Stayed 1N in Jan'25, weekday, 2 pax. Drove there and reached slightly before official 3pm check in time. Grandmotherly lady who directed the traffic in front of the hotel main entrance (as well as the few parking lots there) was friendly and kind; even wanted to help take our large and medium suitcases from our car to the entrance. We quickly took over as our suitcases were heavy and auntie didn’t realise that a suitcase was being dragged on its “belly” instead of on its wheels. No queue for check in as we were earlier than the shuttle bus from Sapporo. Smooth, quick and lady staff was polite. Made our reservation pretty late and didn’t manage to book a room with attached hot spring bath but thought we could use one of the 3 private onsens (for a fee) instead but alas all slots for the day (from 3pm to late evening) were fully taken up when we enquired during check in and it was only then that we found out that the private onsens could be reserved in advance via their official website. Lady staff could only speak basic English but tried her best to communicate with us (via a translation machine) about the onsens. Appreciate her efforts. Later, we saw a board next to reception which showed the availability of the private onsens for the day. The following day when we checked out at 10am, all slots were still opened for the day. Did not go to the public baths.
The hotel lobby/ground floor was spacious, well maintained and had a nice ambience. Likewise for dinner/breakfast areas and our room. Our room was on a high floor but faced roads and buildings instead of nature/trees which the rooms opposite ours offered and which I preferred. There was a CD player in the room and a stack of CDs of different genres. Player worked well. Our room package came with set dinner and buffet breakfast in a communal dining hall. Arrived for dinner at the time allocated and were led to a corner section next to an empty table so it was quite private and quiet. Most diners were in the yukatas provided by the hotel and on hindsight we should have worn ours too to blend in. I believe families with young children were seated in another area on the same floor. Food presentation was not as “exquisite” as kaiseki but still pleasant and the food was sumptuous and delicious. Staff were also prompt in clearing plates and serving dishes. Futons were made by the time we returned to our room after dinner. The futons were thick and comfy. Temperature in the room was adjustable. Buffet breakfast next morning was in same hall, not too crowded and the spread was good with both Japanese and western options. So well fed that we didn’t even try the complimentary snacks in our room or lobby.
Also didn’t have a chance to explore other facilities in the hotel as unfortunately both my partner and I had to rest our legs. I twisted my ankle at the nearby Jozankei Futami Park (beware: steps to the bridge were all covered with snow/ice and had turned into a slope and I somehow still slipped and fell while climbing it despite being cautious). After the initial intense pain subsided, I was lucky that I could still limp back to the hotel (and all the way home a few days later but my leg is now in a cast as I write; no kidding). My feet became quite bruised and swollen after dinner so I called reception to ask for some ice. I was told repeatedly by a male staff (via a translation machine) that I had to collect the ice from the reception personally, even after I informed him that I had a fall and had difficulty walking and that my partner was experiencing knee pain (in fact he had been limping for a few days already but my leg became worse than his after my fall) and asked if they could bring ice to my room. Also, while some of them obviously saw me limping slowly at dinner, breakfast and check out, none of the staff asked if I was ok or needed help or a mobility aid (e.g. a wheelchair). Their lack of empathy and service when it counts left us with very poor impressions.
Really want to like Hana Momiji but based on overall experience, will be unlikely to stay...
Read moreA really nice hotel to relax and refresh for a few days. Clean and comfortable and quaintly Japanese. The tatami style family rooms with included dinner and breakfast buffet are the way to go even if just for two people. Dinner was absolutely fantastic every night, ( we stayed 8 nights and neverhad a repeated dinner service.) the tables are beautifully set and food is mostly cooked at the table in small individual cooking devices. Everything is delicious and truly Japanese. No disappointments at dinner service, outstanding quality and variety and presentation!|The buffet breakfast is fine also, but very Japanese style as well. western choices limited to cereal, toast, yogurt some fruit choices,coffee and juice. But many Japanese style foods that are good for adventurous eaters. Sashimi,noodles, curry, roasted fish,pickled vegetables. Braised pork belly and soup dumplings and even ice cream.|The Japanese style bathing is very comfortable and relaxing with shower facilities and dressing areas for before and after the hot baths( separate men’s and women’s areas no clothing allowed as is customary in these public baths.)But up to four can reserve private baths for family to bathe together for about 20$ hr.|English was spoken by many staff but limited. There is always someone that can help if you need better translation. And a free shuttle to Sapporo each day was very comfortable and nice to have to eat lunch and shop. ( the hotel does not offer a pay for restaurant on the premises but a limited number of small places out side the hotel are around.)|Please understand this area of Josenkei is in the hot springs (Onsen) area and is a hour drive to Sapporo and 90 minutes to Chitose airport. Public Busses are available right in front of hotel and are easy to use|Very quite peaceful place without the same amenities as a western style hotel ( lobby bar, coffee shop or even staff to help with bags) But a self service coffee and free wine service is available in the CD listening area and tea is offered in the afternoon at the library sitting area near the reception desk.|This may not be a perfect choice for all travelers, but if you want authentic style comfort and outstanding 5 star dinners this place is highly...
Read moreA really nice hotel to relax and refresh for a few days. Clean and comfortable and quaintly Japanese. The tatami style family rooms with included dinner and breakfast buffet are the way to go even if just for two people. Dinner was absolutely fantastic every night, ( we stayed 8 nights and neverhad a repeated dinner service.) the tables are beautifully set and food is mostly cooked at the table in small individual cooking devices. Everything is delicious and truly Japanese. No disappointments at dinner service, outstanding quality and variety and presentation!|The buffet breakfast is fine also, but very Japanese style as well. western choices limited to cereal, toast, yogurt some fruit choices,coffee and juice. But many Japanese style foods that are good for adventurous eaters. Sashimi,noodles, curry, roasted fish,pickled vegetables. Braised pork belly and soup dumplings and even ice cream.|The Japanese style bathing is very comfortable and relaxing with shower facilities and dressing areas for before and after the hot baths( separate men’s and women’s areas no clothing allowed as is customary in these public baths.)But up to four can reserve private baths for family to bathe together for about 20$ hr.|English was spoken by many staff but limited. There is always someone that can help if you need better translation. And a free shuttle to Sapporo each day was very comfortable and nice to have to eat lunch and shop. ( the hotel does not offer a pay for restaurant on the premises but a limited number of small places out side the hotel are around.)|Please understand this area of Josenkei is in the hot springs (Onsen) area and is a hour drive to Sapporo and 90 minutes to Chitose airport. Public Busses are available right in front of hotel and are easy to use|Very quite peaceful place without the same amenities as a western style hotel ( lobby bar, coffee shop or even staff to help with bags) But a self service coffee and free wine service is available in the CD listening area and tea is offered in the afternoon at the library sitting area near the reception desk.|This may not be a perfect choice for all travelers, but if you want authentic style comfort and outstanding 5 star dinners this place is highly...
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