Why we chose NASPA New Otani
We recently went skiing to NASPA New Otani and stayed there with our child. There are several reasons we chose this place.
Very convenient access
We only had time for a one-night stay so we looked for a ski resort that was close to the Tokyo area and a ski slope that was directly connected to the hotel. NASPA New Otani fit the bill perfectly! It is a speedy 90 minutes from Tokyo station to Echigo Yuzawa station on the Shinkansen and only a 3-minute ride to the hotel on the free shuttle bus. Two to three free shuttles run hourly until 9:00 p.m. Because of the free shuttle schedule which runs two to three shuttles hourly until after 9:00 p.m., a good point is that dining at the restaurant in front of the station is very convenient. Another good point is that the scale of the hotel and ski slope is compact, not too big, and it’s easy to go anywhere easily.
Only for skiers – NASPA Ski Garden
The ski slope directly connected to NASPA New Otani is for skiing only, snowboarding prohibited. It’s not that snowboarding is dangerous but a ski-only slope is a safe environment for small children and beginner skiers. We noticed that the guests were families or seniors and the resort had a calm atmosphere.
New Otani – a well-established hotel chain
Among the hotels that are directly connected to the slopes at Echigo Yuzawa, NASPA New Otani looks the best. The others look timeworn. NASPA New Otani belongs to the same group as the Hotel New Otani in Tokyo and it is on the high end. Compared to the New Otani in Tokyo, it is compact and simple but they maintain a minimum standard of quality and it is comfortable. For example, they serve the same renowned curry dish and short cake as in Tokyo – hugely popular with guests. The facilities are good too. They have a big bath, indoor pool and jacuzzi, mist sauna, and fitness machines. The building itself is old but it is cleanly maintained and the service is good with helpful staff.
Hotel facilities
Guest room
We reserved a family room with a Japanese-style room. There is also a 2-bedroom superior room, perfect for 2 families or friends staying together. The beds were not very comfortable.
Restaurants
Lobby lounge
As you walk into the lobby you are greeted by a big waterfall which reminds you of New Otani Tokyo. This is the lobby lounge where you can have cake from Patisserie Satsuki.
Cafeteria Aurora
This is a big cafeteria with lots of seats, where you can dine during your ski breaks with your snow boots on. You can enter through the slope side or the hotel side. The food is not that good, bland tasting like packaged food. You can have Patisserie Satsuki cake and pudding, and dippin dots ice cream that children like. Basically you buy meal tickets from vending machines but for convenience, you can also charge to your room at the cash registers. There is space for kids on the hotel side entrance where children can play after they finish eating.
Buffet
During our one-night stay, as we wanted to dine in the hotel to save time, we reserved the buffet plan. But we recommend that you dine at the Japanese or French restaurants. They looked better than the buffet! We went during peak season and the breakfast and dinner buffets were served at a big hall in the basement. It was a dark, unattractive room with no view but at least we didn’t have to wait around even during busy meal times. The dinner menu consisted of a wide variety of food such as sushi, roast beef, tempura, crabs. The quality of the dessert was high, as would be expected at a New Otani hotel.
Store
Don’t worry if you forgot to pack essential items – ski goods are available for sale at the store near the slope. There is also a store on the lobby floor of the hotel. They sell a variety of goods such as food, drinks, baby diapers, sunscreen, toys, etc. Beware of children clamoring for the toys they sell there.
Big bath
The baths are on different floors for men and women. The water temperature is very hot. There is also a “roten “buro” (outdoor bath). It was inconvenient to have to carry the bath towels from the guest room. You can use the bath even after checking out so it’s a good idea to get some extra bath towels from the front desk. There are a lot of gachapon toy machines and ice cream and juice vending machines near the bath areas so your children might get distracted on the way to the bath.
Pool/Fitness
Very clean with a lot of tables and chairs to relax in. Not many guests during ski season so was very relaxing. Extra charge
NASPA Ski Garden
This ski slope is perfect for beginner-intermediate level skiers, and families with children. The hotel provides such services as slippers for guests entering the hotel area from the slope area, and dressing rooms where outdoor shoes are not allowed. Because the premises are compact, it’s easy to go back and forth for things left behind, or return to the hotel for a break, especially with young children in tow. The ski school is very good and it’s attractive that they have English classes.
Impression
Mentioned a lot of imperfect points, but among the choices in Echigo Yuzawa, this hotel is the best! It is the best choice for those skiers with limited time, going from Tokyo.
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