Ichinose

This hotel offers a quintessential Japanese ski experience, with its traditional ryokan style and unparalleled proximity to the ski slopes, making it a highly convenient base for winter sports enthusiasts. Its signature feature is the direct access to the Ichinose area ski lifts, allowing guests to ski back to the hotel from the backyard. It is an ideal choice for hardcore skiers and snowboarders looking to maximize their time on the mountain, as well as families seeking a budget-friendly and authentic stay. Guests consistently highlight the large public bath, the on-site convenience store, and the warm, helpful staff. To enhance your stay, inquire about ski pass discounts directly from the hotel, and be prepared for numerous stairs within the older building, especially after a day on the slopes.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of amenities designed to enhance a ski trip. A major highlight is the large public bath, or onsen, which is available for use 24 hours a day, offering a perfect way to relax and recharge after skiing, though it's important to note that rooms do not have private showers. For convenience, there is a Yamazaki convenience store located on the first floor, providing easy access to snacks, drinks, and other essentials, with guests appreciating the option to pay with barcode or Suica. Skiers and snowboarders will find dedicated ski lockers for equipment storage and a wax table, though some noted the wax area could be messy. The lobby features a welcoming fireplace and comfortable seating, creating a warm atmosphere, although some guests mentioned the fireplace was not always operational. A coin-operated laundry is available, but some guests reported issues with mold in the washing tubs.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, despite the building's age. The hotel maintains a traditional Japanese style, with guests sleeping on comfortable futons laid out on the floor, which many found to be a great and authentic experience. However, the toilets in the rooms are consistently noted as being very small, lacking a washlet function, and not having heated seats, which can be a significant drawback for some. While a separate washroom is available in the room, the toilet itself is basic. Some guests reported that the heating system is old, leading to rooms feeling a bit cold, particularly during winter stays. While rooms are generally suitable for up to three people, some found them quite small for four occupants. A few reviews mentioned a slight smell in older rooms, though this was typically not present in the sleeping area.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers buffet-style meals for both breakfast and dinner, providing a convenient option for guests. Most guests found the food to be delicious and plentiful, offering enough sustenance after a day of skiing, with a mix of Japanese and Western dishes including items like bread, salad, fish, sausage, and omelets. During special occasions like New Year's, traditional dishes such as ozoni and osechi are also served. However, some guests noted that the variety of the buffet could be limited, potentially becoming repetitive for those staying multiple consecutive nights. A recurring concern was the food temperature, with several guests mentioning that dishes tended to cool down quickly after being served. While many appreciated the value, some felt the dinner was relatively expensive for a buffet, considering the offerings. Local sake and beer are available for an additional fee.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently praised as a major advantage, being exceptionally close to the ski slopes. Guests highlight its central location within the Ichinose area, often describing it as a mere two to five-minute walk to the ski lifts, with the added convenience of being able to ski directly back to the hotel from the backyard. This makes it an ideal base for maximizing time on the snow, with easy access to both the Ichinose Family Ski Resort and Tannenomori Okojo Ski Resort. While car parking is available, a significant point of feedback concerns the hotel's internal accessibility, particularly the numerous stairs. Guests frequently mention the challenge of navigating these stairs, especially to the front desk and after a day of skiing, noting the absence of an elevator from the ground floor to the lobby, which can be physically demanding.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests. Many reviews highlight the friendly, warm, and helpful demeanor of the team, with specific praise for their attentiveness and willingness to assist. Guests recounted instances of staff going above and beyond, such as helping arrange ski classes for children, assisting with clothing fittings, and even recovering a lost phone. The general manager is frequently mentioned for his exceptional kindness and dedication, contributing significantly to a welcoming atmosphere. While most experiences were positive, a few isolated comments suggested some staff members appeared less engaged. Guests also appreciate the specific service of being able to use the large public bath even after checking out, providing a convenient way to refresh before departure. Overall, the commitment to providing excellent service is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
For guests planning to ski, the hotel offers the valuable benefit of ski pass discounts when purchased directly from the front desk, which can lead to significant savings. Regarding rental equipment, the hotel does offer ski and snowboard rentals on-site, though some guests reported being directed to external rental shops, which occasionally led to issues with tour discount coupons. The hotel provides modern and convenient payment options, including barcode payment and Suica, reducing the need for cash transactions. It is worth noting that the hotel has a strong base of regular customers, particularly during peak seasons like the year-end and New Year holidays, often leading to full bookings. This suggests a loyal clientele who appreciate the hotel's unique charm and value, despite its older facilities.