Shizunai Eclipse Hotel

This hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional breakfast offerings and its unique dedication to the horse racing theme, which permeates the entire property. Its signature feature is the consistently praised, extensive breakfast buffet, often described as among the best in the region, providing a memorable culinary experience. The hotel is an ideal fit for horse racing enthusiasts and families interested in the local equestrian culture, offering a comfortable and engaging base for exploring the horse breeding areas. Sightseers who appreciate unique local themes and business travelers seeking a reliable and welcoming stay will also find it suitable. To enhance your visit, guests recommend taking advantage of the complimentary onigiri provided for lunch, which is particularly convenient for those exploring the area.

Facilities & Amenities
While the hotel building shows some age, it is consistently noted for its cleanliness and well-maintained condition. Guests appreciate the convenience of free Wi-Fi throughout the property, though some have noted occasional instability in connection speed. The hotel offers a spacious parking lot, which is a significant advantage, especially for guests arriving by car or motorcycle, with dedicated covered spaces available for bikes. However, it lacks a large public bath, which some guests find disappointing, though local hot springs are accessible by car nearby. The hotel also features a small shop selling local goods and horse-themed merchandise, adding to the unique experience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, despite the building's older age. The beds are frequently praised for their comfort, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, some aspects of the unit bathrooms receive mixed feedback; they are described as small, with a notably high step at the entrance that can be inconvenient, and some guests mention dim lighting or minor mold. Room amenities include toiletries and an ironing board, but the air conditioning system is centrally controlled, which can lead to rooms being too cold or too warm for individual preferences, especially in colder months, as there is no in-room temperature adjustment, only fan speed.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, particularly the breakfast buffet, is a major highlight, consistently receiving high praise for its variety, quality, and use of local ingredients. Guests describe it as a luxurious spread with many handmade dishes, often likened to "mother's cooking," and enjoy the scenic views from the top-floor restaurant. The complimentary onigiri service for lunch is a much-appreciated perk. The dinner menu also offers a wide selection of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, including local specialties like tsubumeshi, ankake katsudon, and ram shabu, all noted for their generous portions and reasonable prices.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is considered ideal for those exploring the horse breeding regions, serving as an excellent base for visiting local ranches and related attractions. It is situated in a quiet town, and while a car is essential for convenient travel around the broader area, the hotel offers ample free parking. Some guests note the lack of nearby convenience stores or a wide array of restaurants within easy walking distance, making the hotel's own dining options particularly valuable. Public transportation is limited, though the old Shizunai station is about a ten-minute walk, offering bus connections.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, attentiveness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight the warm welcome, the quick check-in process, and the staff's willingness to go above and beyond, such as assisting with luggage, providing complimentary onigiri for lunch, and offering a free drink service with dinner. The attentive service extends to the restaurant, where staff are praised for their politeness and efficiency, often bowing until guests are out of sight. This dedication to guest satisfaction significantly enhances the overall experience.

Additional Information
A distinctive feature of this hotel is its deep integration of the horse racing theme, evident throughout the property. The lobby is adorned with horse-related memorabilia, including posters of famous racehorses and signed items, creating an immersive atmosphere for enthusiasts. The breakfast tickets are uniquely designed to resemble betting slips, adding a playful touch. The hotel also offers special concept rooms dedicated to specific racehorses, providing a unique and memorable stay for fans. Guests appreciate the availability of horse-themed merchandise for purchase, allowing them to take a piece of the experience home.