Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

The room was lovely and spacious, with a big bathroom that felt really luxe. Everything was clean, well done and comfortable. Breakfast was especially good, and I’m still thinking about the French toast. It was worth getting up early for. The staff were so kind and made everything easy. They were very English-friendly, which made a big difference, and nothing felt confusing or stressful. The whole place felt peaceful as soon as we arrived. It was such a relaxing, easy stay.

This is a small, intimate hotel, and that’s what I like. You don’t feel like a room number at the Ritz. Staff notice personal preferences, from the scent of the oshibori to which beer you like in the mini bar. Ski-in, ski-out access was ideal, and the village has a much better selection of food that feels more “real” than “the edge” next to Park Hyatt. I like Hyatt and Marriott too, but comparing this hotel with Park Hyatt is like comparing apples and oranges. I prefer this cozy, personal kind of stay to a large complex.

The location is excellent for skiing, with direct ski-in and ski-out access. Being able to rent gear and buy ski passes on site is a big convenience, and the rooms are modern and spacious with very comfortable beds. The service needs work for a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Housekeeping left visible grime around the shower and bathtub, which needed a deep clean. The breakfast buffet felt limited for the price, and the culinary staff seemed overworked rather than warm and welcoming. More generally, the staff seemed inexperienced and nervous. Even simple requests sometimes caused confusion or initial resistance, which suggested poor coordination. The location feels five-star, but the execution at the moment feels more like a three- or four-star hotel.

We stayed in rooms 411 and 415. They were comfortable, with dark grey slate stone bathtubs. The hotel feels intimate with just 50 rooms, and it was very convenient to have the ski school and shop in the basement. We could have breakfast, go down a floor to pick up our skis, then head straight out to ski. The onsen was small but quiet, and I often had it to myself. I didn't get to try the spa. The hotel offered thoughtful service. We ate out both nights, first at Kaniza Niseko and then at Niseko Confidential. Both restaurants' complimentary car pickups were an hour late, and on the first night the hotel manager felt bad for us and sent the hotel car instead. We only had breakfast at the hotel. The other food options looked quiet, and there was no one at the sushi restaurant. Room service was expensive, so we didn't order it. We did enjoy the signature cocktails at Ume Lounge, especially the tomato martini and Ume no Yume martini. The interior design by Duoz follows the Japanese idea of "Kachou Fuugetsu" (Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon), about nature's fleeting beauty. The setting is an ode to winter at Mount Niseko Annupuri, and Hokkaido felt magical. During peak season, the price was US $1608 per night. I'd rate it 4/5. It was a wonderful cocoon. I love Park Hyatt Hanazono, where we stayed in past years and made unforgettable memories, but the Ritz is a good second option and exceeded my initially low expectations, especially after reading all the negative reviews.