Economy Backpackers Hotel New Koyo

I checked out and left straight after arriving because the dirt was shocking. The hallway floors felt sticky and looked filthy, and the bathroom in my room was worse. I could scrape layers of grime away with my fingernails and see the surface underneath. It didn't look like a one-off missed spot. To me, it seemed proper cleaning hadn't been done. I knew the hotel would be old and dated and was fine with that, but age doesn't excuse this level of dirt. Cleanliness is basic, and this place failed badly. I took photos and will attach them. I believe its license should be reviewed or revoked, and a place like this shouldn't be allowed to operate. I booked through Agoda and sincerely hope I can get my money back. I also hope Agoda takes responsibility and removes the property from its listings so others don't have this experience. Honestly, “New Koyo” is the wrong name. “North Korea” would fit better.

The view straight out to the ski slopes was stunning, and the location is just a stone's throw from the skifield. Breakfast was a buffet of local dishes, with a marvelous selection. You need to collect a ticket each evening for the next morning's complimentary breakfast. The buffet format was great for people with different dietary needs. The room was a little dated but really comfortable. The bathroom could use some work: the shower head sprayed in every direction instead of in a straight line, though maybe I just got unlucky. I haven't told management, but I'm sure they'd do something if I mentioned it. They provided yukata and haori, though I don't know much about them. There was an onsite onsen, but I didn't get a chance to try it.

The meals were very good, with both dinner and breakfast included in the room price, and for this area it was a budget stay. We enjoyed the stunning views and the onsen, which was well stocked and refreshing both indoors and outside. The room was spacious, though the bed felt a bit hard and the pillows weren't great. The comforter was cozy. I'd read reviews beforehand and worried a little, but those concerns didn't match our experience. Cell reception was crystal clear. Staff didn't speak much English, but translation apps made communication easy, and many of the other guests we met spoke English.

The room was very clean and had a nice view. The location is a bit far from the center, but I thought it was good value for the money. At 09:15, a broadcast reminds guests that checkout is at 09:30.