Ana Intercontinental Appi Kogen Resort By Ihg

This hotel offers a truly memorable experience, particularly for ski enthusiasts and luxury travelers seeking a refined retreat. Its signature feature is the seamless ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes, complemented by an exceptional ski valet service that enhances the winter sports experience. Guests consistently highlight the spacious rooms, high-quality dining, and attentive service as standout aspects. The hotel’s serene atmosphere and luxurious amenities also make it an ideal destination for couples seeking a relaxing getaway. While families can enjoy the spacious accommodations and ski facilities, some aspects of the lounge experience might be less suited for younger children. To maximize your stay, guests recommend arriving early to enjoy the complimentary afternoon tea and aperitif services, and definitely take advantage of the hotel's renowned Onsen for ultimate relaxation after a day on the slopes.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides an array of impressive facilities designed for comfort and convenience. A major highlight is the Onsen, or public hot spring bath, which guests describe as spacious, clean, and a perfect way to relax after skiing, often enjoyed in a tranquil, uncrowded setting. The ski valet service is consistently praised for its efficiency, handling equipment storage, cleaning boots, and facilitating easy access to the slopes. All rooms include lounge access, offering complimentary welcome drinks, delightful afternoon tea, and an aperitif time with cocktails and snacks, which many guests consider a significant value. The hotel also features a fitness center, though some guests note it is relatively small. For added convenience, valet parking is available, and a direct indoor pathway connects the hotel to the adjacent Crown Plaza, providing access to a wider selection of restaurants and shops.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel for its exceptional cleanliness and the superior comfort of its accommodations. The spacious rooms are a recurring point of praise, often noted as being generously sized even by international standards, and are tastefully decorated. Many rooms feature luxurious Hinoki baths or view baths, offering a serene and private bathing experience, often complemented by double sinks in the bathrooms. The comfortable beds ensure a restful night's sleep, and the presence of walk-in closets provides ample storage, especially useful for ski gear. Guests frequently enjoy the stunning mountain views or snowy landscapes from their windows. While the rooms are generally quiet, some guests have noted minor issues with air conditioning being limited to heating during certain seasons, which could lead to rooms feeling too warm.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experiences receive widespread acclaim, particularly the breakfast, which is described as superb and high-quality, offering a mix of Japanese and Western options in a semi-buffet style with made-to-order dishes. The complimentary afternoon tea is consistently praised for its quality and enjoyable selection. The aperitif time or cocktail hour is a popular feature, providing complimentary drinks, including champagne, and a selection of snacks, though some guests found the snack quantity limited or service slow during peak times. The main restaurant is generally lauded for its delicious and high-quality dinner offerings. Room service is also noted for its good quality and promptness. Additionally, guests appreciate the option to dine at the various Crown Plaza restaurants via a connected pathway. The hotel also features a cozy bar that occasionally hosts live music, adding to the evening ambiance.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant draw, particularly for winter sports enthusiasts, offering direct ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes. This convenience is highly valued, allowing guests to easily transition from their rooms to the ski runs. While the hotel is nestled in a quiet, natural environment, its accessibility from major cities can be challenging, often requiring multiple transfers via Shinkansen and taxi. However, the hotel provides a convenient shuttle service from Appi Kogen station, which is highly appreciated by guests. Valet parking is available and praised for its efficiency. The connection to the adjacent Crown Plaza hotel also provides easy access to additional amenities and dining options, mitigating the quiet remoteness of the immediate surroundings.

Staff & Service
Feedback on the hotel's staff and service is generally positive, with many guests praising the team as friendly, helpful, attentive, and efficient. The ski valet staff consistently receives high commendation for their exceptional service and friendliness. The shuttle drivers are also frequently mentioned for their hospitality and helpfulness. However, some guests experienced mixed service, noting instances of staff being inexperienced, slow, or facing language barriers that led to communication challenges for non-Japanese speakers. While check-in is often smooth, some guests reported delays or issues during busy periods. Despite occasional inconsistencies, many guests highlight the staff's genuine effort to provide excellent service, contributing positively to their overall stay.

Additional Information
A notable aspect of this hotel is its all-inclusive club lounge concept, where all rooms come with access to lounge services, including welcome drinks, afternoon tea, and aperitif time, a feature highly valued by guests. While generally excellent, some guests have noted that the lounge's drink offerings outside of specific presentation times are limited compared to other luxury hotels. Guests participating in rewards programs often appreciate benefits like room upgrades, though some have reported issues with mileage accrual. The hotel's appeal extends beyond winter, with its seasonal appeal also making it a pleasant destination in summer for enjoying the natural surroundings. Its intimate size compared to other large luxury hotels contributes to a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Some guests have reported isolated incidents of power outages or issues with hot water, causing temporary inconvenience. The hotel also features live music in its lobby and bar, enhancing the ambiance.