Nikko Tokino Yu

For the price, the rooms, baths, and service are all great. Everything was clean, comfortable, and well maintained. The only hiccup was the bath closing time. The website says it’s open until 8:45 a.m., but I was asked to leave before 8:25 while I was still showering. A few more minutes to dry off and do my hair would’ve been nice.

The location is hard to beat, right in front of the Nikko bridge and half a block from the Nikko World Heritage Park. Outside is gorgeous, with its tree, and the interior is old but fine. The rooms are old as well, but very clean and well maintained. Ours was ryokan-style, which was a nice surprise. The staff are really friendly. We asked nicely and, since they didn’t have many guests, they kept our bags until 4 p.m. even though the limit is noon. For the same traditional experience, make sure to book the standard Japanese, non-smoking room. I’m a bit heavy, and needed two mattresses to sleep comfortably.

The staff don’t speak perfect English, but they do try to help. The location is great, and the rooms are clean and spacious. Just know that the shower is downstairs in the spa, which may take some getting used to if you’re from the West. The spa itself is nice and almost empty if you go after 9 p.m. Breakfast is simple but fine, with both sweet and savory choices. I highly recommend this hotel.

The onsen is downstairs in the basement and really worth trying, so relaxing. The hotel is well kept, the rooms are great, the staff are great, and breakfast is good too. It’s close to museums and hiking trails in the national park, with a bus stop right outside. Get a bus pass if you plan to go anywhere, since the bus is expensive.