it’s a good base if you want to travel around Karuizawa. We went cycling around karuizawa, so it was quite convenient that they already have bike rentals in the hotel. The hotel is so big that it would take around 30min to cycle.

Since they have A LOT of rooms, the check in process feels a bit like you’re about board an airplane - which is not really a breaking point, but i find funny and interesting. They announce tier levels so those with membership can check in first. The lobby is always busy, so kudos to the staff who keeps up with them even though it feels like there’s not enough of them.

The room and bed were super comfy, it was the best night of sleep during our 6-day trip. The cottage is perfect for a big group like ours. The surroundings are quiet and the view is fantastic.

The location of the cottage is kind of far from the city. You need to take a shuttle bus (which runs every 30 mins) from the train station to the main lobby of the hotel, and then another shuttle bus (which runs every 15 mins) from the main lobby to the cottage. Traveling between the town and the cottage can be time-consuming. Additionally, there were insufficient sockets in the rooms.

Karuizawa Prince Hotel West is a well-integrated ski resort offering a convenient and enjoyable stay for visitors. Located near the JR station, it provides free shuttle services to and from the station, making transportation seamless. It’s a great option for families, even if not everyone wants to ski, as there are plenty of other activities and shopping opportunities nearby. The cottage-style accommodations are cozy and nestled close to nature, offering beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere. A perfect destination for both winter sports enthusiasts and those looking for a peaceful getaway!

The hotels facility in general, the shuttle bus that picks you up from the station to the hotel and vice versa. Generally the staffs are very warm, approachable and friendly. It is very helpful that some staff could speak and guide us in English. One Indonesian staff, Diana was very helpful in providing us information. Another two staff from the skii/snowboard rental guided as on how to wear our snowboarding shoes properly since it was our first try to do snowboarding.

We paid 7,300 per person (3 pax) for the lift, but we were not informed ahead that the lift has no return (for that day). Since it was our first try to do snowboarding, it was difficult for us get on the lift with the snowboards on. We were not allowed to get on the lift without the snowboards on but we were not allowed to. We tried to ask if we could just return our tickets and get a refund but they said we couldn’t get a refund. So we ended up not trying to get on the lift.

Extra charge for hot spring even I said I will not use it. Charged on reception. After room was already paid.

The buffet breakfast was very good and the hot springs were even better. It's very comfortable even if you stay in the hotel for a whole day without going out.

The first shuttle bus in the morning started too late to catch the first ski class. Since it is hardly for residents to get from the West to the East area to attend ski classes without the shuttle bus , and the rental area was very crowded at that time as well; almost everyone wasted half an hour of class just because of the time of first shuttle bus.

We booked the West Cottage with 2 bed room and a spacious living room. The cleaning crew were all very hardworking and did their job very well. The bed is very comfortable. The convenient store Family Mart makes life very convenient. It was very easy process to rent ski equipment and buying ski pass. 1 min driving distance to the shopping outlet mall.

We had to rely on shuttle bus to get to the cottage from the main hotel lobby, otherwise it would be a 10-15 minutes walk. It would be a disaster if anyone forgets something from the cottage. There is a sink at the pantry but no dish washing detergent to clean the dishes after use.

The chalet area was very beautiful when it snowed, and there are shuttles transporting you to the lobby and also main parts of the resort including the skiing area. The East and West side both have their separate ski/snowboarding equipment rental shops so you don't have to go one end to the other. For our stay and skiing, we spent most of our time at the West side and that was also sufficient as our family was mostly beginners. For food options the Mall and its surrounding shops nearby which can be accessible via shuttle bus was also very convenient and we had some really good food as well. Even the Mall food court was also very good with its options for dinner (but do go early as they close by 7pm). The surrounding restaurants, which was also really nice close later at 8pm++. Overall, we had a really good and memorable experience staying at this resort and would not hesitate to recommend this place to anyone else.

It might feel like you're in shuttles quite a bit especially if you're staying in one of the chalets that's further out, but to us it was all part and parcel of the experience at this resort and we looked at it positively.

1: Hotel location is awesome. It is connected with the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Park Outlet Mall. 2: Rooms were quite spacious with a sofa, chair n table and a working desk. 3: Large glass windows with the awesome garden or lake or tree views. 4: Amazing inside and outside hot spring with awesome views and sauna. 5: Hot Spring water was natural and was very clean n fresh. 6: Free to use EV car charging stations. Although need to reserve the charging slot before arrival. 7: Kids play area in the vicinity and a Family Mart inside the hotel. 8: The whole resort vicinity was naturally very beautiful and clean. 9: I stayed in summer so can't say about the winter & ski resort experience.

1: Babies in diapers from age 1-6 aren't allowed for hot springs even if they are pee/potty trained. 2: After bath accessories like combs, earbuds need to collect from reception desk in front of hot spring area and not kept in the after bath drier area. 3: Hotel restaurants are quite expensive.

I travelled with children and chose to stay at the cottage type E with 2 bedrooms which was great for us as cottage was spacious and the kids can move around comfortably. While we stayed it was snowing for 2 days and the morning view on the porch of the cottage was superb. The room temperature was also very well controlled as we do not feel too cold inside the cottage at all while the outside was very cold.

The room is a little old, though it is all very clean. The bed mattresses are slightly thinner than usual hotel bed and somewhat on a softer side so it can get a bit uncomfortable. There is no shower cap provided even when we asked the housekeeper for one they said they do not have it which is a little odd to me that hotel do not provide shower cap.