Japan Ski Vacations

We got off at the closest station to the Grand Park: the OtaruChikko train station: we understood the general directions however it would have been useful to have some clear notice boards long the route: we walked along the outer walkway under cover & eventually found the hotel. The check-in was at the time stated, very professional, received an upgrade & really enjoyed our room on the 11th floor. Just a couple of small negatives: the Nespresso coffee was excellent but only 2 were provided: we asked & were told it would cost $1 each for more: why not just include a couple more? From 10am to 10pm it is really easy to move around the ‘shopping centre’ where the hotel is contained in: outside those hours access to the hotel is via the street: we left at 6.30am and had to drag our luggage up to the station in the open, while it was drizzling: no covered walkway. There are outstanding food outlets metres from the hotel, a supermarket which was amazing to visit and compare in the centre, the room itself was terrific; bed comfy, facilities nice & a good shower with products. Staff were terrific. So, do we think it is worth the $$$ we spent via Expedia: Yes; we think this was good value. Would we stay again; Yes, we would have rated this very high marks, but due to the above ‘irritants’ we finally rate this a 4.5/5. As seasoned travellers, married over 65, we know the value of these honest reviews in deciding on a booking, as we use them as a reference point. Thanks ALGreynomads

The suite we had was spacious, and the breakfast buffet was very good. The building location does require driving for restaurants. We were surprised that many places are closed in this current season so food choices were more limited than expected.

Overall the resort stay is good value for money (summer), it has everything onsite, amusement park, shopping, food etc. some downside could be: the hotel room bathroom being a little dated, they don't do cleaning daily, but they do at least change your towels for you. Being a hotel, noise from your neighbors could be a problem (talking loudly in their room or outside in the corridors, slamming the door etc esp at night or in the early morning). They also provide coffee bags and teas in room. Location wise it seems to be quite ok, as we were able to drive (south) to Lake Toya in under 30mins or so, city of Date, Muroran, Noboribetsu etc. to the north, niseko, and if you like to the East is Jozenkei, all within about an hour. Plenty of Parking and is free. You also have access as a resort guest to Westin's onsen. The monorail is cute! Just note that this is in the summer where it's not the resort ski season so everything is very chill and not too crowded, I think things might get a bit different in the winter busy season though :)

With a car, moving around was not an issue. Room with great view of Mount Yotei and greenery of the golf course.

Huge rooms. Good breakfast.

Huge rooms. Good breakfast.

We got off at the closest station to the Grand Park: the OtaruChikko train station: we understood the general directions however it would have been useful to have some clear notice boards long the route: we walked along the outer walkway under cover & eventually found the hotel. The check-in was at the time stated, very professional, received an upgrade & really enjoyed our room on the 11th floor. Just a couple of small negatives: the Nespresso coffee was excellent but only 2 were provided: we asked & were told it would cost $1 each for more: why not just include a couple more? From 10am to 10pm it is really easy to move around the ‘shopping centre’ where the hotel is contained in: outside those hours access to the hotel is via the street: we left at 6.30am and had to drag our luggage up to the station in the open, while it was drizzling: no covered walkway. There are outstanding food outlets metres from the hotel, a supermarket which was amazing to visit and compare in the centre, the room itself was terrific; bed comfy, facilities nice & a good shower with products. Staff were terrific. So, do we think it is worth the $$$ we spent via Expedia: Yes; we think this was good value. Would we stay again; Yes, we would have rated this very high marks, but due to the above ‘irritants’ we finally rate this a 4.5/5. As seasoned travellers, married over 65, we know the value of these honest reviews in deciding on a booking, as we use them as a reference point. Thanks ALGreynomads

The suite we had was spacious, and the breakfast buffet was very good. The building location does require driving for restaurants. We were surprised that many places are closed in this current season so food choices were more limited than expected.

Huge rooms. Good breakfast.

We got off at the closest station to the Grand Park: the OtaruChikko train station: we understood the general directions however it would have been useful to have some clear notice boards long the route: we walked along the outer walkway under cover & eventually found the hotel. The check-in was at the time stated, very professional, received an upgrade & really enjoyed our room on the 11th floor. Just a couple of small negatives: the Nespresso coffee was excellent but only 2 were provided: we asked & were told it would cost $1 each for more: why not just include a couple more? From 10am to 10pm it is really easy to move around the ‘shopping centre’ where the hotel is contained in: outside those hours access to the hotel is via the street: we left at 6.30am and had to drag our luggage up to the station in the open, while it was drizzling: no covered walkway. There are outstanding food outlets metres from the hotel, a supermarket which was amazing to visit and compare in the centre, the room itself was terrific; bed comfy, facilities nice & a good shower with products. Staff were terrific. So, do we think it is worth the $$$ we spent via Expedia: Yes; we think this was good value. Would we stay again; Yes, we would have rated this very high marks, but due to the above ‘irritants’ we finally rate this a 4.5/5. As seasoned travellers, married over 65, we know the value of these honest reviews in deciding on a booking, as we use them as a reference point. Thanks ALGreynomads

Huge rooms. Good breakfast.