Hotel Karuizawa Cross

The room was comfortable and the receptionists were kind, though finding the lobby took some effort. The hotel feels expensive for what it offers. On weekdays, there isn’t much happening on Old Ginza street, and by 6 pm it gets quiet. There aren’t any convenience stores nearby, and buses to the main station run irregularly. If you’re not here for winter sports, a day trip may be enough. Our room was on the second floor of Cross street, where people walking past could see in through the window.

The room was pleasant, with two double beds, bunk beds and a balcony, though the lighting felt dim and the blinds didn’t fully cover the balcony’s glass door. The hallway and balcony are accessible to the public, so privacy was a concern. My son also got some insect bites while using the bunk bed in room D7. The hotel has a modern look and sits on the second level of a mall, reached by elevator. There’s an open car park beside the mall, an old shopping street next door, and the Prince shopping area is about a 10-minute drive away. Front desk staff were very friendly and communicated well in English.

We’re a family of five from Singapore and had only one night, after making a last-minute booking. Our first time in Karuizawa was lovely. The staff gave us superb service and were so helpful. Thank you. We’ll come again. Room D7.

There are four of us, and the spacious room suited us well. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stays, and everyone spoke English fluently. The hotel is right in Karuizawa’s “downtown,” with little cafes, boutiques, restaurants and specialty grocers all around.