Shin Furano Prince Hotel

This hotel is a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts, offering unparalleled ski-in/ski-out access directly to the slopes, making it a signature feature. Its proximity to the enchanting Ningle Terrace also provides a unique cultural and scenic experience. The hotel caters exceptionally well to skiers and snowboarders seeking convenience, and its family-friendly amenities make it a suitable choice for families looking for an active holiday. Sightseers and couples will also appreciate the beautiful natural surroundings and the charming on-site attractions. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and the comprehensive facilities. To enhance your stay, be aware of the onsen's strict tattoo policy and consider requesting a room on a higher floor for breathtaking mountain views.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a comprehensive range of facilities designed to enhance the guest experience. The onsen and sauna are frequently praised as a five-star feature, providing a relaxing retreat after a day on the slopes, though some guests note its considerable distance from the rooms and a strict tattoo policy that prohibits entry even with cover-ups. Convenient ski lockers are located directly at the snow entrance, making gear management effortless. Guests appreciate the large, well-stocked shops and convenience store within the hotel, offering everything from souvenirs to quick meals and drinks. For longer stays, coin laundry facilities are available, adding to the convenience. While some guests mention the absence of a dedicated gym or swimming pool, the other amenities generally compensate. Wi-Fi is available, though a few guests reported it could be slow, and elevators can sometimes be crowded during peak hours.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the hotel's cleanliness, noting that rooms are consistently neat, tidy, and well-maintained despite the building's age. Most guests describe the rooms as spacious or adequately sized, offering ample space for luggage and relaxation. However, a recurring theme is that the room decor and furnishings appear dated or "old-fashioned," reflecting the hotel's long-standing presence. Feedback on bed comfort is mixed; some guests found the beds comfortable and appreciated the soft pillows, while others found the mattresses a bit firm or worn, suggesting a topper would be beneficial. Issues with room temperature control were occasionally reported, leading some guests to open windows. Bathrooms are often described as small or cramped, with some lacking modern features or proper separation of wet and dry areas. Guests also noted the absence of complimentary bottled water in rooms, requiring purchases from the on-site store.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as "wonderful" with a "wide selection" that caters to various tastes. Highlights include a popular omelette station, an impressive array of fresh pastries, and the unique offering of free-flow ikura (salmon roe) for rice bowls. Many guests also enjoyed the freshly baked croissants and local Furano milk. While the breakfast experience is largely positive, some guests found the overall food selection to be average. Dinner options within the hotel receive mixed reviews; some guests found the food "super fresh and tasty," particularly the roast beef, sushi, and mini ramen, while others considered it "pricy" with limited variety or found the quality inconsistent. Booking dinner can be challenging due to high demand, and the main buffet dinner restaurant, located in the basement, is noted for its lack of natural light and can become very crowded and noisy, especially with large tour groups.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant draw, particularly for winter sports enthusiasts, offering direct ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes. It is also conveniently situated right next to the iconic Ningle Terrace, a charming and picturesque attraction that guests enjoy exploring. While the hotel provides excellent access to attractions within its immediate vicinity, its distance from the main town of Furano is a common point of discussion. Many guests note that the hotel is "a little out of the way" for accessing local restaurants or shops without a car, and public transportation options, such as the shuttle bus to town, can be infrequent or crowded. Parking is available and generally ample, though it can become busy due to visitors to Ningle Terrace. Overall, the location is ideal for those prioritizing on-site activities and ski access, but less convenient for exploring the broader local dining and shopping scene.

Staff & Service
Guest feedback on staff & service is notably mixed. Many guests commend the friendly staff for their helpfulness, attentiveness, and professionalism, highlighting positive interactions during check-in and with ski rental personnel. Some describe the service as "great" and "attentive." However, a significant number of reviews point to challenges, particularly regarding a language barrier, with guests noting that English proficiency is not consistently high among all staff members, leading to communication difficulties. Some guests reported instances of staff being dismissive, rude, or unhelpful, especially during peak times or when dealing with specific requests like reprinting lost ski passes. The check-in process can sometimes be slow due to long queues, particularly when large tour groups arrive. Despite these inconsistencies, many guests acknowledge the efforts of the staff working under what can be challenging conditions, especially given the high volume of visitors.

Additional Information
The hotel has a strict tattoo policy for its onsen, which prohibits entry even if tattoos are covered, a point of significant disappointment for some international guests. A bath tax is charged upon checkout, which some guests were unaware of or felt was unfairly applied if they did not use the hot spring facilities. The hotel frequently hosts large tour groups, which can lead to crowded common areas, noisy dining experiences, and long queues, particularly during peak seasons. A serious concern raised by one guest involved icy pathways around the hotel that were not properly cleared or salted, leading to a significant injury. Guests should also be aware that there is no complimentary bottled water provided in the rooms, requiring purchases from the on-site shop. Furthermore, some guests expressed frustration with the limited ski lift operations and perceived poor management of lines on the slopes, impacting their skiing experience.