One look at the hotel from the outside and you will instantly feel like you are in a beautiful ski lodge in Europe. Grand Phenix has a Swiss style appearance with lots of woodwork throughout the hotel. The hotel is nestled in the far end of Shiga Kogen valley in the Okushigakogen Ski Resort. It is one of the best hotels in the Shiga Kogen area, although in our opinion its claimed five star classification seems a bit of a stretch. Although the hotel is luxurious, it exudes a very homey and friendly atmosphere.
The hotel has 35 rooms that are very big and comfortable. Room types range from a standard twin room to a humongous “royal suite”. All the rooms are equipped with plenty of storage, free wifi, and other modern amenities including a big TV and DVD player. The rooms in the hotel are by far the biggest Scout has seen in the area. The bathrooms are quite spacious too with western style fixtures including double sinks. All rooms have balconies which have great views of the valley and the ski slopes. All rooms have western twin beds, which can be pushed together to make a "Hollywood" Twin/Double.
The hotel has two restaurants. The Karagibi restaurant serves authentic Japanese and Chinese dishes mostly made from fresh local ingredients. If you want some European dishes, particularly Italian cuisine, the La Stella Alpina will satisfy your cravings. It also has a surprisingly impressive wine collection. If you want to have a drink or two after a day of skiing, you may do so at Lounge Largo which has large windows and a Swiss-made fireplace.
The hotel has some good facilities. It has a beautiful onsen with big picture windows, a large indoor lap pool which can be enjoyed by both adults and kids, and a Jacuzzi.
Hotel Grand Phenix has a good rental and retail ski shop plus a coin-operated laundry machine. It will make you feel so at home that you will not mind being in a remote location.
