Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa

This hotel is celebrated for its expansive and diverse onsen facilities, offering a truly immersive and relaxing experience amidst nature. Its signature feature is the vast outdoor hot spring area, which boasts numerous pools with varying themes and beautiful natural backdrops, particularly stunning in winter. The hotel caters well to onsen enthusiasts, families, and couples seeking a tranquil retreat, as well as nature lovers who appreciate its remote setting. Guests often highlight the wide array of food options available. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to utilize the convenient shuttle bus service, and guests should be aware that while rooms are spacious, some aspects may show signs of age.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed for guest comfort and relaxation. The lobby is frequently praised for its grandeur and spaciousness, providing a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy welcome drinks, including sparkling wine and coffee, available in designated areas. For leisure, there is a library and music corner, offering a peaceful space for reading or quiet enjoyment. A game room is also available, though some guests have noted it can be warm or have a distinct odor. The hotel provides a convenient shuttle bus service to and from major transportation hubs, which is highly valued given its remote location. Additionally, there are shops on-site for souvenirs and essentials, and a stargazing observatory on the rooftop, which requires prior booking and is subject to weather conditions.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed. Many guests find the rooms spacious and appreciate the traditional Japanese elements, such as tatami areas and comfortable beds. However, a significant number of reviews mention that the rooms are outdated and could benefit from renovation. Recurring concerns include dust accumulation, water stains on fixtures, and mold around windows or in bathrooms. Some guests have reported the presence of bugs, such as stink bugs or ladybugs, in their rooms. The bathrooms are frequently described as small, and some guests have noted unpleasant odors or issues with uncleaned sanitary boxes. Noise from corridors or adjacent rooms due to thin walls has also been a point of concern for some visitors.

Dining & Food Quality
The dining experience at the hotel, primarily through its buffet, receives varied but generally positive feedback. Most guests appreciate the wide variety of food options, encompassing Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisines. Highlights often include fresh sashimi, tempura, and beef dishes, with many enjoying the live cooking stations. The dessert bar, featuring items like soft-serve ice cream, is also popular. However, some guests have found the food quality to be inconsistent, with certain dishes being cold or lacking flavor. For longer stays, the buffet menu can become repetitive. While the dining areas are spacious, they can feel crowded during peak times. Some guests who opted for the kaiseki dinner reported a more refined and enjoyable experience with attentive service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is notably remote, situated amidst natural surroundings and away from urban centers. This makes it an ideal choice for guests seeking a peaceful and relaxing getaway rather than a base for extensive sightseeing. Due to its isolated setting, personal transportation or reliance on the hotel's shuttle bus service is essential for accessibility. The shuttle bus is highly valued for its convenience in connecting guests to Sapporo and New Chitose Airport. There are no nearby attractions, restaurants, or shops within walking distance, meaning guests typically spend their entire stay on the property. Parking is available, though some guests noted it might involve a short walk from the main entrance.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel generally receive positive remarks, with many guests commending their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to assist with various requests, such as providing medicine for a child. The valet service and assistance with luggage are also appreciated. However, some reviews indicate mixed experiences, with a few guests finding certain staff members to be less engaging or inattentive. While many staff members are described as professional, some guests noted a language barrier for those who do not speak Japanese. Despite occasional inconsistencies, the overall impression is that the staff strives to provide a pleasant and accommodating experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain additional policies and features during their stay. A bathing tax is typically applied per person per day, and some guests have mentioned a destination fee that covers certain amenities. The hotel offers a stargazing observatory on its rooftop, which is a unique amenity, though it requires advance booking and is dependent on clear weather conditions. While the hotel generally maintains a high standard, there have been isolated reports of power outages, though staff are noted for handling such situations efficiently. The hotel has also adjusted its smoking policy, with some guests noting the removal of dedicated smoking rooms. A recurring, though seasonal, issue mentioned by guests is the presence of stink bugs or ladybugs in rooms, which can be a minor inconvenience.