Ginsuiso Bekkan Choraku

I visited for a day trip with the lunch kaiseki plan, so I can't speak to an overnight stay. Choraku felt luxurious, and the staff were attentive and able to speak English. The entrance, halls, baths, and dining area were modern and clean while still keeping the Japanese ryokan feel. I'd expect an overnight stay here to be a safe choice.

Our first onsen hotel stay as foreigners with limited Japanese went really well. The room was cozy and clean, and the view from the window has stayed with me. Everyone treated us kindly. Gomi san deserves special thanks for being so patient, friendly, and professional, and for making our visit feel worry-free.

The lounge costs ¥5500, and I didn't think it was worth it. Breakfast was mediocre, and at a price above $300, dinner should have had more dishes, like tempura. Still, check-in was at 2 pm, the staff were awesome, and the rooms were spacious and impeccably clean. The hotel sits high on a hill, so it's quiet, and lounge access is available.

The private onsen was the main reason I chose this place. You can reserve it for a fee, which is great for couples and much cheaper than booking a room with its own onsen. It had both types of bath water and a nice view. It was my first time at Arima Onsen, so I can't compare it with other places nearby. Service was very good, though it didn't feel like a five-star stay. The food was good, and the room was as expected. I liked the mountain view, and there's a free shuttle to and from town. I do wish they offered food without requiring an advance reservation.