【Hotel Report】Niseko Village Ritz-Carlton Reserve - Niseko Reserve King
We stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Higashiyama Niseko Village, the highest brand of Ritz-Carlton. It was a quality hotel stay that allowed us to experience "small luxury" for adults. Here I will introduce the Niseko Reserve King rooms, dinner/lunch/breakfast at Yukibana, and the hotel facilities, including a comparison with the Park Hyatt Niseko, another hotel in Niseko.
Contents
1. hotel overview
This hotel belongs to the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the highest brand of Ritz-Carlton. It is the fifth in the world after Indonesia, Thailand, and other countries, and opened in 2020. Located in "Niseko United" where ski resorts are concentrated, this small luxury hotel has a restaurant, bar lounge, hot spring bath, private bath, and fitness center in addition to a few of the 50 guest rooms.
Location: 919-28 Soga, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1522
Access: 20 min. by free shuttle bus from Kutchan Station / 120 min. by car from New Chitose Airport
Contact: 0136-44-3491
Check-in: 15:00
Chuck-out: 12:00
Official： LINK
2. check-in
This time, we will head to the nearest Kutchan station to take the free shuttle bus to the hotel. It takes about two hours from Sapporo via Otaru by train. The journey to Otaru has a spectacular view of the coastline right up to the train, while the journey from Otaru to Kutchan takes you through mountainous roads deeply overgrown with trees, which makes your heart pound.
Shuttle buses are marked by large buses with the hotel logo. The bus will take you to several hotels around the ski resort, so you can enjoy looking around the various entrances. After departure, the hotel will come into view in approximately 20 minutes amidst the magnificent nature of Niseko.
you will cross the town of Hirafu along the way, the unspoiled nature and the overwhelming presence of Mt. Yotei will catch your eyes. Niseko is a great place to enjoy winter sports in winter, but visiting in the off-season when it is cooler is also highly recommended as the greenery is soothing.
The low-rise, luxurious building is the hotel where we will be staying, and with a total of 50 rooms, it looks like a hideaway. It is directly connected to the slopes, so you can enjoy winter sports right away.
By the way, all the windows you see in the photo are the living room and bathroom of the guest rooms. The tall baths are in full view, so be careful if you are staying on the road side.
The luggage was smoothly transported from the bus and we were taken directly to the reception. In general, the service is never assertive, yet warm and personalized hospitality is one of the hotel's charms.
The interior of the hotel, themed "Kacho Fugetsu" (flower, bird, wind, and moon), incorporates cedar trees and granite, and is designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings, with the powerful Mt. Annupuri, and the light from the fireplace will captivate you, and you will find yourself lingering in the lobby for hours.
On the lobby floor, there is a compact collection of attractive dining options, such as the Yukibana Restaurant where you can enjoy seasonal dishes, the Sushinagi Japanese Restaurant, and the Ume Lounge where you can enjoy local beer and original cocktails.
Check-in procedures will be conducted while enjoying a cup of ginger tea. As for Marriott's membership benefits, I have the impression that late checkout and room upgrades are often not available due to the small number of rooms. There is no club lounge and no preferential treatment depending on membership rank.
After checking in, we went to the Niseko Reserve King where we will be staying. The Ritz-Carlton, Niseko has only three room types and not many variations in interior design. In this respect, the luxury hotel in Niseko, Park Hyatt Niseko (stay description: LINK) is more enjoyable.
Room Category | Room Type | Room Size |
|---|---|---|
Suite | Higashiyama Suite | 163㎡ |
| Youtei Suite | 89㎡ |
Guest Room | Youtei Reserve | 52㎡ |
Niseko Reserve | 52㎡ |
3. room - niseko reserve king
The guestroom floors are modest with little artwork, accentuated by the nature seen from the windows. Compared to other luxury hotels in Niseko, the Park Hyatt Niseko is the complete opposite of the modern luxury hotels in Niseko, and may appeal to different tastes.
We had our luggage delivered in advance and were shown to our room on the third floor. The hotel is a four-story building, of which the Niseko Reserve on the second floor is the most visible from the outside, so we recommend ordering a room on the third floor or higher when making a reservation.
3-1. living room / bedroom
Upon entering the room, you will see a spacious and secure entrance. Like the Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, the room is separated from the living room by a single partition, giving it a high-class feel. The entrance also has a pedestal on which you can sit, which is useful as a luggage storage space, making it user-friendly.
Beyond the heavy wood flooring and modern-style rugs, the living room and bathroom look sophisticated. The contrast between the greenery peeking through the windows and the guest rooms is wonderful. The structure is also easily accessible from each, ensuring a sense of luxury and comfort in a spacious 52 square meters.
The bedboard depicting beautiful weeping cherry blossoms, lantern-like lighting fixtures, and interior decorations resembling Senbon grating are characteristic of the delicate and high quality Japanese worldview. Compared to the Park Hyatt Niseko, the rooms lack dynamic artwork, but they are also somewhat cozy and comfortable.
On the table in the guest room was a welcome amenity displayed on a lovely stand. Sweets from local patisseries and seasonal fruits, all elegant and tasteful, showing that the amenities have been carefully selected.
There are also handwritten welcome letters on the tables. The manager's letter in English was a delight, but the Japanese letter from all the staff, "All the staff together," was even more heartwarming.
The third-floor location means you won't have to worry about the porch or parking lot on the first floor. The Yotei Reserve, on the other hand, has by far the best view, and is recommended if your stay is centered around the hotel.
I have the impression that detailed consideration has been given to the utility aspects as well. For example, the buttons for opening and closing the curtains/lace are easy to press, and there are a number of electrical outlets and USB ports. Among these, the three power outlets and two USB ports under the table are a very welcome addition to the work environment.
As for the minibar, I have the impression that everything is available in the room, including the well-known Nespresso coffee maker, tea packets, cutlery, and wine glasses, so much so that there is no need to order additional room service.
There is also a walk-in closet near the entrance. It is high enough to hang some long winter clothes, and the baggage rack is fixed and spacious. The storage capacity is attractive enough to accommodate even long-term stays.
3-2. bathroom / amenities
The bathroom is a high quality space, composed of marble and wood, with a large viewing mirror and indirect lighting. The dressing area is as large as the living room, and the overall comfort of the bathroom gives the impression of being in a class of its own compared to other hotels.
The bathroom is a stone space inspired by Japanese hot springs, with the natural beauty of Hokkaido spread out before you through the window. The bathtub is more than ample in both depth and space, offering the ultimate in relaxation. On the other hand, I would have preferred a "semi-open-air" bath like the one at the Park Hyatt Niseko.
Bath amenities are SOTHYS bottle type, with natural scents like herbs and olives that blend in with the beautiful view of Hokkaido. The bath salts are scented with milk from a Hokkaido farm, and the local, meticulous attention to detail is wonderful.
The shower is an easy-to-use type located in the same room as the bathtub. Both the rain shower and hand shower are simple and easy to operate, and the water pressure is good without any complaints.
Note that rooms on the lower floors, especially those on the second floor, are visible from the outside, so it is better to take down the curtains.
All basic goods such as toothpaste sets, shaving sets, combs, mouthwash, etc. are provided. Also, while many hotels require lotion and cream to be ordered additionally, the SOTHYS set is placed here as standard.
The hair dryer was a KOIZUMI minus ion hair dryer. As the Ritz-Carlton's top brand, I was happy to see a hair dryer that showed a little more attention to detail.
4. hotel facilities
The Ritz-Carlton, Niseko has a spa, Spa Chasi La Sotis, which offers treatments, hot springs, and private baths. Other facilities include a fitness center and a full range of facilities to refresh the body and mind.
4-1. onsen
The hot springs can be accessed from the entrance to the spa on the lobby floor. Inside there is an open-air spa, as well as a dry sauna and a private bath (3,300 yen/1 hour). In addition, the spa is very comfortable as you can come and go in slippers and house clothes.
Hours of operation: 6:00 - 10:00, 14:00 - 24:00
Location: Lobby Floor
Yotei in the background, and soaking in the natural hot springs while enjoying the serenity of the garden. The fact that there were only a few guests and that we did not have to face other people made for a very relaxing and exquisite experience.
4-2. fitness center
The fitness center is open 24 hours a day, allowing you to work out indoors while enjoying the natural beauty of Hokkaido. The equipment includes cardio machines, free weights, wellness balls, yoga mats, and other basic equipment.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Location: Lobby floor
Of course, towels and water servers are available. The spa is also very close to the hot springs, so you can use the spa or sauna to take a breather after your workout.
5. lunch - Yukibana
Lunch is served at the main restaurant, Yukibana. This is a wonderful dining experience, offering beautifully prepared dishes that incorporate many local Hokkaido ingredients in a stunning setting overlooking Mount Yotei.
Hours: Breakfast 7:00-10:30, Lunch 11:30-14:30, Dinner 17:30-21:00
Location: Lobby Floor
The interior of the restaurant is carefully decorated with ceiling lights shaped by deer antlers and a wine cellar illuminated by sparkling indirect lighting. Reservations are required for dinner, but lunchtime is open to customers without reservations.
This sandwich is made with an abundance of mozzarella cheese from a farm in Hokkaido. The thin-skinned, juicy mozzarella is perfectly paired with fresh vegetables, making it a perfect lunchtime dish.
The soba ordered in Niseko is thinly sliced and somewhat sticky. Perhaps it is because of the different water, but it is a new discovery that you have never had in the Kanto region. All of the menus are priced at about 3,000 yen, which is typical of a luxury hotel, but it is a luxurious lunch time where you can enjoy a carefully selected menu from season to season.
6. dinner - Yukibana
Dinner was served at "Yukibana" as well as lunch. This time, we ordered the dinner course as well as a paired wine course (total cost of about 15,000 yen per person). The dinner time was such a precious experience for us to enjoy Hokkaido's ingredients and Hokkaido's wine in the great outdoors.
Hours: Breakfast 7:00-10:30, Lunch 11:30-14:30, Dinner 17:30-21:00
Location: Lobby Floor
Yotei as the sun begins to set and the colors gradually change.
By the way, English is spoken in the restaurant, and it may be a Niseko thing that English is better understood in Niseko. One of the staff members was from Thailand, and we had a great time talking about memories of sightseeing in Thailand.
Yotei at sunset is breathtaking. With the ever-changing backdrop, one glass of wine is served with each dish, providing a thoughtful pairing with a spectacular view. The photo was taken just as the white wine was being served, and the setting sun reflected in the wine, making for a wonderful scene.
The first photo shows a gem of scallops and other local Hokkaido vegetables served with a variety of sauces. Each dish is delicate and complex in flavor, and the beautiful presentation will lift your spirits.
The main course was a meat and fish option, both unique and full of attention to detail. Both the course content and environment were excellent, and if I had to say something, I would say that the next dish and wine were served a little early, but in general, we were very satisfied with our dinner time.
7. breakfast - Yukibana
After waking up, we had coffee in the guest room and went for a walk outside. The morning sky was clear and we could clearly see the "cow hoof" shape of Mt. After returning to the hotel, we headed to Yukibana, the same restaurant where we had dinner.
Hours: Breakfast 7:00-10:30, Lunch 11:30-14:30, Dinner 17:30-21:00
Location: Lobby Floor
The Western breakfast set consists of bakery, fruit, salad, yogurt, and a choice of main dish, and can be ordered for 6,350 yen per person. Of course, Japanese breakfast can also be ordered for 4,820 yen per person.
What caught my eye when I ordered was the appetizer platter, a three-tiered stack of ceramic containers filled with green salad, seasonal fruit, and yogurt, a unique presentation that almost made me scream.
The main egg dishes are highly artistic and all have wonderful flavors. The second photo is a poached egg, served in a bowl. The dish is a perfect balance of hash browns, mushrooms, and the texture of the egg, as well as the aroma of the truffle on top of the egg.
8. restaurant - The Ritz-Carlton, Niseko
Although we only used Yukibana this time, we also recommend dinner at Sushi Nagi. The variety of restaurants at the Ritz-Carlton, Niseko is limited, but here is a link to the reservation site as well.
Category | Restaurant | Price |
|---|---|---|
Dining |
| |
Japanese food |
| |
Lounge |
|
9. check out
After breakfast, we enjoyed the hot springs and checked out at 12:00. Through this stay, I felt that although I was impressed with the high quality "small luxury" and the dining, I felt that it was somewhat lacking in comparison to the Park Hyatt. I left the hotel with the feeling that this hotel might be a better choice if the emphasis is on a smaller atmosphere, even if they are both luxury hotels.
10. prices and packages at the Ritz-Carlton Niseko
If you are using a reservation site, the cheapest early-bird discounts are from Ikkyu, Rakuten Travel, Expedia, and the official site, and the Niseko Reserve where we stayed this time starts at 53,000 yen.
Ikkyu Diamond members also enjoy attractive benefits such as free use of private hot spring baths and additional amenities.
For reference, this is how other reservation sites compare prices.
*Prices may vary depending on the time of year you stay.
Reservation Site | Niseko Reserve |
|---|---|
￥53,000〜 | |
￥53,000〜 | |
￥53,000〜 | |
￥53,000〜 |
11. (Reference) Other Hotel Accommodations
Lastly, EnoHaru's Hotel Reports publishes reports and videos of stays at luxury hotels in Japan and abroad under the theme of "Bringing Quality Experiences Closer to You. Please take a look at other hotel reports if you are interested. We would be happy if we could be of some help to you.
