Shizukuishi Prince Hotel

The hotel offers a unique ski-in/ski-out experience, making it an ideal destination for skiers and snowboarders seeking direct access to the slopes. Its signature feature is the distinctive onsen, which provides a relaxing soak with views of a picturesque pond filled with koi fish. This combination of convenient slope access and a tranquil hot spring makes it particularly appealing for families and couples looking for a resort getaway. Guests consistently praise the generally attentive staff and the hotel's overall value, especially for a ski resort. While the property is noted for its age, it is generally well-maintained. However, some guests have experienced issues with room cleanliness and noise from other guests. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from high-traffic areas and be prepared for a lively atmosphere, particularly if large tour groups are present, which can impact the onsen experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's onsen is a major draw, featuring an outdoor bath with a unique view of a koi pond, offering a serene experience for many. However, some guests have found the onsen to be crowded, especially during peak times, and have noted issues with its cleanliness and the slipper management system, which can lead to confusion and lost footwear. The changing rooms are also described as small. A common complaint is the lack of readily available drinking water or vending machines within the onsen area. For winter sports enthusiasts, the ski-in/ski-out access is highly convenient, complemented by dedicated ski storage facilities. While the locker rooms for skiers are functional, some found them a bit cramped. The hotel also provides a free shuttle bus service, which is a significant convenience for guests arriving from the train station.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed. While some guests found their rooms to be clean and well-maintained, others reported initial issues such as hair in the bathtub and food crumbs on the floor, necessitating a room change. The hotel rooms are generally described as old or dated, with some mentioning worn carpets and peeling wallpaper, though many acknowledge that they are kept in reasonable condition for their age. The unit bathrooms are noted as small, and some guests experienced issues with old mixers and even moldy shower curtains. A significant concern for many is the noise level from other guests, particularly loud conversations in corridors and stomping from upper floors, which can disrupt sleep. Additionally, some rooms are affected by cigarette smoke seeping in, and the single-glazed windows can lead to considerable condensation and dampness.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel primarily offers buffet-style dining for both breakfast and dinner, with guest opinions on food quality varying. Many appreciate the variety of dishes, including local specialties like Morioka Reimen and Jajamen, and the option to create a seafood bowl. However, some guests found the overall quality to be average or not commensurate with the price, with concerns about food replenishment during peak times and a lack of change in menu for consecutive stays. The buffet areas can become very crowded, leading to long waits and a less relaxed dining experience. Beyond the buffet, a French restaurant is available, offering a high-quality set menu, though it no longer provides à la carte options. Some guests also found the lunch menu to be satisfactory. Due to the hotel's isolated location, on-site dining is often the only convenient option.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent ski-in/ski-out location, providing direct and convenient access to the slopes, which is a major highlight for winter sports enthusiasts. Its setting also offers spectacular views of Mount Iwate from many rooms and the onsen. For accessibility, the hotel provides a highly valued free shuttle bus service that connects directly to JR Morioka Station, though it requires pre-booking. Guests arriving by taxi from Shizukuishi Station should be aware of the potentially expensive fare. A key aspect of the hotel's location is its isolation; there are no other restaurants or shops within walking distance, meaning guests are reliant on the hotel's facilities for dining and other needs. This secluded environment contributes to a peaceful atmosphere, away from urban distractions.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and responsiveness to guest requests. Many guests highlight the attentive service provided by various team members, including those at the front desk, housekeeping, and ski-related operations like the ski school and lift attendants. Staff are often commended for their willingness to assist with issues such as room changes due to initial cleanliness concerns or noise. However, there have been isolated instances of less positive interactions, including one guest's negative experience with a specific staff member regarding a luggage courier service and another reporting being charged twice for their stay, which required significant effort to resolve. Despite these exceptions, the overall sentiment is that the staff strives to provide a positive and accommodating experience.

Additional Information
A recurring and significant concern for guests is the behavior of some tour groups, particularly in the onsen. Many reviews highlight instances of guests ignoring onsen etiquette, such as being excessively noisy, failing to shower before entering the baths, or even attempting to touch the koi fish in the pond. This has led to a less relaxing experience for others, prompting calls for the hotel to more effectively communicate and enforce Japanese manners and rules. Another notable issue is the highly problematic slipper management system in the onsen area, which frequently results in guests' slippers being taken by others, leaving them without footwear. Additionally, some guests noted the absence of English ski lessons as a drawback and experienced issues with single-glazed windows causing significant condensation and dampness in rooms.