Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Hotel Fugetsu

This hotel is particularly memorable for its extensive hot spring facilities, offering guests a diverse and relaxing bathing experience. A key highlight is the complimentary access to a large, adjacent hot spring complex, alongside a beautifully renovated rooftop open-air bath that provides scenic views. Guests frequently commend the hotel's excellent and varied buffet dining, which features a wide array of dishes for both dinner and breakfast. The staff generally receive praise for their helpfulness, contributing to a pleasant stay. The hotel caters well to families due to its diverse dining options and dedicated kids' area, while couples can enjoy a romantic retreat with the various hot spring baths. Its convenient location also makes it suitable for sightseers exploring local attractions, and food enthusiasts will appreciate the abundant culinary offerings. To ensure a comfortable visit, guests are advised to be aware of potential noise from adjacent rooms and to confirm the functionality of in-room amenities like air conditioning upon check-in.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests highly value the hotel's diverse hot spring offerings, with many appreciating the complimentary access to the large, adjacent hot spring facility, which provides a comprehensive bathing experience. The renovated rooftop open-air bath is a particular draw, offering stunning views and now featuring gender-separated sections. Some premium rooms even boast private cypress baths with natural spring water, providing an exclusive and luxurious option. Some guests noted that the indoor baths, while pleasant, do not feature continuous flow. A popular kids' room and a relaxing sand foot bath in the lobby are also available. Many appreciate the free drinks and alcohol offered in the lounge. Guests also enjoy the option to choose their preferred yukata from a selection of patterns. Additionally, a zero-gravity massage chair is available for relaxation. However, some guests noted that the quality of the provided towels was poor, and there is a charge for additional towels beyond the initial allocation.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness of the rooms is generally well-regarded, with many guests finding them well-maintained. However, some specific concerns were raised, such as hair found on the tatami-like bath mats in the public baths and a few instances of dirty kettles in the rooms. Room condition receives mixed feedback; while some guests found their Japanese-style rooms to be spacious and featuring new tatami and toilets, others described rooms as feeling old, worn, or tired. A significant recurring issue is noise from adjacent rooms, with guests frequently reporting hearing conversations, snoring, and footsteps due to thin walls, which can disrupt sleep. Some rooms offer pleasant views of Beppu Bay or the city, and some even include balconies. However, several guests experienced issues with the air conditioning not functioning effectively, leading to uncomfortably warm rooms, and some rooms lacked basic amenities like a clock. Additionally, a few guests found the room keys difficult to operate.

Dining & Food Quality
The dining experience at the hotel, particularly the buffet for both dinner and breakfast, receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests. Many praise the sheer variety and abundance of dishes available, describing the food as delicious and enjoyable. The dinner buffet often features a wide selection of seafood, including sashimi, tempura, and steamed prawns, alongside local Oita specialties like toriten and kamameshi. Guests also appreciate the interactive elements, such as the ability to grill food at their table during breakfast, including fresh fish. While the overall food quality is highly commended, some guests noted that the dinner buffet could become quite crowded, and a few felt that the selection, while vast, didn't always highlight enough unique local cuisine. Some also wished for more traditional breakfast items like ham or bacon. The complimentary drinks and alcohol available in the lounge are also a popular addition to the dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient for exploring the local area, particularly for those interested in the "Jigoku Meguri" (Hell Tour) attractions, which are easily accessible by car. It is also within walking distance of the Kannawa Onsen area, allowing guests to explore the charming surroundings. However, some guests reported significant challenges with accessibility upon arrival. The hotel's signage is described as small and sometimes obscured by trees, making it difficult to spot. Furthermore, navigation systems occasionally direct guests to narrow back alleys, leading to confusion and frustration. There were also instances where taxi drivers struggled to locate the hotel due to name recognition issues, and some guests reported that staff were unwilling to arrange taxis for short distances. While parking is available, the initial difficulty in finding the hotel can be a notable inconvenience for those arriving by car. An adjacent souvenir shop offers convenience for last-minute purchases.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is notably mixed, though many guests commend the polite and attentive service provided by various team members, including foreign staff who are praised for their diligent efforts. Guests often highlight instances of staff being very helpful and kind, particularly in resolving issues or providing information. However, some guests reported less positive experiences, including instances of perceived unfriendliness or dismissiveness. Specific concerns included a staff member's unhelpful response regarding taking coffee outside the lounge, a refusal to store luggage for a few hours post-checkout, and a lack of empathy when addressing room issues or booking errors. One guest also noted a missing plate for a birthday cake, though this was later rectified by another helpful staff member. The check-in process was smooth for most, but one guest experienced an initial name error where they felt blamed. Overall, while many appreciate the positive interactions, some guests felt that certain aspects of the service did not align with their expectations.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain operational details that may impact their stay. A notable point of feedback concerns the towel policy, where guests are provided with two towels per person but are charged for any additional towels requested, which some found inconvenient, especially given the frequent use of the hot springs. For those who smoke, the designated smoking area was noted to lack adequate shelter during rainy weather, suggesting a need for better consideration. While not standard in rooms, humidifiers are available for rent, which can be useful for comfort. Some guests observed that the hotel appears to operate under a complex management structure, possibly affiliated with a larger resort group, which might contribute to some inconsistencies in service or facilities. Additionally, a suggestion was made for staff supervision in the kids' play area to ensure a safe environment for all children, following instances of unruly behavior.