Glacier Hotel

GLACIER HOTEL is a basic guesthouse. I stayed one night without meals in room 302, which was quite small. It didn’t bother me, though it might be an issue for some people. The woman at the front desk was laid-back and friendly. There aren’t many amenities, so bring your own toothbrush and other supplies. It took me a while to figure out the air conditioning, and the bath may not be available after 10 p.m. There’s a cemetery next door. It was the end of January, and the place was packed with skiers.

The room had a dirty throw that looked like last year’s snow and seemed to be a haven for a horde of bugs. There were no blankets, and with a fish smell as strong as this, anyone with a fish allergy could find every breath a struggle. Opening the window brought in Arctic air and turned the room into a freezer. Towels, soap, and water all seemed out of reach. When I asked about warmer temperatures or a heater, the owners responded as if comfort was a foreign idea. Staying here meant enduring the strong fish smell, freezing without blankets, and battling bugs.

Our family of four fit well in the room, which had two bunk beds, and the landlady was very friendly. The amenities were just the bare minimum: a toothbrush, sample-size shampoo, and bar soap. I was glad to be able to buy an Iwatake lift ticket for 2900 yen. I do wish they wouldn’t turn off the hot water after 10 p.m.

It was quiet, and the sound of water was calming. Breakfast was plentiful, and the French bread was delicious. Still, there were no tissues or hair dryer, and it felt like a guesthouse with a unit bathroom. Insects got into the room even though I followed the instructions and kept the window closed.