Hotel Buena Vista

This hotel is a prominent landmark in Matsumoto, offering a first-class experience, particularly noted for its executive lounge access and complimentary shuttle service to a luxurious off-site onsen. It caters well to a diverse range of guests, including business travelers attending conferences, sightseers exploring the city's attractions, and couples seeking a relaxing getaway. Families also find the hotel accommodating due to its spacious rooms and varied breakfast options. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's attentive service and comfortable accommodations. To make the most of your stay, consider booking an executive room for lounge benefits and be sure to reserve your spot on the shuttle to the sister hotel's onsen well in advance, as it is a highly recommended experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of amenities designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience. Many guests appreciate the exclusive executive lounge, which offers complimentary drinks and snacks, including alcoholic beverages during happy hour, making it an ideal spot for socializing or unwinding. While the decor is described by some as a bit dated, the facilities are consistently well-maintained. Guests also benefit from free Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity. For those needing to do laundry, laundry facilities are available, though some guests have noted the system can be inconvenient. The hotel also offers a convenient shuttle bus service to the nearby train station, adding to its accessibility.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and comfortable, with many praising the spacious rooms, especially those on executive floors. The beds are often described as comfortable, though some guests found them to be quite firm. Rooms are equipped with good lighting, effective blackout curtains, and comprehensive bathroom amenities. While most experiences are positive, some guests have noted minor issues such as dust in less visible areas or a slight musty smell in bathrooms. There are also occasional comments about air conditioning not being sufficiently cool or being noisy, and some rooms facing the train tracks can experience noise levels from passing trains.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet consistently receives high praise for its extensive variety and quality, featuring both Japanese and Western options, including a popular omelet station where dishes are prepared to order. Guests particularly enjoy the fresh bread, with some noting the superior quality of bread sold in the lobby lounge compared to the breakfast offering. The hotel also features a well-regarded Chinese restaurant for evening dining. While the breakfast is a highlight, feedback on the dinner buffet is mixed; some guests found the selection and quality to be less impressive for the price, while others enjoyed it. Many appreciate the option to take coffee to go after breakfast.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a favorable location, being within a 5 to 10-minute walk from the JR station and offering a convenient shuttle bus service to and from the station. It is also well-situated for exploring local attractions, with Matsumoto Castle and various shopping and dining areas accessible within a 10 to 15-minute walk. While the hotel is south of the station and some main sights are north, its walkability is generally appreciated. Parking is available in an underground lot for a fee, though it can sometimes be full, requiring guests to use nearby alternative parking, which some found a bit challenging to navigate.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight their attentiveness, quick responses to requests, and willingness to assist with various needs, including luggage forwarding and providing local information. The check-in process is often described as efficient, and many guests appreciate that staff members are proficient in English, facilitating smooth communication. From the concierge to the front desk and restaurant staff, the team's dedication to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
A significant and highly valued perk of staying at this hotel is the complimentary access to the Mikahara Onsen at a sister hotel, complete with a free shuttle bus service. Guests are advised to book their shuttle spots early due to popularity. The hotel is also a popular venue for weddings and conferences, reflecting its comprehensive facilities. Some guests have noted the absence of a clock in the room and that bottled water is not provided as a standard amenity. While the hotel does not have an on-site bar, there are numerous dining options within the hotel and nearby.