PrimeRoomBeppu Kiku

The room itself was really nice once we got in, and the separate bathroom and toilet were handy. We cooked there using the induction cooktop and the supplied board, knife, ladle, frying pan, pot, chopsticks, and spoon. Our group also brought our own pots, portable stove, and gas. There was a hair dryer, washing machine, clothespins, hangers, bath towels, shampoo, conditioner, and body soap. Bring detergent, though. Parking is limited to one car and is a little way off, so with lots of luggage it helps to drop everything near the hotel before going to park. What we hadn't understood from the booking site was that the building was split between the first and second floors, rather than being exclusive to us. Five women were downstairs and about five men upstairs, sharing one entrance, so we kept passing each other and felt a little uneasy. The room key was slow to respond too, which got frustrating. I'd take shoes up to the room, and make sure they're good quality. The roads around the hotel are narrow, so watch out for accidents. There's a convenience store and supermarket nearby, but a walk to either is fairly long. Smoking isn't allowed inside, so smoke outside.

The pillows felt like hotteok, and the parking was a long way off. There was dust on parts of the floor. The facilities could be good with a bit more upkeep, which is a shame. Other groups may be staying in the same two-story building, on either floor. If you're driving a rental, expect to make three turns before you find the parking lot.

Privacy is the main issue here. I booked expecting the whole building, but the two floors are separate stays, and I was on the first floor while the upstairs rooms can hold as many as five people. They were extremely noisy, and I don't think I'd sleep if a group partied late. The upkeep was disappointing too. I found dusty patches on the floor and a lot of hair on the bed. The window roller shades also weren't wide enough, leaving gaps where someone outside could peek in. It might work well for a group renting both floors together. If that's not your plan, I wouldn't recommend it.

A nice place to stay, provided nobody else is there.