Gotemba Kogen Tokinosumika

This hotel is a central part of a vast complex that stands out as a destination in itself, renowned for its spectacular illumination displays and diverse recreational facilities. Guests consistently highlight the breathtaking Mount Fuji views available from various points on the property, adding a unique charm to their stay. The extensive grounds offer a wide range of activities, making it an ideal choice for families seeking varied entertainment, couples looking for a romantic getaway with beautiful lights, and sightseers exploring the region. It also caters well to groups and teams due to its comprehensive facilities. To make the most of your visit, consider requesting a room with a direct view of Mount Fuji and be prepared to explore the expansive grounds on foot to discover all the available attractions.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel is part of a vast complex offering a wide array of recreational facilities and attractions, making it a destination in itself. Guests frequently highlight the impressive illumination displays and fountain shows, which provide entertainment, especially in the evenings. The grounds also feature various shops and restaurants, ensuring convenience for guests. While some guests found the free Wi-Fi unreliable in certain areas, others appreciated its availability. The complex includes diverse options like an aquarium, football and tennis facilities, and even areas for firefly viewing and BBQ. The presence of vending machines and ice machines adds to the convenience. However, some older facilities like elevators might have minor issues. The sheer size and variety of on-site activities mean guests can enjoy a full experience without needing to leave the premises, making it suitable for extended stays.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The overall impression of room comfort and cleanliness is mixed, with many guests noting the age of the facilities. While some found the rooms spacious and appreciated their unique designs, others reported issues with musty or moldy smells, particularly in the villa and cottage accommodations, which required significant ventilation. Guests frequently praised the stunning views of Mount Fuji directly from their windows, which significantly enhanced their stay. However, some found the windows dirty, detracting from the view. Specific concerns included outdated toilets that were difficult to use, and some reported issues with air conditioning not being effective or being noisy. Noise from other guests, especially large groups, was occasionally mentioned as disruptive. Amenities like refrigerators were sometimes noisy, and some rooms lacked basic provisions like drinking water or an in-room phone. The room keys were also noted by a few as being difficult to operate, and some found the provided pajamas to be ill-fitting or in poor condition.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining experiences at the hotel complex receive mixed feedback, with the buffet restaurants being a central point of discussion. Many guests enjoyed the breakfast buffet, often praising its variety and the pleasant atmosphere, especially when offering Mount Fuji views. However, the dinner buffet, particularly at Mugibatake, frequently drew criticism for its perceived low quality and limited selection, with some guests feeling that cost-cutting measures were evident. Specific items like sushi and sashimi were often described as unappetizing, and even pancakes received negative comments. Conversely, the local beer and all-you-can-drink options at Mugibatake were consistently praised as excellent. Some guests had very positive experiences at other on-site restaurants, highlighting delicious seafood bowls, freshly fried tempura, and hot soba. The staff at these dining establishments were generally found to be friendly and accommodating. While the quantity of food at the buffets was often sufficient, the quality was a significant point of contention for many, leading to a desire for improvement.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location within a vast complex is a defining feature, offering guests a self-contained destination with numerous on-site attractions and facilities. A major highlight for many is the direct and stunning views of Mount Fuji from various points within the property and from many rooms. While the hotel is situated in a somewhat remote area, it provides free shuttle bus service from the nearest train station, making it accessible for those without a car. For guests arriving by car, ample parking is available on-site, which is free for overnight visitors. The complex is considered a convenient base for exploring the Mount Fuji area and Hakone. However, some guests found the entrance to the complex and navigation within its extensive grounds to be confusing, especially at night due to the bright illumination. Despite its somewhat isolated setting, the presence of various shops, restaurants, and entertainment options within the complex means guests have everything they need close at hand.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is varied. Many guests reported positive interactions, describing the front desk staff as helpful and friendly, and appreciating their efforts to assist, even when facing language barriers. Some guests noted a smooth check-in process and general attentiveness from the team. However, a notable number of reviews highlighted negative experiences. Some encountered staff who were perceived as unhelpful or rude, particularly when dealing with specific issues like room problems or reservation inquiries. There were instances where staff were not present at the front desk when needed, or failed to address disturbances caused by noisy groups. While some staff members in the restaurants received praise for their pleasant demeanor, the overall consistency of service appears to be an area for improvement. Despite these isolated incidents, many guests still found the staff to be generally accommodating and willing to assist.

Additional Information
A significant highlight for many guests is the access to the various hot spring facilities within the complex, particularly Kira-bo, which is widely praised for its diverse baths and relaxing atmosphere. Some guests noted the convenience of having both hotel-affiliated and shared public baths available, though movement between them might involve some walking outdoors. The hotel complex is often described as older or outdated, with many reviews suggesting a need for renovation to modernize the accommodations and some common areas. Despite its age, the property is frequently recommended for families with young children due to its wide array of activities and attractions. There was also some confusion reported regarding booking, with some guests inadvertently booking a different hotel, Brush UP, which is also located within the complex. The hotel's smoking policy is noted to be changing to non-smoking in the near future. While some guests appreciated the availability of amenities in the hallway, others found the lack of certain in-room items, like hairbrushes, inconvenient.