Mars GardenWood Gotemba — Attraction in Gotenba

Nice, new hotel for a night in Gotemba! Seems like a relatively new place, and while it may not be the Ritz, it is reasonable balance of unassuming upscale and totally ok to go casual. The rooms were very clean, utilitarian, and comfy, with mattresses on the firm side and pillows on the soft side. Our room was surprisingly spacious and came with all the amenities and facilities you'd expect from a city hotel in Japan. Big flat screen TV and free WiFi in all rooms. Get a room on the Mt Fuji side for gorgeous views in the morning. The hotel's garden is quite nice with a large koi pond fountain right in the middle. There are lovely illuminated fountain shows at regular intervals nightly. The onsen hot spring baths are also a draw, with both indoor and outdoor baths, as well as jet baths and saunas (facilities separated by gender). The hotel is right next to the Gotemba interchange where you can catch highway buses and the free shuttle to the Gotemba Premium Outlets shopping park. Seems like they offer pickup service from Gotemba station, but it's an easy walk if you've packed lightly. Restaurants are on site with nice garden views, but we only ate the breakfast - both Japanese and Western set meal options available (not buffet style). If you're looking for a nice place to spend the night in Gotemba, this is definitely a place...

We just couldn't gel with this hotel. I believe there are some great exterior views but one third of the hotel looks down on the motorway, If you are in the unlucky one third it is a tease, you go to breakfast, look out of the window there and realise you got the booby prize view. Now, the law of averages say this will happen occasionally but other redeming factors often make up or even alieviate. Not here as it just seems a sterile place with never rude but slightly awkward staff, the type that make you feel the place would run better without guests.||The breakfast are cosy and good food, both Japanese and international. Very detailed selection. The teppanyaki restauarant simply isnt that - you dont see the cooking, just shown to a table / booth to which you are served - aviod.||You can get a Mt. Fuji view from the top floor viewing area, but again what a sterile place. nothing on the walls, bench seating, two vending machines, think classroom. What a lost opportunity when you could have a small coffee area or evening bar.||How this hotel is rated so high remains a mystery to me. How the room rate can be so high is just...

Dear Mars Gardenwood Gotemba Team,I trust this message finds you well. I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding service we received during our stay at your hotel from the 6th to the 7th of February.Due to unexpected snowstorm warnings, our travel plans were disrupted as all express and hill roads were blocked. In this challenging situation, the warmth of your welcome and the assistance we received in inquiring about Toyota Rent a Car were truly remarkable.I must extend special gratitude to a staff member (whose name unfortunately escapes me) for their unwavering patience and detailed explanations, providing us with the assistance we needed during these trying circumstances.This experience has left a lasting impression on us, and we wanted to convey our deepest thanks for the exceptional service received, particularly from the staff member whose name, regrettably, slipped my mind.Thank you once again for turning a challenging situation into a positive and memorable experience. We look forward to the opportunity to stay at Mars Gardenwood Gotemba...