Furano Hotel

I stayed here for two nights after coming from Sapporo. Actually, I put in the hotel name with the Japanese into Google maps and it took me to an entirely different hotel downtown. The first thoughts of the hotel were this was a lovely hotel. I was checked in my Sunny who was great, answered questions and explained everything. I had asked about vegan options for breakfast and he said they'd make something special for me. The room itself was amazing. It was big, and had an amazing view. I noticed this about the hotel, that there are only 27 rooms (no 2,4, or 9 which are superstitious for the Japanese) and there are no bad rooms because they all face forwards. I checked in and then went for a walk around the garden in the front. It was autumn so there were less plants in the garden. Then I headed into Furano for dinner and then came back and used the spa which was great. The water was lovely. The gripe I have with hotels is pillows. This was a mix of beans and feathers which can get hard over the night. But I sat out on the balcony drinking wine for a few hours enjoying the countryside sounds. The next day, the vegan breakfast was amazing and they printed out a menu explaining what there was. What I will say is the reception and restaurant area are grand and so spacious. They are so quiet too and during the morning there was a fire going. Used the spa after breakfast and then I went out all day and then came back in the evening for another spa and sit out on the balcony with a drink. The next day was a great breakfast and then checking out. Thoroughly great hotel. I love the concept of it, the location, the staff were so polite and the food was great too. The building itself is really cool. Like I said, no bad rooms. Some reviews here say it's 'outdated' but it's so classy that it's aged very well. I've stayed in plenty of hotels that were built and decorated cheaply and have aged badly. This one still feels so nice and the piped music walking around helps with relaxation. Everything feels so spacious especially given that Japanese hotel can skimp on the space and also the price was great for what was offered. Trips: I took the Asahidake Ropeway up Mount Asahidake and the view at the top was breathtaking. It took an hour and a half to drive to though as it's a long way around even though you can see it from the hotel. It's the smoking mountain that you can see from your room. The ropeway itself is expensive 3200 yen, maybe. But the views were amazing. I didn't hike to the top as I wasn't correctly attired. Then, came back down and went to the lavender fields at Farm Tomito (it was free so I can't really complain) but it was just filled with Instagrammers looking for photos. That's the crowd who go to multi-coloured lavender fields.

This one of the side trips from Sapporo where you will enjoy an overnight stay in Furano to fully enjoy and appreciate this place to its fullest. Lavender fields, musk melon, sweet corn, hot springs and much more... it's all in the spirit of Furano. The hotel package includes the dinner and breakfast which is of surprisingly high quality. The dinner is worth a special mention with its most tender beef alongside with its accompanying dishes. Simple yet elegant. The executive lounge, available to all guests, offer complementary drinks and light snacks during the stay. Alcoholic beverages like beer and wine are also included. The all in packaged price is well worth it!

What a gem! Furano Hotel is a very special and peaceful retreat. It is one of those places that you really don’t want others to find out about. The hotel staff were very professional and helpful. My room was well appointed with a lavish bathroom and a large lanai. The hotel has sizable grounds, yet maintains an intimate setting with its limited number of guest rooms. The commons spaces are vast and beautifully decorated with very unique furnishings and beautiful artwork. The location is a bit off of the beaten path (which is part of its charm) and the property is surrounded by forests with mountains in the distance. When I visited, lavender delicately perfumed the July air. Looking over my patio balcony, a small lavender field was front and center with an up and coming sunflower field next to it. I followed the walking path to the vegetable garden to see where much of the herbs and produce that are used in the restaurants are grown. On the grounds between the vegetable gardens and the lavender fields is the “art tent” complete with unique and beautiful furnishings, as well as art supplies. It is a wonderful place to spend some time on a rainy afternoon. I had half board for my stay and the meals were just fabulous…. both dinner and breakfast. Complimentary apple pie, pudding and beverages were put out at about check in time. Complimentary night time snacks were a nice surprise. The public baths were very relaxing. Overall I had an excellent stay and I look forward to a return trip!