Hotel Natural Garden Nikko — Hotel in Nikko

Booked this hotel through booking.com and it appeared to be nice with spacious rooms and well located in Nikko for the main attractions. ||Firstly the hotel is quite a way from the centre of Nikko, check-in experience was not good, the man checking us in insisted on addressing my husband despite the booking etc being in my name. Both my husband and I found the experience hostile rather than welcoming. Maybe there is a language issue as it feels as though the hotel is better set up for non-western clientele. There is a lack of information available in English and there was very limited English during the check-in. ||When we arrived at our room (305) we were dismayed to find it was tiny, smelly and excessively cramped, the bed was really uncomfortable and the pillows so thin they were virtually non existent. The bathroom was awful too - the shower closet was very old and dirty. Nothing had prepared us for the room, it was not in anyway like the large bedrooms posted to the website. This is not our first visit to Japan and have stayed in all sorts of accommodation with various budgets, we’ve never experienced accommodation of this low standard previously. There was also s very rigid attitude to meal times and catering - given it’s so far away from the main area it could serve its patrons much better by being more flexible. ||We asked if it would be possible to have a larger room and were told no. As we are on our honeymoon we made the decision to seek alternative accommodation and write off the expense of this hotel. We were charged 34,000 Yen for 2 nights (approx £250). Given the (sub-)standard quality and location this was expensive. It’s certainly not a 3 star hotel, it’s in dire need of modernisation and some comforts. ||Our recommendation would be to avoid this hotel at all costs, we checked into the Nikko Station Classic Hotel instead and for similar money got a much nicer room and much better service. Sadly in our haste to depart we didn’t...

Booked this hotel through booking.com and it appeared to be nice with spacious rooms and well located in Nikko for the main attractions. ||Firstly the hotel is quite a way from the centre of Nikko, check-in experience was not good, the man checking us in insisted on addressing my husband despite the booking etc being in my name. Both my husband and I found the experience hostile rather than welcoming. Maybe there is a language issue as it feels as though the hotel is better set up for non-western clientele. There is a lack of information available in English and there was very limited English during the check-in. ||When we arrived at our room (305) we were dismayed to find it was tiny, smelly and excessively cramped, the bed was really uncomfortable and the pillows so thin they were virtually non existent. The bathroom was awful too - the shower closet was very old and dirty. Nothing had prepared us for the room, it was not in anyway like the large bedrooms posted to the website. This is not our first visit to Japan and have stayed in all sorts of accommodation with various budgets, we’ve never experienced accommodation of this low standard previously. There was also s very rigid attitude to meal times and catering - given it’s so far away from the main area it could serve its patrons much better by being more flexible. ||We asked if it would be possible to have a larger room and were told no. As we are on our honeymoon we made the decision to seek alternative accommodation and write off the expense of this hotel. We were charged 34,000 Yen for 2 nights (approx £250). Given the (sub-)standard quality and location this was expensive. It’s certainly not a 3 star hotel, it’s in dire need of modernisation and some comforts. ||Our recommendation would be to avoid this hotel at all costs, we checked into the Nikko Station Classic Hotel instead and for similar money got a much nicer room and much better service. Sadly in our haste to depart we didn’t...

Overall, I enjoyed my stay. The room was comfortable, the hotel itself gave a countryside vibe with a relaxing and elegant element.

The facilities and the room were clean and the staff were accommodating. (Some staff speak English too!)

I'd recommend availing the breakfast and dinner (especially) as the nearest convenience store takes a 15-minute walk and it closes at 9PM. They serve French course meals for dinner and it was such a great treat! Breakfast was great too as you'll get a healthy and hearty meal. I loved how my table was situated right next to the glass windows/porch so I got a good sunshine view in the mornings.

The spa was great and is a must-try too! I got the outdoor hot spring myself most of the time as it wasn't crowded when I went. Imagine having a relaxing hot bath while staring at the nightsky!

Also, if you're staying with friends or family, the lounge is a great space to play billiards or just read in silence.

Location wise, it was fairly okay. It's in the middle of the tourist spots and can be accessed by bus. Take note that bus intervals take a while (around...