Biyunoyado Ryochikubettei — Hotel in Beppu

Stayed here from 4th Jan to 6th Jan 2024.

Rooms: the only factor that prevented the stay to be outstanding. At first glance, the "Washitsu" or Japanese traditional style rooms were really dated. But that's not to say it was unhygienic or unclean.

Service: Great. From check-in, replenishing of our room amenities and fulfilling our requests, the staff were attentive and exceeded expectations.

Food: The in-room Kaiseki for dinner was phenomenal. Using local produce, we enjoyed a filling and satisfying 10-course dinner over 2 nights. The room was meticulously prepared and set for dinner by their elderly but sprightly staff who were so kind and caring in ensuring that dinner was a pleasant affair for us.

Onsen: 3 types of Onsens. Indoor (main), outdoor and private (available at a fee).

Temperature is good, water was revitalizing. The outdoor onsen can comfortably take about 3 to 4 pax at one time, so best to go in off hours.

Bonus: FREE DRINKS (including alcoholic) at the lounge and rest areas from 1500-2100. Water, juices, tea, beers, high balls, sakes and the like. Great bang for the buck.

Overall, wonderful stay. Dated room aside, it makes for a good getaway...

So, we did not stay here. We booked a different hotel on the same road, but thought this was the hotel we booked because of similarity in name and language barrier. When we pulled up to the front of this hotel, they greeted us warmly, helped us unload our bags as we got settled in the lobby. Another staff ran uphill to the parking lot to help us park our rental van. As they were checking our passports, they notified that there was no reservation in our name. Confused, we showed them our docs. That's when they told us it's a different hotel. Here's the amazing part - they helped us reload our bags back into our van. On top of that, a staff helped direct our van down the hill (he ran in front of our van), and helped with the tight turns due to the narrow hilly road. This was a serious hill, by the way; and he ran for quite some distance. We were both embarrassed by our mistake, and moved by the kindness and gesture. Even though we weren't paying guests at their hotel, they still provided us with top notch service. If we ever go back to Beppu, we're definitely...

ONSEN review: entrance ¥540, shampoos provided, you need to bring your own towel. Operating hours 12:00-15:00, there is parking. Pay at the reception where you can receive your onsen stamp. When I visited I could use only the outdoor bath. You can partially see your stuff while bathing, no lockers. You go out, down a few stairs and some bamboos to reach the bath. Two places to wash up with shower heads and stools. The tub is big, made of stones, most of it is under a wooden roof and overlooking a green slope with trees. Excellent and clean facilities. Went on a Friday and bathed for 40 minutes, I had the whole place for myself most of the time. Free hairdryer at the changing room and there is also a free foot bath at the entrance of the hotel. Simple hot spring, gensen...