Karuizawa Asama Prince Hotel

The first impression from the photos was of an old, run-down hotel, so we weren’t expecting much when we booked. On arrival, a staff member greeted us and helped unload and push our luggage. Check-in was smooth, parking was free, and staff escorted us to our room while carrying our bags. That kind of welcome felt like something from a five-star hotel, and it made the stay memorable and heartwarming. The service was impeccable. Staff greeted us whenever we passed them and were happy to help, even with something as simple as taking a photo. The lobby has a well-kept wood cabin feel, with a pleasant fragrance and a bit of a step-back-in-time atmosphere. Our room was huge and carpeted. It looked a little dated, but was spotless, and I went three nights without a single allergy attack. There was a Dyson heater in the room. The old-style ensuite bathroom was clean too, with a bathtub and shower above it, a Japanese-style toilet, and pola aroma ess gold shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Breakfast wasn’t as varied as at Tokyo bay shiomi prince hotel, but the food was well cooked, though sometimes not hot enough. The dining room looked much better in photos than it did in person to me. There are two coin laundries, but the detergent wasn’t good and left our clothes smelling. Maybe the machines weren’t very clean, though I’m not sure. I could also request a steam humidifier, and mine was zojirushi. The room and dining area had views of mount asama. I liked the cleanliness, room size, service, free onsen, and being able to grind mikado beans and make French press coffee in the room. It’s a bit out of the way, but relaxing and worthwhile, and I’m considering a return. The road to the hotel and the internal roads were well maintained and usually not slippery.

The sauna was great, and getting there meant riding a gondola from the main hotel. The shuttle makes the location convenient, and there’s a Conbini nearby for snacks.

The rooms have a standard hotel feel, but the breakfast has plenty of variety and I really enjoyed it. Staff were attentive. I took the small cable car up the hill to the onsen house, where the view was breathtaking. This place seems especially suited to people who like golf and onsen. For shoppers, there’s another Prince hotel next to the outlet.

A peaceful, relaxing night, with a great room layout and terrific service at the front desk. Dinner tasted excellent, and breakfast was good too, though both could have been served with more attentiveness. The onsen felt secure and was worth spending time in.