Intercontinental Appi Kogen Resort by IHG

We had fresh snow each night for five days at the end of February, then blue skies and nearly empty, groomed slopes during the day. The hotel was perfectly placed for ski-in, ski-out, and valet staff arranged our gear delivery and return and looked after it overnight. After skiing, the onsen was just right for sore limbs. The rooms are large and bright, with private balconies or gardens, and the building and location are beautiful. Staff were superb: they anticipated what I needed, cleaned the room at the time I asked, and everyone I met was keen to help. Breakfast and afternoon tea were lovely in a relaxed setting. I almost didn't write this because I wanted to keep the place to myself. It's a great spot, and I'll definitely come back.

We loved the live music in the lobby and the cozy upstairs bar. Mr. Salvatore, a talented Italian singer, performed old favorites while we had a cocktail or beer with complimentary snacks. After a day on the slopes, we also enjoyed the hotel's luxurious amenities, especially the onsen, which felt intimate and expansive under the starry sky, and the après-ski treats in the lobby. The hotel is surrounded by Appi's snowy peaks, and our cozy room looked out over the ski slopes. The bedding was plush and gave us a good night's rest after skiing. The ski valet was very convenient, and the groomed trails were just a few meters away thanks to the ski-in, ski-out setup. From arrival, the staff made us feel welcome and valued, with warm hospitality and real attention to detail. It was a magical stay, and we're already counting down until another winter trip to Appi Intercontinental.

The decor feels very modern, and both the food and the service were really nice.

I don't speak Japanese, but the staff were incredibly helpful to me. I also had an amazing massage. Highly recommend!