Simple, friendly and centrally located, Hakuba Springs Hotel is the perfect good-value option for those travelling on a moderate budget looking for a stylish, centrally located hotel.
The hotel has a quirky style that harks back to the 1980s. This means there are a few drawbacks, however the hotel’s current Australian owners have modernized the place and added some extra comforts. The rooms are actually a decent size by Japanese standards, but the capsule bathrooms are pretty small (and have a big step up). Plus there isn’t a lot of room to store your gear. But most of the rooms have (reportedly) comfy Western-style mattresses, and the new furnishings give the place a fresh feel.
Given that this is a moderately priced hotel right in the heart of Happo, it can sometimes get noisy. The sports bar downstairs, called Jacks, is particularly popular with Australians. If this is a concern, request a room on the top floor at the back of the hotel.
One of the great benefits to staying at Hakuba Springs is the onsen. It’s not one of the most beautiful we’ve seen; in fact it’s more like a bath in a pink bathroom. But it’s big and best of all there’s a Jacuzzi tub next to it – with bubbles and all – which is quite uncommon in Japan. There’s also an onsite massage room that offers facials and massage services – which means heaven for skiers.
The rooms are simply furnished and while most are decorated in a Western style, some rooms have tatami mats with futon mattresses.
