Asahidake Manseikaku Hotel Deer Valley

It was a cheap 20,000 yen for a couple, including dinner and breakfast, so we didn't have high expectations. However, the interior was very tasteful and relaxing, and it was a more luxurious hotel than we expected. My husband was tired from the mountain and took a nap, so we watched TV in the public space on the second floor before dinner. It was a luxurious and stylish space and very comfortable. For dinner, we had a course meal. There had been some negative reviews in past reviews, so to be honest, we didn't have high expectations at first. However, the four staff members, including the chef, were very friendly, and we could tell that they had taken the time to serve each dish deliciously, even though the ingredients were not luxurious. The beef stewed in red wine in particular was top-notch, soft and delicious. We were surprised to be able to enjoy such polite service and delicious food in the mountains. Thank you very much.

Isolated location with greenery. Perfect for those doing nature hikes and climbing Asahidake. Nice lounge with plenty of sofas and home-like atmosphere. Yes looks like an Alpine lodge more suited for winter but it was fine in summer too. Large spacious room with view of the greenery. Small onsen which i did not see anyone else there except my family. Quiet place compared to the busier Bear monte hotel. We were able to go to the Bear monte hotel for the onsen facilities there - though much bigger but there also many people there. My initial trip had 4 members but one cancelled so there was only 3 members. However it was difficult to contact them to see if we could change to a Japanese room for 3 people instead of 2 twin room for 4 people. But it was fully booked at other places so we went ahead to stay on. I believe it was based on twin accommodation so i could not have changed it anyway but it would be nice to have known this for sure. Staff could not speak English so well so any complicated discussions were not possible. Receptionist looked stern but kitchen staff were very friendly. Onsen was small and a bit unkempt - dry leaves not swept. But no one else were there except us. We drove from Sapporo and arrived at 8pm. We received a call at 7pm via Booking.com telling us to have dinner outside as their dinner ends at 7.30pm. But in the hotel website, it says dinner ends later i think at 8.30pm. If we knew we would have ensured to arrive by 7.30pm. So we missed the dinner that night. A bit scary to drive at night as it was dark and lonely road but the road was safe with a lot of light-reflective posts. As it was dark, my cousin managed to see two foxes by the roadside. The entrance road was not so well signposted so we passed by unknowingly till the end of the road which was at Bear monte and received directions from Bear Monte. Price was a bit expensive for what we received but i guess one had to pay due to its isolation.

There is a lot to like about this hotel in terms of charm and good food. The public spaces are lovely with lots of areas to hang out. It is a non-smoking hotel. The room had a nice counter by the window. BUT it is quite expensive for what you get. The onsen is ok, but the one at Bear Monte is much nicer. (overall, Bear Monte had a much fancier feel). The room was adequate but hot without the ability to do much but sort of open a window. The pillows were overly firm for my American tastes. There aren't a lot of outlets for charging your devices. I am not a skiier and we weren't there during ski season, but in the off season there isn't much to do once you've taken the ropeway and explored Mt. Asahidake. And I think you definitely need a car. We planned to use the bus from Asahikawa but did not know the schedule changed on Oct. 1 and missed the last bus. We ended up taking a taxi (about 9000 yen). The walk from the hotel to the ropeway (and the Bear Monte) is 10 or 15 minutes. The only place to get lunch is at the ropeway. Overall, I would have chosen to either stay here only one night or to stay in Asahikawa and rent a car or take the bus to visit Mt. Asahidake. The woman at the front desk had enough English to get along. She was also the evening hostess at the restaurant so could help you there as well.