Yamanohotel Musouen

The room was neat, very clean, and warmly welcoming. The place was quiet and beautiful, and the staff were really kind. We stayed one night and I wished we could've stayed longer. Dinner and breakfast were filling and worth it. Next time I'd like to come with the whole family in the cold winter.

The location wasn't too far from the station, but there was no transport provided. At check-in and when we were shown to the room, the staff just did their jobs without telling us what there was to enjoy around the property. Beverage service was limited, and there was nowhere to have a drink except the dining area. We ordered white wine but got fruit wine, served in champagne glasses. The food wasn't bad, just unmemorable. The pictures looked much better than the reality, especially the onsen. Our room near the restaurant smelled of food the whole time. I also got some insect bites around the seating area. The duvets, pillows, and floor didn't smell fresh. At checkout, the staff charged us and explained the amount, then that was it. One staff member who called a taxi spoke English fluently, but didn't try to understand our specific needs, which were different from usual because of our limited physical ability after an accident. She even laughed when she saw our not very large luggage, which we wanted to drop at the next hotel before sightseeing.

You can use the private baths for an hour, and you'll need to bring your own towel. Shower gel and shampoo are provided. There are free indoor and outdoor private baths on a first-come, first-served basis. Just mark the entrance as occupied and lock the door, though oddly some visitors still tried to open it. The onsen experience was very enjoyable. I reposted some onsen photos from other websites. Worth a visit if you're in yufuin.

The location is far from everywhere, and the service was the worst I've experienced. They don't speak any language besides Japanese. The front desk woman was very rude and seemed ready to argue whenever she disagreed with us. They said she was the manager, but we have our doubts. Hotel managers shouldn't behave that way. She doesn't belong in the service business.