FAV LUX HIDATAKAYAMA — Hotel in Takayama

We were a bit hesitant in booking this hotel because we read reviews that staff were rude and unhelpful and that there was no left luggage service. We went with it anyway as we would be there for one night only, and it turned out to be a very good choice. ||We were travelling as a family of three adults and a quad room in this hotel was cheaper and much more spacious than any triple room (or 2 x double rooms) in other hotels in the area. The hotel was very close to the train/bus station and within a short walking distance to the main sights. There were also good hida beef restaurants nearby.||In terms of service, not sure if we got lucky but we did not run into any rude or unhelpful staff. As some reviewers mentioned, the service was indeed inconsistent - the staff which received us in the late afternoon was welcoming and courteous, whereas the staff manning the desk the next morning was aloof and distant. That said, we would not categorize the latter's attitude as rude.||As for luggage, the hotel had recently updated its policy and they allowed us to store our bags after check-out. "Store" is used loosely here, as there was no storage room, just a makeshift, cordoned off space right next to the elevators. The space was out of the field of vision of the front desk staff, and the staff made it very clear that they would not keep an eye out on the bags. Nor did they keep tabs on which bag belonged to whom. In short, anyone could just walk up and take any suitcase they wish. We were completely fine with it as we did not have any valuables, and we travelled to Japan enough times to know that it is a very safe country. But if that is something you are concerned about, you may want to choose another hotel or store your bags (for a fee) at the...

Loved this hotel.||4 mins walk from station. Located at top of the main street that runs all the way to the bridge and then old town, past all the restaurants and supermarkets. So easy.||Room huge (we did have a city view with bsth) and the view was fab. Yes, we were right over the tracks (8 floors up) but we barely heard a rumble and embraced seeing the track action.||We booked both white and black sauna, loved both. Highly recommend. ||Breakfast a bit limited but tasty (we mostly made our own in kitchenette). No bar in evening.||Staff were NOT rude (as other reviews have said), but their are not many of them and I don't think they're there to concierge guests as in other hotels. They check you in, and you can ask basic questions.||Warnjng: There is no luggage forwarding service. You have to take bags to Post Office (7 mins away). We had our bags delivered and they were not locked away when we arrived, just tucked in corner of reception (which was fine with us). There appear to be lockers but not sure people are allowed to use them.||These are just things it's helpful to know. Perhaps in a country where service and efficiency is so amazing, expectations are raised?||But we loved the hotel, the room, the saunas, the location. Best value we had in our trip. ||Ps. The 'other' Fav is the other side of train tracks, nowhere as...

Very near Takayama station. The hotel is very new and high tech. Room is clean, large TV, have sink, induction stove and pans for simple cooking. Room door is using QR code or PIN code to open. Without the usual door card, the power and lighting does not auto off when you leave the room. So need to remember to off the TV, lights and aircon. Good place for vegan and vegetarian to stay here. There is a restaurant at the ground floor which have vegetarian options. Sadly, the restaurant don’t serve dinner, it close at 5pm. Fortunately managed to find 3 other vegetarian restaurants nearby within 5min walk (EVILTEX Hamburgers and Mexican food, Royal Nan House Takayama, Hids Cafe & Bar). There is sauna room, coin laundry (3 washer/dryer), hot and cold water dispenser and vending machines. The wait for the washer/dryer can be quite long if you go after 7pm. Each washing and drying take at least 2hr and you most likely need to run the dryer for a further 30min. There is no coin laundry shop nearby. Nearest seems to be 15-20min away. There are no complimentary mineral water, coffee and tea in the room. Safe was too small to put laptop. No hand soap in toilet. Rubbish bin in toilet is smaller than a tissue box. Most disappointing is the shower. It is using a thermostat mixer, but the temperature still keep fluctuating from very...