Kitayuzawa Mori no soraniwa

This hotel is primarily designed for families with young children, offering a highly engaging and memorable experience. Its signature feature is the extensive array of kid-friendly facilities and activities, ensuring that children are entertained throughout their stay. Guests consistently highlight the delicious and varied buffet meals, as well as the enjoyable hot spring baths. The hotel is particularly well-suited for families seeking a dedicated environment where their little ones can play freely and safely, allowing parents to relax. While the hotel excels in catering to its target audience, those traveling as couples or friends without children might find the atmosphere less conducive to a quiet retreat. To make the most of your visit, consider arriving early for check-in to avoid queues and be aware that some popular activities may incur additional costs.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a wide range of facilities catering to families. The hot springs are a major draw, featuring large, varied pools, including a unique outdoor pool designed for children to play in, which many guests find relaxing. However, some feedback indicates mixed experiences with water temperature, with some finding it too hot or lukewarm, and occasional concerns about cleanliness, such as hair or dust. The indoor playground, known as "Asoboya," is a significant highlight, providing ample entertainment for children, often complemented by dedicated play spaces within the buffet area. While these facilities are generally well-received, some guests noted that certain equipment appeared worn out, and some activities required extra payment. Additionally, some guests reported issues with Wi-Fi signal and the effectiveness of the air conditioning, leading to stuffy rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many guests found their rooms to be spacious and generally clean upon arrival, appreciating the comfortable sleeping arrangements. However, a notable number of reviews expressed concerns regarding the thoroughness of cleaning, citing instances of dust accumulation, hair found on furniture or in bathrooms, spider webs, and even mold around windows or in the bathroom. Some guests specifically mentioned dirty tatami mats and issues with the air purifier containing unclean water. While the beds are often described as comfortable, some found the provided futons to be too short. Noise levels can be an issue, with sounds from hallways and adjacent rooms sometimes audible. Additionally, some bathrooms were described as tiny, and there were reports of slow water drainage in sinks.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, particularly the buffet for both breakfast and dinner, receives widespread praise for its wide variety and delicious food. Guests consistently highlight the extensive selection of dishes, with many options available to satisfy diverse palates, including a dedicated kids' buffet spread. The presence of a play space within the buffet area is highly appreciated by parents, allowing children to play while adults finish their meals. While the overall food quality is commended, some specific comments mentioned that certain items, like the tuna sushi rice, lacked traditional flavoring, and a few guests experienced popular dishes running out without immediate refills. A significant point of concern for many guests is the lack of lunch options available at the hotel, with only snacks from the hotel shop as an alternative.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel is situated in a somewhat secluded location in the Kitayuzawa area, nestled amidst a scenic landscape of trees and a stream, making it particularly appealing during the autumn foliage season. While its tranquil setting is appreciated by some, its remote nature means it is a considerable distance from major towns or attractions, with the nearest town being a 40-minute drive away and Sapporo requiring a longer journey. Guests frequently noted the limited transport options, with specific bus schedules and no readily available public transportation, making a car highly recommended for exploring the surrounding area. Free parking is available on-site, though some guests mentioned initial confusion regarding parking guidance upon arrival.

Staff & Service
Feedback regarding staff and service is mixed, though many guests reported positive interactions. Numerous reviews commend the friendly staff, describing them as kind, attentive, and helpful, particularly highlighting their positive engagement with children. The check-in process, however, is a recurring point of concern, with many guests reporting long queues and slow processing times, especially during peak hours, leading to frustration. Some guests also noted a perceived understaffing at the front desk. While some foreign staff members were praised for their efforts, a few guests experienced language barriers. Isolated incidents of staff appearing unsmiling or unhelpful in specific areas, such as the hotel shop, were also mentioned.

Additional Information
This hotel is unequivocally geared towards families with young children, and guests should be aware that the environment is vibrant and often lively, which may not suit those seeking a quiet, adult-oriented getaway. Many of the engaging activities and facilities, while highly popular with children, come with additional costs, which some guests felt were not always clearly communicated. The hotel provides comfortable clothing for guests to wear around the premises, enhancing the relaxed atmosphere. It is important to note that the hotel does not offer coin laundry facilities, which some longer-staying guests found inconvenient. Furthermore, some guests reported issues with the hotel's handling of refunds for early departures, indicating potential communication challenges.