Hotel El Mayo

The owners were lovely and drove us to the ski resorts each morning. El Mayo is also in a handy spot for shuttle buses to and from the resorts, with restaurants and supermarkets a short walk away. The place is simple, quiet, and has what you need for a good rest. We really enjoyed our cozy stay in Hakuba and highly recommend it.

The owners are the reason to stay at Hotel Mayo. They made us feel welcome right away and were warm, kind, and attentive the whole time. The place was spotlessly clean and presentable, even though the building is old and a bit tired. Our room was fine, but basic, dated, and short on amenities. The heating ran on a timer instead of being available when needed, and it didn't feel quite adequate in winter, so the room got cold at times. This isn't a luxury stay, but if you value personal hospitality, cleanliness, and a welcoming atmosphere, it delivers. Just expect dated facilities.

The breakfasts were a real help, since Hakuba is short on restaurants. They served around 8-10 items, including Natto, and kept us going all day. The hosts run things well, and we generally had what we needed, except there was no kettle. Whenever we asked, though, they brought us a thermos of hot water. The onsen might be easy to overlook, but the water was crystal clear and piping hot. After a day on the slopes, it's a great way to recharge.

Between the ski fields and the shops, the location worked really well. The owners were incredibly kind and the service was amazing. I'd definitely get the breakfast package, it offers plenty of variety and makes the morning easier.