Hakuba PAIPU NO KEMURI

Our car got stuck in the snow on the driveway while we were trying to head up the mountain. Two staff members came out to shovel and help us get free safely, then drove us to the parking lot below and later picked us up with all our luggage. The CEO was there shovelling too, which was impressive and showed a level of service you don’t often see. The hotel itself is clean and nice, and very reasonably priced. It’s a cute, comfortable place for the money, and the service makes it worth staying here.

There’s a big fireplace and sofas in the foyer, plus a drying room for boots and lockers for skis. The rooms are a good size, though the doors are thin and corridor noise carries. Breakfast was okay, with French pastries, yoghurt, fruit and cooked food. Dinner was okay too, perhaps worth trying for one night to have the beer tornado. The hotel is large and could use some attention to its decor. The location works well for skiing, with a small hill down to the gondola. After a day out, the onsen is lovely, with indoor and outdoor baths in separate men’s and women’s areas.

My first snowboarding trip with friends in Hakuba was one to remember, especially coming from Hawaii. The lodge was affordable and cozy, right next to the lift. The food was great, and the onsen was divine after the aches of learning to snowboard. Reika was an amazing hostess throughout our stay. She helped whenever we needed it, suggested places to go on the mountain and locally, and bantered with us in English. I’d give this place 10/10 and highly recommend it. I’ll definitely be back.

The buffet wasn’t for us: the food was cold and the drink choices were limited to beer and sake. Also, it’s not really ski-in/ski-out early in the season when the lower runs are closed. The walk to the gondola or another lift and shuttle bus is long in ski boots, though doable. It’s a clean, fairly large and comfortable hotel with hot baths. The common lobby lounge has a beautiful forest view and a wood fireplace. Staff were friendly and spoke English. There’s also a washing machine, drinks vending machine, microwave and on-site restaurant.