ニセコ白雲荘 NISEKO HAKUUNSO — Hotel in Kutchan

The hotel emailed me and asked whether I will need a ride from the Hirafu Welcome Center to the hotel. Our bus was supposed to arrive at 10 PM and I was happy to have arranged for this ride because I was traveling with a snowboard with very little knowledge of the local area. The bus arrived earlier than expected, at 932 PM. While everyone else on the bus waited for their rides in the freezing weather, our ride was there with the engine running. He welcomed us into a beautiful space with a high ceiling. They had thought of everything, the shoe closets, a "drying room" for our jackets and a board locker with a key. They had offered us slippers and a traditional robe to lounge in. The floor was so clean and gleaming--definitely cleaner than my house. The room had one bed and when I said there was a mistake, the gentlemen immediately went to work and converted the bed to two beds. The toilet was one of those complicated devices that had more buttons than a Texas Instrument. It always offered a warm seat in the middle of the night and squirted warm water after defecation. I had no idea I needed this luxurious toilet in my life until now. The floor was heated and the temperature inside the hotel was always perfect. Its free breakfast...wow. It had grilled fish, two types of soup, pastries, eggs, pork and so many other options, healthy options. Everything tasted fresh and so delicious. I will go back there just to eat the breakfast, with a grand view of Mount Yotei. In the morning, one of the gentlemen drove us to the gondola. I quickly realized that it was literally a stone's throw from the hotel and did not use that service again. The onsen was clean and just the perfect amount of heat. Although the hotel was sleek, spacious and modern, it felt like a cozy family ran place. I noticed that there was another house next to it and the staff members appeared to live in it. The whole place felt personable and utterly dedicated to a perfect stay. This hotel was definitely the best value for what I paid. Ever. I will be going back...

The hotel emailed me and asked whether I will need a ride from the Hirafu Welcome Center to the hotel. Our bus was supposed to arrive at 10 PM and I was happy to have arranged for this ride because I was traveling with a snowboard with very little knowledge of the local area. The bus arrived earlier than expected, at 932 PM. While everyone else on the bus waited for their rides in the freezing weather, our ride was there with the engine running. He welcomed us into a beautiful space with a high ceiling. They had thought of everything, the shoe closets, a "drying room" for our jackets and a board locker with a key. They had offered us slippers and a traditional robe to lounge in. The floor was so clean and gleaming--definitely cleaner than my house. The room had one bed and when I said there was a mistake, the gentlemen immediately went to work and converted the bed to two beds. The toilet was one of those complicated devices that had more buttons than a Texas Instrument. It always offered a warm seat in the middle of the night and squirted warm water after defecation. I had no idea I needed this luxurious toilet in my life until now. The floor was heated and the temperature inside the hotel was always perfect. Its free breakfast...wow. It had grilled fish, two types of soup, pastries, eggs, pork and so many other options, healthy options. Everything tasted fresh and so delicious. I will go back there just to eat the breakfast, with a grand view of Mount Yotei. In the morning, one of the gentlemen drove us to the gondola. I quickly realized that it was literally a stone's throw from the hotel and did not use that service again. The onsen was clean and just the perfect amount of heat. Although the hotel was sleek, spacious and modern, it felt like a cozy family ran place. I noticed that there was another house next to it and the staff members appeared to live in it. The whole place felt personable and utterly dedicated to a perfect stay. This hotel was definitely the best value for what I paid. Ever. I will be going back...

I absolutely recommend the stay.||Upon arrival, you will be kindly asked to take off your shoes and store in a room assigned locker. Communal or disposable slippers are available at the door. The service is quiet and kind, a family owned and operated joint. Check-in was scheduled for 2pm but our room was ready early since it wasn't busy.||Highlights:|The whole place is spotless clean, probably due to the fact that no shoes are allowed on premise. |Breakfast is delicious with both japanese (rice, miso soup, noodle, assorted pickles, grilled fish, egg dish) and western foods (salad greens, toast, croissant, yogurt, fruit, sausage, egg, cereal, milk/juice, coffee, dessert). It runs from 7:30-9:30am. |Hot and cold green tea, filtered water station, hot chocolate and tea bags available all day.|Onsen: robes and basic toiletries are provided at the front desk. Separate onsens for men and women, indoor only. The pool is small but adequate. I walked around in my robe all day and no one said anything. |Tea time is at 3pm, with small sweet bites and popsicles. |Washing machines are available for free, byo or buy detergent for 100 yen. |Rooms: traditional wooden theme with modern amenities. Small refrigerator under the sink.|Common area: high vaulted ceilings with seating area and outlets available for laptops. The "kitchen" has a ice station, beer and drink kiosk for purchase, sink, dish soap/sponge, plates/utensil, and a microwave.|Shuttle available upon request.||Location:|Walking distance from many restaurants, gondola, and welcome center. |View of Mt. Yotei at the...