Chalet Ivy Jozankei

That final day interaction left a really bad impression on my trip. The female staff member who seemed to be in management or ownership, wearing a kimono and offering farewell greetings, came across as arrogant, dismissive, and unprofessional. I didn't see any accountability or sense of service from her. I've stayed at many hotels and high-end ryokan in Japan, and for the experience and service here, I felt the property was overpriced. At this price, plenty of other hotels and ryokan offer similar options with better value and service.

Dinner was a real highlight: a Japanese and Western kaiseki-lyour fusion that tasted special, with some western herbs bringing out the Japanese flavors. Pairing it with their recommended local wine made for a standout experience. I also loved the architecture and interior, a modern Japanese-European style. The windows make great use of the outdoor views, and the minimal design gives the place a calm, relaxed feel.

We came to Chalet Ivy Jozankei for our honeymoon, staying February 9 to February 11, 2025, through Amex Platinum’s The Hotel Collection. It was among the most expensive hotel stays we've had, but for this occasion we wanted to treat ourselves, and we felt it was worth it. The private onsen in our room was the highlight. It was in its own spa area, and the room itself was beautiful, modern and minimalist but still cozy, with thoughtful details. The minibar was complimentary and restocked daily. The public onsen wasn't especially memorable, though having one in our room meant we didn't really need it. The welcome was lovely. Instead of a routine check-in, a staff member in a beautiful kimono greeted us and showed us to a cozy fire pit. There was a self-serve snack bar with a great range of Hokkaido treats and, to our delight, very good coffee, which can be surprisingly hard to find in Japan. We were also given a card for the automated wine dispenser. It was fun but a bit overengineered, and several bottles were already empty when we tried it. We used the $100 Amex dining credit for wine and sake at the hotel restaurant. The food was beautifully presented and delicious, and attentive service made dinner even better. Breakfast and dining were excellent too. The area is quiet and doesn't have much going on. We took a short walk during our two-night stay, but there wasn't a lot to see. This is a place for relaxing, and it does that very well. One awkward moment wasn't related to the hotel: a guest at a nearby table rudely demanded that a Japanese waitress speak Mandarin to her, in Mandarin she asked. It made us pause and wonder if some travelers let their wealth go to their heads. We truly enjoyed our stay and would recommend Chalet Ivy Jozankei to anyone after a tranquil, high-end break, especially for the hospitality and the private onsen.

The meals were a real surprise: every breakfast and dinner was different, with food that felt like crazy Michelin-level cooking. It was very Japanese, but the staff made a real effort to accommodate our two kids' needs and any dietary restrictions. There was a great sake selection, plus, to our surprise, excellent Japanese wines. I hadn't known Japan made such good wine. We visited for a few nights in mid October and had an amazing time. We travel a lot, and this was one of the best hotels we've stayed at. Our two-bedroom suite worked really well for our family, and the room was spotless. The views from the room, lobby, and restaurant were stunning. The in-room private onsen was a gem, and we used it every day. All the staff were polite and helpful, and spoke good English. There was plenty to do nearby too. A car would be better, but we still managed to enjoy the area without one.