Karuizawa Prince Hotel West

We had six adults in a four-bedroom cottage with eight beds at Karuizawa Prince Hotel West for two nights, and there was plenty of room by international standards. It has four bathrooms, each with a bathtub, plus a dining table in the middle, so it worked well for our group. Beds are on the small side. A van took us between the lobby and cottage for check-in and check-out, which was a big help. The activity center is walkable, and brown and green shuttle buses run around the resort. Breakfast was good, though I would have liked more choices. There’s also a nearby FamilyMart open until 11 PM. Check-in took a while, but checking out was quick. Muti, an Indonesian staff member, was especially helpful. A good choice for families or groups visiting Karuizawa.

The slopes were easy for beginners, though they got icy and harder to ski as more people used them through the day. There wasn’t much natural snow, but the artificial snow machines kept the runs in good shape. The scenery was lovely, and after a tiring day of snowsports, I loved relaxing in the hot springs. From outside the hotel seemed quiet, but there were lots of guests and a lively atmosphere inside, which I enjoyed. Even the regular guest rooms, not the premium ones, felt spacious and comfortable for the price. The warm atmosphere was healing. I had a great time, though I wish the weather had brought more snow.

After skiing, a soak in the onsen with the winter scenery around us was one of the best parts of the trip. The slopes were easy to reach from the hotel, and we used the free shuttle to the shopping area. It’s also a lovely walk if you want some crisp winter air. We came to Karuizawa Prince Hotel West in January with our family. The frosted lake and snow-covered surroundings made the place feel calm and magical. Staff were friendly and welcoming, and there was always someone around to answer questions or point us in the right direction. They were especially helpful with the children, which made things easier for us. Check-in was smooth and professional. Our room was spotless, with careful attention to detail from housekeeping. We had a wonderful winter holiday and would happily recommend the hotel to anyone visiting Karuizawa in winter.

This seems like a good family hotel, but I’d look elsewhere for a luxurious stay. The property gets very busy, and getting around on the shuttle can mean sharing a packed bus. We stayed in a cabin this time and in a premium room before. Both required checking in and out at the counter, where the lines can back up with so many guests. The cabin felt a little cold to me. It also took about three minutes for the water to heat up, and then it got very hot.