Zao Plaza Hotel

The rooms were clean, and the location was handy, close to both the lift and ski rental. But the shower room felt very outdated, and all the vending machines were broken. We booked three nights but spent the last night in Yamagata because the smell was too bad. Dinner and breakfast were below what we expected. For the price, it wasn't worth it when you can find a much better room and insanely good wagyu elsewhere in town.

Our family room was spacious, much bigger than rooms we've had skiing in the Alps. The service was friendly, and they drove us to and from the bus station for free. We also liked the traditional Japanese food, and the hot spring bath was great. The location was probably the best in Zao for skiing. It's an older place, not a luxury hotel, and some things were broken. Our bedroom shower didn't work, and the toilet smelled.

The facilities were clean and the staff were nice. I came for a day trip and really enjoyed the open-air bath. The water was cloudy and milky, with a sulfur and gunpowder smell. It's 100% natural hot spring water, with no circulation or chlorine. There was no slimy feel, and the pH was 1.8.

It's very close to the ski area, and the staff are friendly. They offer free transport from Zaō Station, though we had to ask someone at Zaō Station to call the hotel for us. The hotel is old, and our shower had no hot water. Luckily, there's a public onsen.