Aso Plaza Hotel

The hotel is particularly memorable for its stunning rooftop open-air hot spring offering panoramic views of the Aso mountains and caldera, providing a unique and serene bathing experience. Guests frequently highlight the breathtaking views, the quality of the hot springs, the attentive and helpful staff, and the delicious dining options. While the building shows its age, many find it charming and well-maintained. It's an excellent choice for sightseers and nature lovers due to its prime location overlooking Aso. Couples can enjoy a romantic atmosphere, especially in the lounge, while families and group travelers appreciate the spacious accommodations and the staff's accommodating nature. To fully appreciate the scenery, consider utilizing the sky lounge for its views and complimentary drinks. Guests are also encouraged to try the unique spoon bending experience at the hotel's power spot for a fun and memorable activity.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts multiple hot spring baths, including a spacious rooftop open-air bath with spectacular views of Aso, and a large indoor public bath on a lower floor. While the rooftop bath offers incredible scenery, it lacks washing facilities and a cold bath for the sauna, which is available in the main public bath. The water quality of the onsen is consistently praised for its healing properties. A significant highlight for many is the sky lounge, especially for those on specific plans, offering free-flowing drinks (including local sake and beer) and a comfortable space with great views. The hotel provides electric vehicle charging stations, accommodating up to two cars with slow, battery-friendly 200V 3KW charging. Wireless internet connectivity is available, though some guests noted it could be inconsistent depending on the room. Guests appreciate the availability of ice machines and vending machines, and some rooms offer charging points on the balcony.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel's rooms are frequently described as spacious and traditional Japanese style, especially suitable for groups or families. However, many guests note the age of the building and the rooms, with some areas showing wear such as peeling wallpaper, dust, spider webs, or hair, leading to concerns about cleanliness for those with allergies. Despite the age, the futons are generally found to be comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep. Noise levels can be an issue, with some guests reporting sounds carrying easily from adjacent rooms or corridors, and even noise from air conditioning ducts on windy days. While some rooms offer private baths, guests are encouraged to use the public onsen for a more spacious and amenity-rich experience. Some older rooms may have toilets that are not fully functional or lack modern features like bidets, and some reviews mention the absence of an in-room toilet in certain room types.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet receives high praise for its variety and quality, offering a good mix of Japanese and Western dishes, including local specialties like Aso milk. During special occasions like New Year, guests enjoyed traditional items such as Osechi and Ozoni. Dinner is typically a Kaiseki-style meal, described as very sumptuous and generous in portion size, with some guests finding it almost too much food. Specific dishes like tempura, horse sashimi, and tomato hotpot are highlighted as delicious. While the food quality is generally good, some guests noted that the dining areas can feel busy, especially with large groups, though the hotel makes efforts to arrange separate dining halls for group tours to manage noise. The availability of all-you-can-eat rice and miso soup is also appreciated.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location overlooking the Aso caldera, providing stunning views of the mountains from many rooms and the rooftop bath. It is conveniently situated near Uchinomaki Onsen town and offers good access to popular scenic spots like Mount Aso and Daikanbo. While not directly next to a train station, the hotel is accessible by a bus from Kumamoto that stops directly at the property. For guests needing to reach Aso Station, the hotel provides a shuttle service twice daily, and staff can assist with arranging transport for return trips. Free parking spaces are available, making it convenient for guests traveling by car. The hotel's slightly secluded location is seen as a positive by some, offering a peaceful retreat while still being within walking distance or a short drive to local eateries.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for being polite, friendly, helpful, and attentive. Many guests highlight their willingness to go above and beyond, such as providing detailed information about local sightseeing, assisting with medical emergencies by arranging transport to a hospital, and offering thoughtful gestures like serving sweet sake in the lobby. The check-in process is generally smooth, though some guests experienced delays or a less personal approach during peak times or early arrivals. Housekeeping is noted for its efficiency, with new towels provided daily even for guests who opt out of full room cleaning. The staff's dedication to providing excellent service, from young team members to more experienced ones, is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
A unique and popular feature is the "spoon bending" experience offered at the hotel's power spot in the garden, which many guests find surprising and enjoyable, even for skeptics. The hotel is noted for its value for money, especially considering the current economic climate, with many guests finding the reasonable pricing appealing despite the building's age. The hotel is accessible and accommodating for guests with mobility challenges, including those using wheelchairs, with staff providing excellent care and consideration. Some guests, particularly those traveling with children, noted a lack of suitable meal options for younger palates in the standard dinner menu, sometimes necessitating additional orders. Guests should be aware that the rooftop open-air bath may be closed during inclement weather, such as rain. While the hotel is generally well-maintained, some guests noted that certain amenities like air conditioning or bidet functions in older rooms might not always be fully operational.