater was a bit hot, but there was an electric fan too, so all was great.
The hotel allows you to have a free 50 minute private bath each night, and the private baths are amazing, able to accommodate up to five persons and with windows to let in the light and stuff. Excellent onsen water -- very acidic and very hot. Takes some time getting used to the heat, but once you do it's a heavenly experience. There are also public baths (free of charge) that you could enjoy throughout the night and into early morning (they're closed for cleaning only during 9-12 in the morning), one indoor and one outdoor, both connected to one another. The outdoor one is a bit small, but it's so refreshing to be able to flee from the stifling indoor onsen to enjoy the crisp winter air while soaking up in the heat.
GGuest UserEven though we called the hotel stating that we would be late for the check-in and dinner as there was heavy snow in the highway. The staff postponed it to 730. However, the snow was so heavy, we lost our way in town and we arrived at 8:10. The staff saying that we were too late and rejected to provide any food for us. we had to walk downhill to the town to find our own dinner. however, on the second night of our stay, we noticed that the other guests were having dinner at 9:10 when we passed by the restaurant. We know that we were late, but I believed that hotel is in the hospitality industry, the staff have to be considerate to the guests. as we were not meant to be late on purpose, just because of the bad weather outside, we couldn’t drive fast. We were in the highway 2 1/2 hours without any food and drink in the hope of arriving on time.
GGuest UserThe trip was planned few weeks ahead, accommodation options in Zao Onsen are scarce. If there were other options, I probably would not go with this hotel again.
- Before arrival, I called the hotel twice using trip.com but no one answered.
- There was only one front desk staff handling check-in. I have waited for 20 minutes for check-in and the Indian family has it waited for 35 minutes. There was another staff coming out from the office and acknowledged the queue. However no action was taken despite the long wait by guest.
- I inquired about shuttle bus service but the staff at the entrance said “No shuttle bus”. I saw shuttle bus having the hotel name around the Zao Onsen area.
- On the first day of room cleaning, the cleaning lady has not replaced the used porcelain cup and Japanese cup. Also no replenishment on tea bags and toilet amenities. At this price point of over USD500 per night, I was quite surprised.
- There are 2 onsen places, one outside the hotel and one on the 1F. The outdoor onsen inside the hotel was not opened and the reason is “snow accumulation”.
Overall, the room is spacious and clean but the service did not meet the expectations.
MMon ThailandThis hotel is located in a beautiful ski resort. Opening the window, you're greeted with a stunning view of a snow-covered landscape. The staff are incredibly attentive, especially the drivers who provide shuttle services to various locations. Even though they don't speak English, their dedication to service is exceptional. Although the rooms show their age, they are clean and tidy. There are private onsens available, both in-room and outdoor, but they come with an additional charge. While the location isn't ideal for walking, the shuttle service is excellent.
GGuest UserThe hotel has a Showa-era feel. There's no elevator, so you have to carry your luggage up yourself, thankfully it's only on the second floor. There are six private baths that can be booked in advance, and you can use them freely after 9 pm as long as no one is there – it's fantastic! After soaking in the hot springs, they even give you complimentary milk. Dinner was Yamagata beef shabu-shabu, which was delicious. I'd definitely stay here again next time I'm in Zao!
GGuest UserNice and clean business hotel very near the Yamagata train station. Location is top notch! Basic hotel with everything you'd need. There is an artificial onsen on the 14th floor, which was good for a soak after a long day. Breakfast buffet was basic but tasty. Warm foods like rice, miso soup, bacon, stir fried veggies, etc were available in addition to some pastries and bread with butter and jams.
Will definitely stay again when in the Yamagata area.
GGuest UserOverall a practical hotel close to the slopes, room was simple but fine. Free shuttle provided which proved very convenient. Breakfast was good with different options both Japanese and western styles. Staff was helpful especially the Japanese personnel and the young lady in the breakfast room however there was one Indian-like man who was not really hospitable, never smiling and never talking (no hello, nothing at all) staring at you which made me uncomfortable.
啾啾啾啾啾啾The accommodation is about a 10-minute walk from the station, which is a bit more difficult when it snows. It seems that he provides parking lot, which is more suitable for people who drive.
There is also a large supermarket within a 10-minute walk nearby, which is very convenient.
The baths for men and women are separate, so you don't have to wait for a long time, which is very convenient! Very recommended
There is a free bar and snacks downstairs which is a good deal.
GGuest UserMy room, shared restrooms, & bath were extremely clean! The home is full of character & clearly well-taken care of.
Right by Yamagata Station & perfect place to shop. Bunch of parks as well, Kajo Park in particular has the Yamagata Castle Ruins. I spent a day going to Ginzan Onsen, further away compared to Zao. Definitely beautiful view but make sure you are aware of the bus & train schedules, because they come by roughly once an hour.
The hostess is as nice as the reviews say she is! A little awkward at first, but she'd chat with me & patient when I tried speaking in Japanese. Very cheery personality! There was an avalanche risk warning, but she reassured me I'll be safe going to Ginzan Onsen. She'd come out to greet or see me off each day. Overall, very pleasant!
Amenities were great! She provided basic necessities without extra charge (toothbrush/paste, towels) AND a yukata!! The futon was already set out for me when I arrived. Each night, when I returned, the bath was ready so I could go straight to showering & soaking. Lastly the amazing breakfast like the other reviews have stated. So cheap for how much food she gives you! Great variety, the rice smelled amazing, & a little different each meal. You come down at the agreed time, sit at a table with the TV on, & eat the meal in peace.
Overall, the best place I stayed at in Japan & will definitely book again when visiting Yamagata! You really get to live the traditional Japanese-lifestyle!