Kusatsu Now Resort Hotel

We arrived late to Gunma, about 30 minutes from the train, after the buses had stopped running. The hotel kindly sent a staff member to drive us there, which really saved us. Their shuttle also helped us get around town, and staff told us about a local festival, so we were able to enjoy it during our stay. Our room was very clean, and yukata were provided.

The onsen had a good range of pools, and both buffet meals, breakfast and dinner, had lots of choice and were very enjoyable. The outside public areas also felt lovely and resort-like. The big letdown was the bathroom in our room: it was old, unrenovated, and had patchwork around the sink and tap. It looked more like something from a one-star hotel. Ask for a renovated room if you stay.

When a problem with our previous hotel forced us to cancel our rooms, my friends and I showed up at Kusatsu Now in the middle of the night. They kindly let us book a couple of rooms with no notice. My boyfriend and I had one to ourselves, and it was beautiful and peaceful, with two beds, a couch and TV, a vanity, a shower area, and a private onsen attached. The rooms were spacious too. The staff were friendly and professional. Housekeeping comes daily at noon unless you ask them not to, in which case they leave a bag of fresh supplies. At each refresh they also gave us a complimentary bottle of champagne. Our room had a Nespresso machine and pods, bottled water, champagne glasses, regular glasses, two cups and saucers, and a mini fridge. Yukata, slippers, sandals, and a jacket to wear over the yukata were provided. There’s a lot to do around the hotel, though I spent most of my time lounging in the room. Facilities include a karaoke room, coin-operated laundry, three or four public onsen, a swimming pool, and a game room with ping pong. I also saw a couple of play areas for small children. The grand lobby is lovely, and there are a few souvenir shops. Breakfast at the buffet is all-you-can-eat and costs 3,000 yen per morning; it runs from 7:30am to 8:30am. I’d recommend Kusatsu Now any time. 10/10 forever. 💖 Thank you Kusatsu Now!

The tatami room for three was uncomfortable: the mattresses were too soft, the blankets too heavy, and we could hear every word from the neighboring room. The buffet was mediocre, so don’t expect much. For more than 100,000 JPY a night for three people, it wasn’t worth the price, and I won’t stay here again or recommend it. The bigger problem was getting to the bus terminal. It had snowed continuously for two days, and we needed the 10:35 AM shuttle. Since the hotel is remote, that shuttle is the only way into town and to the terminal, and most of us were at the end of our trip heading home by bus and Shinkansen. We began waiting outside at 10:25 AM in falling snow and strong wind, along with many other guests. We didn’t board until 11:24 AM. No staff came out to explain what was happening, when the shuttle might arrive, or whether we could wait in the lobby. The front desk didn’t know what was going on either when I asked. Management and service deserved one star for leaving departing, paying guests without information. We understand bad weather can disrupt transport, but no communication and no proper schedule or arrangements are unacceptable. A large shuttle came during the wait and took only a few guests going to the ski resort, leaving half the bus empty. After our shuttle finally left, we saw that the roads had already been cleared and traffic was moving, which made the delay even harder to understand.