SKI INN HAKUBA

Ski in and out location was good, easy to come and go throughout the day. The accommodation was large, two beds with sep dining living kitchen and laundry. There was a bonus room with a single bed which the kids used as their play area. The fit out and furniture seemed nice and new, it wasn’t run down etc. the washing machine was massive, and we used a few times with the clothes drying well overnight. Each room also has its own adjustable air con / heater so everyone can have their own temp set up - although downstairs only had heater in living room so kitchen was super cold, the floors seemed super cold also so we always had to wear the slippers. There was a kids games room which we used for pool and foosball a few times, there was never anyone there. I’d stay again with our two kids but maybe in a different room with a hillside view if possible.

The beds were a little too hard for us and the pillows were super high (there needs to be a low pillow/low volume option). The doona should also be feather as it was a thin fake/nylon product which wasn’t very warm. The bathroom was downstairs but all the bedroom were upstairs which was kinda inconvenient for 4 people trying to shower or get ready. Although we had the most expensive room/option at the hotel, we didn’t have ski run view, which was annoying for the price. We had the roadside view instead. The breakfast area/restaurant room was super cold each morning, we had to rug up for breakfast so we were warm which wasn’t pleasant, they need to make it warmer at 7am for breakfast. The ski room also seemed super cold, although it was in the basement, so walk up and down in ski boots each time, little hard with kids and all the gear each time. I think the staff need to explain everything better also, we had no idea what was going on each breakfast, as there is some very basic self serve toast and cereal plus fruit, but each day they make a different hot set breakfast but there is no menu or set day explanation of what will be served each morning. We didn’t know whether coffee was included or not, and if it could be fresh made, reception need to state everything at check in. There seemed like a sauna out the back facing the ski slope, but again it was never used, as none of the staff explained if it was included or not, or how to book it or use it, it seemed pointless if the guests are not told anything. We would have used it if we were made aware of all the facilities.

Ski in and ski out, perfect location. The rooms were gorgeous and felt very Japanese. The breakfast and intimacy of Ski Inn Hakuba was ideal.

Great access to the Tsugaike slopes. The rooms were clean and spacious. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Heating was sufficient for cold weather.

Have to take stairs to dry room. No free transport to different ski resorts.

Attentive staff, Excellent pre-arrival arrangement from Transfers to Dinner booking

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A prime positioned ski inn ski out resort that is modern, clean and most importantly staff that go above and beyond to make your stay effortless and enjoyable. These included services such as booking dinners on our behalf, arranging transport to and from stays and dinner outings, and pre-empting any services we would need. In particular Windy and Kam were amazing with their excellent hospitality. The rooms were very clean, beds and pillows were comfortable. A games room with pool table arcade games provided entertainment when not out on the slopes.

Bathroom is rather tiny but not an issue. It would be great to have an all day cafe/reataurant (even though staff were happy to make coffees when requested!) or a bit more on the menu.

Windy and Nick were so helpful with renting equipment, transportation (Nick even drove us to Matsumoto Station when we weren’t able to get a van pick up). The rooms were nice and comfortable, and the chefs at breakfast were so understanding when they found out my husband was gluten intolerant. Our boys enjoyed the game room playing pool and video games. And I think we bought half the items in the vending machine. We would definitely go back, it’s a peaceful retreat and a ski in/ski out boutique hotel. We even saw a Tanuki that was injured and had mange, which the hotel staff compassionately feeds if possible.

The rooms could benefit from a bit more sound insulation. The stairs to the rooms are rather steep with no handrails. There are paid washers and dryers, but the dryer wasn’t too successful with really wet clothes (since our boys soaked their socks and pants playing in the snow, everyday).