Holiday Inn Resort Shinano-omachi Kuroyon By Ihg

This hotel offers a serene and rejuvenating escape, with its signature onsen experience, particularly the outdoor baths nestled amidst a beautiful forest setting, standing out as a memorable feature. Guests consistently praise the hotel's modern facilities, impeccable cleanliness, and the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. It is an ideal destination for families seeking a relaxing getaway, thanks to its extensive children's amenities and policies, as well as for couples and individuals looking for tranquility and comfort in a natural environment. Skiers and snowboarders also find it a convenient base for winter sports. To enhance your stay, consider utilizing the hotel's shuttle services for convenient access to nearby attractions and be sure to book your dinner reservations in advance, as on-site dining is often the primary option.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts a range of well-maintained facilities designed for relaxation and recreation. The onsen is a major highlight, featuring both indoor and outdoor pools, with the outdoor option offering stunning views of the surrounding trees and mountains. Guests appreciate the cleanliness and quality of the baths, noting the presence of multiple pools. A spacious indoor pool and a well-equipped fitness center are available for guest use, though the pool may be seasonally closed. For families, the hotel provides extensive kids facilities, including a kids club and play room, offering engaging activities like treasure hunts. A resort center with workspaces is also available. While convenient, the laundry facilities are limited to two machines, which can lead to long wait times.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel for its high standards of cleanliness throughout the property and in the guest rooms. The rooms are described as spacious by Japanese standards, modern, and well-maintained, providing a comfortable retreat. Many reviews highlight the comfortable beds and the thoughtful provision of different pillows to suit individual preferences, ensuring a restful sleep. While most bathrooms are clean and functional, some guests note that certain room types may have older bathroom designs or a step-up entry. A recurring point of feedback concerns the air conditioning, with some guests finding rooms to be too warm, especially during warmer months, as the central system may not allow for individual temperature control, occasionally necessitating the use of a fan.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives mixed but generally positive feedback. The breakfast buffet is highly praised for its extensive variety, quality, and inclusion of local ingredients, with many guests enjoying the made-to-order items such as omelets and hamburg steaks. However, opinions on the dinner buffet are more varied; while some find it good with ample choices, others feel the selection can be limited, repetitive, or that the food quality does not always justify the cost, with some dishes occasionally being served cold. The restaurant atmosphere can be busy, particularly when both buffet and course diners share the same space. An a la carte menu is available, though some guests find portions to be small and expensive.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel is situated in a secluded location amidst a tranquil forest, offering beautiful natural surroundings and a quiet atmosphere. It provides convenient access to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, with shuttle services available to Ogizawa station and Shinano-Omachi station. The hotel also offers shuttle services to nearby ski resorts, making it a suitable base for winter sports enthusiasts. However, the isolated setting means there are no shops or other restaurants within walking distance, making the hotel's dining options the primary choice for meals. While the shuttle services are appreciated, their limited timings can make travel less flexible for guests without a personal vehicle. Parking is readily available on-site.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight the staff's professionalism and their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, including assisting with rental car issues, facilitating luggage forwarding, and accommodating special requests such as birthday celebrations. Many international guests appreciate the staff's excellent English proficiency, which greatly aids communication. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient. While overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated instances of miscommunication or perceived lack of responsiveness, such as during an onsen emergency, have been noted, though these are rare.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a mandatory hot spring charge or "onsen tax" that is applied per night, regardless of whether the onsen facilities are used. The hotel enforces a dress code that restricts guests from wearing yukata outside the onsen area, such as in the restaurant or other public spaces. A notable feature for families is the Kids Stay & Eat Free policy, which allows children under 12 to stay and dine without charge. Specific pool rules may apply, with some guests noting restrictions on toddlers wearing waterproof diapers, which might differ from policies at other international hotel brands.