Royal Hotel Kawaguchiko

This hotel offers a memorable stay, primarily distinguished by its prime location directly on Lake Kawaguchiko, providing many guests with stunning views of Mount Fuji from their rooms and the hotel grounds. Its signature feature is the inviting onsen, which is notably tattoo-friendly, a significant draw for many visitors. The hotel is an excellent fit for sightseers and nature lovers eager to explore the scenic surroundings, as well as couples and families seeking a blend of relaxation and authentic Japanese cultural experiences. Guests appreciate the opportunity to stay in spacious traditional Japanese-style rooms. To enhance your visit, it is advisable to book the hotel's shuttle service to and from the station in advance, as availability can be limited, and consider requesting a room with a direct view of Mount Fuji for an unforgettable vista.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a popular onsen with both indoor and outdoor baths, which is a significant highlight for many guests, particularly due to its tattoo-friendly policy. The onsen is open late, typically until 1 AM, allowing for flexible relaxation. While some guests found the onsen facilities to be basic or small, others enjoyed its clean and peaceful atmosphere. Guests should note that there is a small fee for lockers within the onsen area and for additional towels if they do not bring their own from the room. Rooms are generally equipped with a kettle and a mini-fridge, providing convenience for in-room refreshments. The hotel offers Wi-Fi, though some guests reported it could be weak or unstable at times. A large parking area is available for guests, and vending machines are on-site for purchasing drinks and snacks.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed, reflecting the hotel's age and recent renovations. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with some praising the newly refurbished accommodations. However, some older rooms were described as dated, with issues such as stained tatami floors, a noticeable smell in the toilet, or general signs of wear. The futon beds are generally found to be comfortable and warm, ensuring a restful sleep, though a few guests found them thin. Noise can be an issue due to thin walls and poor soundproofing, with sounds from adjacent rooms or the corridor sometimes audible. Room amenities include a kettle and mini-fridge, but some guests noted the absence of complimentary bottled water and that only one towel per person was provided, with additional towels incurring a charge. Bathrooms vary, with some being old and small, while others are newly refurbished and more spacious.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers Japanese-style breakfast and dinner, which many guests found to be delicious and of good quality. The breakfast is typically a hearty, traditional Japanese set meal, with menus varying for guests staying multiple nights. Guests must choose a specific timing for breakfast, usually 7 AM or 8 AM, and should be aware that western options and coffee are generally not available as part of the standard offering. Similarly, dinner is a traditional Japanese set menu, often requiring advance booking, sometimes up to 24 hours prior. While most guests enjoyed the authentic cuisine and found the portions satisfying, some felt the dining experience was basic or lacked atmosphere. Complimentary rice refills are available during meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location directly in front of Lake Kawaguchiko, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji from its carpark, the adjacent Oike Park, and many guest rooms. This prime position makes it ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. A sightseeing bus stop (Red line bus stop #6) is conveniently located right outside the hotel, providing easy access to various attractions. Guests can also find Lawson, a supermarket, and several ramen restaurants within walking distance. While the hotel offers a shuttle service to and from Kawaguchiko Station, its availability is limited to specific hours and requires advance booking. For those preferring to walk, the station is approximately 15-20 minutes away. A large, free parking area is available for guests traveling by car.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff generally receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, and attentive. Many guests highlighted the multinational team who often speak good English, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The check-in process is typically smooth, though some guests found the automated machines a bit complicated. However, there were isolated instances of negative feedback, including reports of unprofessional or unhelpful staff, poor communication regarding shuttle services, and issues with accommodating specific requests like extra towels or adapters. Some guests also experienced difficulties with luggage storage or taxi arrangements upon checkout. Despite these isolated concerns, the overall sentiment is that the staff strives to provide good service, with daily room cleaning and assistance with special needs, such as calling for ambulance services, being noted.

Additional Information
Guests planning to use the onsen should be aware of its tattoo-friendly policy, which is a significant advantage for many. However, some reviews noted issues with other guests not adhering to proper onsen etiquette, such as washing before entering the baths. The hotel operates on a traditional Ryokan style, offering tatami beds and a unique cultural experience. While yukata are available, they are typically a paid service. It's important to note that there is no complimentary bottled water in the rooms, and guests are sometimes advised to drink tap water from the bathroom, which some found to have an unpleasant smell. Additionally, a small fee is charged for lockers in the onsen area. The hotel also has a small selection of souvenirs available for purchase at the reception.