Kijima Kogen Hotel

This hotel offers a memorable stay, primarily distinguished by its direct adjacency to a popular amusement park and a golf course, making it an ideal choice for families seeking entertainment and golf enthusiasts. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional staff service, noting their friendliness and helpfulness, which significantly enhances the overall experience. The hotel also receives praise for its cleanliness and the quality of its hot springs, providing a relaxing retreat. While the dining experience garners mixed reviews, the convenience of the location and the attentive service are recurring themes. For travelers prioritizing leisure activities and a welcoming atmosphere, this hotel is a strong contender. To make the most of your visit, consider taking advantage of the special discounted park tickets available to guests and be prepared for a location that is somewhat isolated from urban centers.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the hotel's hot springs, which feature spacious public baths, invigorating open-air baths, and relaxing jacuzzis, along with saunas and cold plunge pools, all contributing to a deeply soothing experience. The Wi-Fi connectivity is generally reliable and fast, allowing guests to stay connected. For convenience, the hotel provides coin laundry facilities, which are free to use, though detergent is an additional cost. Entertainment options include karaoke and table tennis rooms, offering recreational activities for all ages. Additionally, guests appreciate the availability of self-service lockers near the front desk for luggage storage. While some rooms feature spacious balconies with scenic views, guests should note that the elevators can be small and slow, and some areas may require using stairs.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel rooms are generally described as clean and well-maintained, despite the building's age, with housekeeping efforts frequently noted. Guests often find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Rooms are typically spacious, offering ample living area, and many feature a convenient layout with separate toilets and bathrooms. Standard in-room amenities include a small refrigerator, a security box, a hairdryer, and hangers. While some guests report a peaceful environment, others occasionally mention corridor noise or the sounds of children, which can be noticeable. A few guests have noted minor issues such as drainage problems in bathrooms, the presence of insects in rooms, or the centralized air conditioning system being less flexible, sometimes only offering heating or cooling.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel primarily offers buffet-style dining for both breakfast and dinner, with guest feedback being somewhat mixed. Many guests appreciate the variety of dishes, including local specialties like toriten, fresh sashimi, and a popular soft-serve ice cream machine, alongside dedicated children's menu options. However, some guests find the overall selection to be limited, while others describe the food as overly salty or not meeting expectations based on online photos. The quality of the food is also a point of varied opinion, with some finding it delicious and satisfying, while others deem it average or below. An all-you-can-drink option is available for an additional fee, though individual beverages can be quite expensive. The dining areas can become crowded and noisy, particularly during peak times.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location within a highland resort area is a significant advantage, offering direct access to the adjacent amusement park and a golf course, which are major draws for guests. Its isolated setting means that a car is generally necessary for travel, as there are no convenience stores or other shops nearby, though the hotel does have its own shop. For those relying on public transport, the hotel is accessible by bus from Beppu Station (approximately 40 minutes) or Yufuin (around 30 minutes), with a convenient shuttle service provided from the bus stop to the hotel. Guests consistently praise the beautiful mountain views and the scenic vistas of the amusement park from the hotel, enhancing the overall tranquil atmosphere.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness and attentiveness, making guests feel very welcome. Many reviews highlight their helpfulness and willingness to go above and beyond, such as providing blankets, offering shuttle service to the bus stop, or quickly resolving issues like room changes due to drainage problems. The check-in and check-out processes are described as smooth and efficient. Guests particularly appreciate the child-friendly service, with staff often interacting positively with younger visitors. While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated comments mention minor communication challenges or specific interactions that were less satisfactory, though these are exceptions to the generally excellent service.

Additional Information
A significant benefit for guests is the availability of discounted or free admission to the adjacent amusement park, along with reduced prices for ride passes, offering substantial savings for families. The hotel features a variety of spacious room layouts, including popular Japanese-Western style rooms that provide ample space and comfort. Despite the building's age, guests note that the hot spring water quality is excellent, described as smooth and beneficial for the skin. The hotel's highland location ensures cooler temperatures, even during summer months, providing a refreshing escape. Guests should be aware of additional charges such as a bath tax. While the room heating and cooling system is centrally managed, some guests have found it to be less flexible than desired.