Furano Hotel Bell Hills

This hotel is a prime choice for winter sports enthusiasts, offering direct and convenient access to the Furano Ski Resort's Kitanomine zone, often just a two-minute walk from the slopes. Its signature feature is its unparalleled proximity to the ski area, making it an ideal base for skiers and snowboarders seeking to maximize their time on the mountain. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's friendly and attentive staff, the overall cleanliness of the premises, and the enjoyable public bath facilities. While the dining experience receives mixed reviews, the hotel's location and service generally contribute to a comfortable stay. Families appreciate the spacious rooms and the hotel's quiet environment, while couples can enjoy the scenic views from higher floors. To enhance your visit, consider requesting a room with a view of the city or mountains, and be aware that dining options in the immediate vicinity might be limited during off-peak seasons, especially for dinner.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently praise the hotel's comprehensive public bath, which is described as spacious and very clean, featuring an artificial hot spring, a large washing area, and an indoor rock bath designed in an open-air style, though some note it has a roof. Many appreciate the inclusion of a sauna within the bath area, providing a relaxing experience after a day of activities. For those hitting the slopes, the spacious locker room and dedicated ski drying room are highly convenient, though some guests found the drying room not always effective. The hotel also offers ample parking with multiple lots, although some lines are noted as narrow for smaller vehicles. While a game corner is present, several guests reported that it was not operational. Other thoughtful touches include additional pillows available on each floor and step stools for toilets, addressing potential comfort needs. The lobby provides a comfortable space to relax with coffee.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally maintains a good standard of cleanliness, with many guests finding their rooms and the overall premises to be tidy and well-kept, despite the building showing some age. Rooms are often described as spacious, with some guests appreciating the availability of Japanese-style rooms with comfortable futons. Many rooms offer pleasant views of the Furano city area or the distant Tokachidake mountain range, enhancing the stay. However, some minor issues were noted, such as the absence of power outlets near beds, requiring guests to borrow extension cords. While most rooms are quiet, one guest reported a strong cigarette smell in their room. Some guests also mentioned the toilet step being quite high, which could be challenging for elderly guests, though step stools are provided. The lack of disposable slippers was also a minor point for some.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining is quite varied, with some guests praising the food as delicious and satisfying, particularly the set menus which are noted for their generous volume and inclusion of local produce like Furano vegetables, meat, and Akkeshi oysters. The breakfast buffet is often described as sufficient, featuring items like steamed oysters and carefully prepared dishes. However, many guests expressed disappointment, finding that warm dishes were frequently served cold, and some felt the buffet offerings lacked variety or a distinct Hokkaido feel, resembling a standard business hotel spread. Specific complaints included undercooked chicken, tough lamb, and a perceived over-reliance on frozen food items. The melon served at the buffet was a point of contention; while some enjoyed a "free flow," others reported a strict "one slice per person" policy that was not consistently enforced, leading to frustration. Guests also noted queues for coffee and tea during breakfast.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant advantage, particularly for winter sports enthusiasts, as it is situated directly in front of the Furano Ski Resort's Kitanomine zone, often just a short walk from the gondola station. This makes it an ideal base for easy access to the slopes. While the hotel is a bit removed from the main Furano city center, guests find it convenient for reaching the ski area. For those traveling by car, the hotel offers multiple parking lots, though some guests noted that the parking lines could be narrow for larger vehicles. While some restaurants and convenience stores are within walking distance, guests should be aware that the hotel is on a hill, making the return walk from town an uphill climb. The elevated position also provides pleasant views of the surrounding area.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlighted the polite and kind demeanor of the front desk and restaurant staff, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. The check-in process is often described as smooth, with staff accommodating early arrivals when possible. Housekeeping staff are also commended for their thoroughness. However, some guests reported isolated negative experiences, including instances where female staff were perceived as unwelcoming towards pets or responded poorly to requests for fresh towels. There were also comments about cleaning staff entering the public bath area during operating hours. Despite these few concerns, the overall sentiment is that the staff strive to provide excellent service, with one notable instance of a staff member kindly driving a guest to the station when no taxis were available.

Additional Information
The hotel offers a pet-friendly policy, though some guests encountered issues with staff attitude towards pets and a lack of clear instructions or facilities for disposing of used pet waste sheets in the rooms. Guests can enjoy unique experiences such as hot air balloon views directly from their rooms in the morning. While a game center is advertised, several reviews indicate that it is not operational, leading to disappointment. The hotel's public bath has specific operating hours, which some guests found to be too restrictive. There were also mixed reports regarding the enforcement of the melon policy at the buffet, with some guests observing others taking more than the stated "one slice per person" without staff intervention. The hotel provides toilet step stools in rooms to assist guests with the high toilet step.