Skye Niseko — Hotel in Kutchan

Just finished a week long stay at Skye, and while our stay was not as eventful compared to other friends who stayed at the same time, I do have some comments about the hotel and advice for those who might be staying this season:

Pros: Hotel is brand new and hardware is quite nice. Rooms are spacious and relatively well equipped. Ski rental equipment was new with different brands to choose from. Spa was very good. Service and hardware both excellent. Dinner at the hotel restaurant was good for kids, not busy and reasonably priced

Cons: It’s definitely not real ski in/out from this hotel. You either had to walk across the road to get to the family base, or “ski” in/out down a V shape access path to get to the gondola base. No matter in or out, there will be a 5 min hike to get to the slopes! They should not be advertising this as a true ski in ski out hotel. No parking at all at this hotel unless you book a penthouse suite. You would think at this price level, there would be parking or even a valet service. Instead, they just tell you not to drive, or deal with the parking yourself at a public lot or on the street. Breakfast at the restaurant was fine and was included in the room rate. However, please be aware that coffee that you do not get yourself from the buffet is NOT free. They do not tell you that when they come around asking you if you want coffee, and you would only find out when they drop the bill on the table at the end. ¥1000 per keycard that you do not return when you check out. These are plastic keycards and not actual metal keys. They don’t tell you this when you check in, but try to ding you for it when you check out. I really struggle to remember any other hotel in the world that tries to charge for this. The Onsen is a joke. It’s tiny and you can actually see right into the woman’s onsen from the ski slopes! Very dangerous! The private onsens are in a tiny little rooms with no windows. Very claustrophobic. Ski valet is a zoo during the morning and afternoon rush hour. While the staff there were generally nice and knowledgeable, there was just no system for the guests to retrieve their equipment or renting for the first time. There could be 2 guys helping 10 people on boot fitting, and no-one would available to help guests with getting their equipment out. Housekeeping is lackluster at best. Rooms were generally not clean after they serviced it. A few times, dirty towels that were left on the floor were just folded and put back on the towel rack.

The above are just minor issues or annoyances. Nothing that is deal breaking in my mind. However, the biggest problem of this hotel, which IS a deal breaker, is their service. Granted there are a handful of staff there who did tried their best to help the guests, but even they were frustrated and shocked by some of the policies set by management and also the attitude of some the other staff. While I understand the hotel had just opened, the attitude from a vast majority of the staff were downright indifferent, disrespectful and even rude. Perhaps it is a lack of training or they are still “finding their feet”, but certainly it is not acceptable for any hotel to treat their guests like that. I have stayed at all the hotel top hotels in Niseko, AYA, Ki, Vale, etc, and I know it is hard for hotels in Niseko to attract good talent because of the seasonal nature of the resorts. It is an issue from the top down that treats people staying there as a nuisance and a source of revenue, rather than an actual guest. It was so bad that some of our friends staying there as well, tried to avoid interacting with any of the staff. It was that bad!

It is a beautiful hotel and I really wish it would succeed. However, they really need to do something with the management and staff there. Probably a lost cause already for this season. I hope that come the next ski season in 2019/20 when they get new staff and new management, things will...

We recently stayed at Skye Niseko for our first visit, and while there were many positive aspects to our stay, an unfortunate incident regarding transportation arrangements left us feeling deeply disappointed and upset.

First, we would like to highlight the exceptional hospitality of Takako-san at the front desk. She was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Knowing it was our first time in Niseko, she went above and beyond to assist us with information about passes, transportation options, and dining recommendations. Her genuine care and professionalism made a great impression on us.

The hotel itself was fantastic. The rooms were spacious, clean, and thoughtfully equipped with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and en suite toilets in every room. The panoramic view from the living area was simply breathtaking, adding a memorable touch to our stay.

Unfortunately, our experience was overshadowed by how the concierge team handled our transportation arrangements. The day before checkout, we approached the front desk to inquire about ways to get to Sapporo city. The concierge staff informed us about two options: private transfer or a bus service. She made it clear that bookings were non-cancellable and told us to wait for her call or email after checking on availability.

However, only 20 minutes later, she called our room to inform us that the bus transfer had already been booked—without confirming with us first. We were given no details about the bus service before they went on to confirm the booking for us, including: The departure time. The duration of the journey. The exact pickup and drop-off locations.

We are traveling with three young children aged 3, 6, and 9, so this lack of information was especially unacceptable. Additionally, the bus was scheduled to leave at 4:25 PM, but the hotel’s checkout time was 11 AM. When we requested late checkout the night before, it was denied. At checkout, the concierge manager suddenly informed us we could check out an hour later, but by then, we were already packed and checking out at the front desk, making this offer entirely impractical.

What made the situation even worse was how the hotel responded to our concerns. On the day of checkout, the concierge manager sent us an email claiming we had been informed of the full details of the bus service and had confirmed the booking, which was entirely untrue. This attempt to shift the blame onto us was both unprofessional and insulting, especially since we only wanted to understand why the hotel proceeded with a booking without our consent.

We were not seeking any form of compensation for this ordeal. We simply wanted clarity and accountability for the mistake that was made. Instead, the concierge team’s handling of the situation, including their lack of transparency and dismissive attitude, left us feeling frustrated and deeply disappointed.

This experience tarnished what was otherwise a pleasant stay. We hope the management takes this feedback seriously and implements better communication protocols, especially when assisting families traveling with young children. Such a stressful and avoidable incident should never happen to any guest.

Despite this, we are grateful to Takako-san and the housekeeping team for their excellent service. Their efforts were the highlight of our stay, and we hope the hotel recognizes their...

Annupuri West Penthouse (801)

A Winter Paradise Beyond Compare – The Ultimate Niseko Penthouse Experience

From the moment we stepped into this exclusive penthouse suite in Niseko, we knew we had arrived somewhere truly extraordinary. This is not just a luxury stay—it is an unparalleled alpine experience that effortlessly blends opulence, comfort, and nature’s raw beauty.

Unmatched Location & True Ski-In, Ski-Out Convenience

For ski enthusiasts, the location could not be more perfect. Unlike many resorts that claim “ski-in, ski-out” but require a short walk, this penthouse delivers the real deal. Step out of your private ski locker, click into your skis, and glide directly onto Niseko’s legendary powder. At the end of the day, ski right back to your door—no hassle, no delays, just pure, effortless access to some of the best snow on Earth.

Unrivaled Luxury & Design

The suite itself is nothing short of breathtaking. Every detail, from the high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows to the warm, elegant furnishings, has been curated to perfection. The spacious open-plan living area is a masterpiece, featuring a roaring fireplace, plush designer seating, and a dining area fit for a private chef’s masterpiece. Every morning, we woke up to unfiltered, panoramic views of Mount Yotei, a sight so spectacular it felt surreal.

Outdoor Hot Tub with a View Like No Other

Perhaps the crown jewel of this penthouse is the private outdoor hot tub. Nestled on an expansive terrace, it offers an unobstructed, front-row seat to Mount Yotei. After a long day on the slopes, soaking in the steaming water while snowflakes drifted down around us was an experience beyond words. Watching the alpenglow kiss the peak of Yotei at sunset from the warmth of the tub was nothing short of magical.

World-Class Service & Amenities

Luxury is not just about design—it’s about service, and this penthouse exceeds all expectations. The dedicated concierge team ensured that every detail of our stay was flawless, from private ski fittings and lift passes to securing hard-to-get reservations at Niseko’s finest restaurants. And for nights we wanted to stay in? A private chef experience was easily arranged, turning the suite into our own exclusive fine-dining retreat.

Final Verdict: Perfection in Niseko

This penthouse suite is not just a place to stay—it is an experience that redefines luxury in the mountains. If you’re looking for the ultimate Niseko getaway, where you can wake up to Japan’s most iconic peak, ski directly onto pristine slopes, and unwind in a world-class hot tub under the stars, this is the place.

Flawless. Unforgettable. Absolutely worth...