Hotel Grand Phenix — Hotel in Yamanouchi

We stayed for 6 nights in February and were very disappointed with the meals – in particular the evening meals. The hotel has many good features and it is a shame that the Kagaribi Restaurant lets them down. ||||The rooms are very spacious for Japanese standards and include a great bathroom, nice sitting area, great views, lovely linen, fluffy robes etc. The locker room is warm and spacious and the location is great for ski in/ski out. The pool and spa are a great feature although they closed the pool for over 4 hours for a photography session the day that the lifts were shut down – unfortunate timing! There is a lovely lounge area however be aware that cigars are allowed and we found this unbearable.||||Having stayed in the Skiga Kogen area in hotels in Ichinose, Yakebitaiyama and Okushiga many times (10 trips in all) we have experienced a variety of meals over the years. We have always paid for half board (breakfast and dinner) and generally you get what you pay for but sadly this was not the case here. On arrival we were told that there were no dinner times available before 8.00pm. Ordinarily that would not be a problem but for a ski holiday when you are up early it is quite late. After much protest and discussion we were squeezed into earlier time slots but felt that we were only reluctantly served our meals. We only had dinner in the Japanese restaurant but found it was well below average especially compared to the fabulous Japanese restaurant in the Okushiga Kogen Hotel. There was very little choice of food and even less when you are told you both had to choose the same meal! At a little over 53,000 Yen per night it left a sour taste...

Returning after 2 years, we have been coming to the Phenix for over a 12 year period.||This hotel is an anachronism in todays market. High levels of service, real old fashioned service in a boutique hotel that makes you feel you are in the heart of Europe, rather than the Japanese Shiga Highlands. ||This year, for the first time they unveil an outdoor undercover onsen ( public bath) on what appears to be a balcony structure. Soaking while the snow is falling is magic. If the chill air is a problem the regular bath with panoramic views is still there. Add a pool, jacuzzi, cold pool, sauna, rental and ski service, and a lounge that serves pretty good cocktails and jackpot!||All the basics are of high standard, beds, linen, pillows, fluffy towels, robes and slippers are all of a high standard, Room humidifier and some free complimentary non alcoholic beverages in the fridge. Decor is traditional. We find that when we come here at the end of our Japan ski trip we finally relax. An English room guide would really assist Western Guests to get the most out of their experience.||2 Restaurants and the lounge bar. Phenix outlet shop.||This hotel is ski in and almost out. But be aware that Okushiga Kogen is exposed when weather comes in and the lifts close. Lifts were closed 3 days during the week we visited. You may need to take the shuttle bus to nearby Yakebitaiyama to ski. When the lifts are open there is a dreary skate uphill ( both directions) to adjoin the rest of...

We had a wonderful time during our stay at the hotel 3weeks ago. We were well-taken care of by the staff. Mr Takahashi and his colleague were attentive and prompt to our requests and helped us with everything from fitting our ski equipments, equipment replacement and luggage delivery service (TaQbin).

We left something behind in the room by accident but were able to have the items sent back to Singapore after the hotel swiftly made arrangement for the delivery after we contacted them :)

We acquainted with lovely Ikeda-san who was attending to us at the restaurant and had wonderful conversations sharing culture and experience over dinners and breakfasts. Food was great and the view from the restaurant was amazing and beautiful.

Location is exclusive. However, the slopes outside the hotel were not opened for the season, so we couldn’t enjoy the ski-in/ski-out convenience but had to travel much further elsewhere. Exclusivity also mean it took much longer to get there on the Express bus and all our dinners were settled at the restaurants in the hotel. Dinner was slightly $$ but...