I spent two nights at Hoshinoya Guguan in a Feng room. The hotel was accommodating, converting the beds from three singles to a king and a single for us. Regrettably, despite its stunning location in the mountains, the resort doesn’t justify its high rates. I’ve visited other hot springs resorts, and, unfortunately, Hoshinoya Guguan doesn’t measure up. Additionally, there’s ongoing construction nearby, which is incredibly loud. The noise from the banging and machines disrupted the peaceful setting, forcing us to stay indoors rather than enjoying the outdoors. For those interested in the onsen, it’s worth noting that the public hot spring is open only from 6-10 a.m. and 4-10 p.m. It closes for cleaning daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which seems impractical. Ideally, cleaning would occur overnight to not disrupt daytime use. The dining options are quite limited. Dinner at the restaurant was underwhelming with bland food, and the courses arrived too quickly, making us feel rushed. Breakfast is available from 7-9:30 a.m. and lunch from 12-2 p.m., offering narrow time frames for meals and very limited menu options. Missing the breakfast window means waiting until noon to eat. We were glad that we opted out of the meal plan. Our room spanned two floors, with the convenience of having the toilet on the same level as the bed. This is helpful for nighttime visits, though I was surprised that a room at this price point didn’t have a toilet on both floors. An automatic light and toilet seat are thoughtful touches, but the brightness of the light at 3 a.m. can be jarring. Adjustable lighting would be an improvement. The beds were comfortable, but the room lacked effective blackout blinds, letting in early morning sunlight. Additionally, an illuminated exit sign and a bright red ceiling light contributed to a less-than-dark sleeping environment. The resort provides pajamas and lounge wear, but the quality is disappointing. Our set had missing buttons and ties, and replacements were similarly damaged. A ‘mini-bar’ with complimentary beer, Coca-Cola, Sprite, coffee, and tea is included. However, given the cost of the stay, these offerings seem basic. Complimentary snacks or fruit would enhance the value. The staff at Hoshinoya Guguan is exceptional—friendly and helpful. Yet, the facilities, dining, and overall value fall short. In summary, the experience doesn’t live up to the price. Significant improvements are necessary to justify the cost.
Very Good
574 Reviews