Utonai-ko Sanctuary

Loved our stay. The hotel is really close to the ski fields and rental shops. Right in the center of town. It had a little kitchen which was great to make a cup of tea and toast in the morning.

Highly recommend for a stay in Niseko. The place is in great shape and has plenty of space! The company that runs it is very good about communication. We booked our snowboarding thru them and it was very convenient. They also were quick to accommodate some unique needs that we had. A couple things to consider - the lodging is at the bottom of the hill in Grand Hirafu. You can technically walk to the restaurants and to the resort but it can be dangerous if it snows. So definitely get your international driver’s license or download the Go app for taxis. There is a bus system but we often found it overfilled and were waiting long periods of time. Overall, would def stay here again

We stayed here as a family, and overall it was a good experience with a few things to note. The room itself was very spacious definitely a big plus for families. There was plenty of sleeping space, which made everyone comfortable, though I do think the pillows could be improved for a better night’s sleep. I also wish there had been a larger table and more seating to better accommodate a family. Cleanliness was okay, but could use some improvement. I’m a bit particular when it comes to cleaning, and I did feel the need to wipe down surfaces myself with disinfectant wipes. That said, the staff truly stood out they were amazing. Check-in was smooth, and anytime we needed something, they were quick, helpful, and very accommodating. Hands down one of the best parts of our stay. The hotel itself is family-friendly in terms of room space and layout. However, the surrounding area may not feel as family-oriented. There are quite a few clubs nearby, and it gives off a bit of a red-light district vibe at night. If that doesn’t bother you, the location is actually very convenient right in the heart of downtown with plenty to do and see. Overall, a solid stay thanks to the space and incredible staff, with a few areas that could be improved.