Hilton Niseko Village

The onsen was the best part of our Japan trip. Soaking in the natural spring water outside beside the quiet pond, with a cool breeze or light drizzle, was wonderful. We’re already planning a longer return visit. There weren’t many restaurants open in the off season, but prices were exceptional and we had the world class amenities mostly to ourselves. We were a group of 10, and getting around was simple with the free shuttle or Didi taxi service, which gives Hilton guests a 15% discount. The hotel is spacious and beautiful, with roomy rooms by Japan standards. Since it was low season, we had rooms with a perfect view of Mt Yotei and the forest through a huge picture window. The staff at Niseko Village Hilton were amazing when I realized my phone had fallen out of my purse at a distant bus stop. They quickly found out someone had turned it in at a nearby store and arranged to send it to our hotel in Sapporo, since we were only staying briefly in Niseko. By the time I’d recovered from the shock, they’d already sorted it out. Their English was flawless. The concierge and front desk also helped with every question, and even offered clear umbrellas when we wanted to walk in the rain. After the big breakfast buffet, we could explore and enjoy the forest.

The onsen felt great after a long day of rippin pow. The gondola entrance is ridiculously close, about 40ft away. Breakfast starts at 0630, and Diamond members get their first visit free. Staff were very accommodating, and there was live music in the lobby in the evenings, with drinks and small bites at the bar. We found some free goodies in the fridge, and our room had been upgraded to a mountain view, which was a nice surprise. You have to leave skis and boards with the valet since gear isn’t allowed in rooms. I’d probably only valet those, as pickup lines can get long, though they move quickly.

Niseko Village is on the quieter side of the mountain, but you can ski from the top to the other bases, and the hotel’s free shuttle made getting to dinner in Hirafu easy. I spent five nights at this Hilton as the base for my Niseko ski trip. The location deserves a million stars: the gondola is just steps from the lobby doors, which made all the difference for getting fresh tracks on a powder day. I’d been unsure about the property after reading some reviews, but my room was spotless and surprisingly spacious for two people and lots of luggage. The onsen has indoor and outdoor areas, and the outdoor soak with mountain views was a real highlight. At least in the women’s section, there were also spa-like amenities.

The gondola is just a few steps away, and the onsen is another big plus. The Japanese and Western choices at breakfast made for a decent, balanced buffet. But before 10am, the only place downstairs to get food or coffee is an outdoor kiosk, even in subzero weather. The rooms are small, which isn’t unusual in Japan, and dated, with an unpleasant color scheme and stained carpet. The sink is oddly outside the bathroom by the entrance, over carpet that gets wet. The bathroom itself is old, though we used the onsen for bathing. There’s little nearby beyond a small cluster of shops and restaurants, reached by icy steps that seem dangerously neglected.