Hotel Yudanaka

We spent three nights here, and it didn’t meet expectations. The place felt tired and outdated, with no endearing features. There was a strong smell throughout, even worse in our room, which made it uncomfortable, especially at night when trying to sleep. Communication was difficult too, since only one staff member spoke some English. The amenities were basic: no conditioner and very thin towels. Breakfast didn’t suit Western travellers, with mostly dry rolls and no butter or cereal, plus a DIY waffle with bottled syrup. I wouldn’t choose to stay here again.

The hotel has a modern, renovated lobby, good wifi and a nice place to relax. The staff were lovely, welcoming and helpful, and the location near the station is handy for the ski fields or Snow Monkey Park. The onsen was clean and had good facilities. We found the attached restaurant very good and ate there twice. Guest floors and corridors were rundown, though. The elevator creaked and closed on our limbs a few times. It smelled damp, there was broken glass, and the stairwell carpet was stained. The second floor looked like a scene from The Shining. Our room was tired-looking but clean and functional, with nice fluffy bedding on a traditional mattress. We only noticed at the end that the mattress was stained. The hill to and from the station was icy, the price was high compared with other hotels we stayed at in Japan, and the breakfast bread was a bit stale, so we preferred to eat at the combini Lawsons. With some TLC and renovation, this hotel could be really good.

The place is clean and welcoming, with good, friendly service and a pretty view. It’s near the train, and the onsen is fantastic. It was very warm with both air heat and radiant heat. Towels and amenities like a toothbrush, toothpaste and comb are free. The breakfast is basic bread and not gf friendly. WiFi was fast in the lobby, and the vending machines accept Apple Pay. I’d stay again.

Avoid this place. The rooms are filthy and stained, they smell, and the whole facility feels run down and sad. I was able to find another place and transfer there, thankfully. The photos I posted were taken as I left the hotel to go somewhere else.