APA Hotel Karuizawa-Ekimae Karuizawaso

I just checked in on 20 Dec 25. Booked the hotel as early as in Apr 25 on the basis that parking would be free for my entire four night stay as per the information given to me on the hotel website at the time of my reservation. Checked in and was told that parking would be charged from 16 Dec. They told me that this was just changed and insisted that I should have gotten myself an update by visiting their website. The hotel refused to honour their commitment. They said that they had already informed their hotel guests. Guess what? When I turned on the TV in the room, the listed hotel information was still informing guests that parking at the hotel would be free in both English and Japanese language. The worst part was that rather than charging guests parking fees on a per stay basis. The charges were based on per entry. The prices were also significantly higher than nearby parking options. Dishonest and a total lack of professionalism. If you drive, don’t stay at this hotel.

We stayed at APA Hotel Karuizawa for 2 nights in January 2025, and it was exactly what we needed: a clean, budget-friendly, and well-located hotel for a short winter stay. I was traveling with my sister, and we booked the Twin Room (18 sqm). While compact, the layout was smart and functional — there was enough room for two adults and luggage, and it didn't feel cramped. The beds were comfortable, and although small (around 90–100 cm width), co-sleeping would be doable for families with kids under 6, which the hotel allows (up to 2 kids sharing existing beds). The room came with everything you'd expect from a typical APA stay — fridge, electric kettle, slippers, pajamas, hairdryer, and a full private bathroom with a tub and bidet. Heating worked well (essential in Karuizawa's winter), and the air purifier was a nice touch. While there are no child-specific amenities like cribs or kids’ pajamas, the space is perfectly adequate for short stays, especially for adults traveling with young children who don’t need extra equipment. What really sets this hotel apart is the location. It’s just steps from Karuizawa Station, making it a great choice whether you’re arriving with luggage or planning to explore the area. The Prince Shopping Plaza and various restaurants are all within a 5–10 minute walk, even in snowy conditions. The hotel is fully accessible with elevators, and we found it easy to move around despite winter weather — even for seniors or guests using strollers. Check-in was smooth and straightforward, with polite staff and the option to store luggage before the room was ready. There are vending machines and a shared microwave on-site, which made snacking easy after a long day out. Wi-Fi and heating worked reliably, and the room looked just like the official photos — no frills, but clean and well-maintained. The decor is slightly dated, but it didn’t bother us at all. We paid around JPY 38,000 for 2 nights (room only), which felt like excellent value for the comfort and location, especially during ski season. The breakfast is cheap but very basic, so we’d recommend skipping it in favor of nearby cafés or bakeries. Overall, this is a great option for adults or families with young kids who just need a good night’s rest in a central location. For a practical stay in Karuizawa, APA delivered exactly what we needed.

I stayed here for golf and the outlet. It's within 20 minutes to the nearest golf course. It's almost next to Karuizawa Station and the outlet. Very convenient. There are no convenience stores around the hotel, so it's convenient to use the convenience store at the outlet. If you stay during the peak season, the accommodation fee will increase as the day of your stay approaches, so be careful. There are no problems with the facilities. Be careful, there are only a few parking spaces. It was full, so I used a parking lot about a minute's walk away. It cost 600 yen. I would have appreciated it if the hotel would cover the cost. On the second day, golf started early, so I left before the restaurant opened. It would have been appreciated if the restaurant opened earlier.