Aso Baien Spa Resort

We’ve traveled in Japan for more than 15 years and stayed at dozens of hotels there, all of which met a high standard that Japan can be proud of. Arden Hotel Aso was the worst one we’ve experienced. The room smelled musty and dusty as soon as we walked in, and opening the window didn’t clear it. It seemed either poorly cleaned or unused for a long time. The toilet smelled of urine too. We asked to change rooms, but reception told us it was the last room available. Dust covered the paper-door frames, clearly built up over a long time. The mini fridge was so dirty that I cleaned it before use and wrapped all our food in an extra bag. I can’t imagine how solid dust got inside a fridge. In the bathroom, the shower hose leaked and sprayed water everywhere, making it a nightmare to bathe. It’s a shame to put guests in a room that was so obviously dirty and unprepared. The staff must have known, since they set up the Japanese bed on the tatami the evening before we arrived, and surely noticed the odor. They should also have checked the toilet and bathroom. When we reported everything the next morning, the receptionists wrote it down but didn’t give a serious apology. A total disappointment, and I wouldn’t recommend staying here.

For the price, this hotel offers fantastic value and service, and I’d definitely stay again. It’s an older place, though, so expect to step back in time a little. The traditional tatami room was lovely, if quite dated, and the hotel has a luxurious past you can still see. The staff were extremely friendly and welcoming, which I appreciated since Japanese hotel service can sometimes feel too professional and cold. We had pre-ordered shabu shabu for dinner, and it was excellent with friendly service. They made up the beds while we ate. The onsen was very nice, not too hot, with indoor and outdoor areas. It was the cheapest hotel in the local area and turned out to be fantastic. I can’t complain about anything. Love it, 10/10.

The Japanese-style room was spacious, and I liked it. The price was good, and there’s a Lawson across the street. The breakfast buffet looked good, although I wasn’t sure what to choose. I think there are two onsens, one inside the hotel and one outside.

The room was fabulous, with traditional Japanese touches. In the evening they clear away the low table and lay out the futons, which really makes the stay worthwhile. The staff were friendly, the surroundings gorgeous, and the restaurant was amazing. Breakfast was included as a buffet, with a big and varied selection.