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Summary of reviewsAPA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso generally receives positive feedback from guests in several key areas, making it a popular choice particularly for its strategic location. The hotel is highly praised for its proximity to JR Karuizawa Station, essential local attractions, rental facilities and transport links. This advantageous location is appreciated for providing easy access to diverse activities, from shopping to skiing, making it an excellent base for exploring Karuizawa.
Guests often commend the breakfast offerings for their variety and taste, particularly appreciating the freshly made dishes like homemade pudding and vegetable stir-fry. However, some feel the breakfast selection could be expanded and find the price a bit high. Similarly, dinner options garner mixed reviews with some praising the affordability and taste of certain dishes like beef stew and Indian meals, while others describe the restaurant menu as lackluster.
Room experiences are varied with many noting cleanliness and comfort, particularly of the beds, as highlights. However, the size of the rooms is a recurring concern and some guests find them cramped with aged decor and occasionally problematic temperature control. While cleanliness is generally praised, certain areas like the bathrooms and facilities show signs of needing more thorough cleaning and maintenance.
The staff at APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso are frequently recognized for their friendliness and helpfulness. They are noted for creating a welcoming atmosphere and efficiently handling guests' needs, though occasional language barriers and inconsistent service quality are mentioned.
The hotel’s free Wi-Fi receives mixed reviews; while some guests find it satisfactory, others experience slow speeds and connection issues. Parking services are appreciated for their convenience, particularly the free parking, though space limitations and maneuverability in the parking areas often pose challenges.
For families, the hotel's location next to Yagasaki Park and the efficient management of incidents involving children are notable advantages, though the lack of specific family amenities might be a drawback for some. The quiet ambiance of the hotel is appreciated, making it a peaceful retreat despite being close to nightlife options.
Guests generally have positive feedback about the comfort and size of the beds, although opinions on mattress firmness vary. The overall sleep experience is praised, although there are occasional critiques about pillow comfort.
As a three-star hotel, APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso is considered a good value option for short stays, offering basic amenities and simplicity. While the building shows its age and some facilities are outdated, it remains a decent, budget-friendly choice, particularly for business travelers and those seeking convenience over luxury. Show more
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3-Star Hotel
APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso offers a convenient location near the station. It is a practical choice for travelers seeking easy access to transportation. The hotel provides essential amenities for a comfortable stay.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Hotel with Parking
Room Types
Twin Room - Non-SmokingAir-conditioned room with wood furnishings, a fridge and an electric kettle with green tea. The private bathroom includes a bathtub and toiletries. Video-on-demand movies are available for purchase.
Twin Room - Non-Smoking - New WingNewer room built on 2010.
Air-conditioned room with wood furnishings, a fridge and an electric kettle with green tea. The private bathroom includes a bathtub and toiletries. Video-on-demand movies are available for purchase.
Studio (Twin) - Non-SmokingThe studio includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. The studio features air conditioning, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, yukata, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 2 beds.
Single Room - Non-Smoking - New WingThe single room includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. This single room is air-conditioned and features a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor and yukata. The unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe Twin Room - Non-Smoking - New WingThe twin room includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. The twin room offers air conditioning, an electric kettle, a sofa, a carpeted floor, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 2 beds.
Single Room - Breakfast Included - Non-SmokingThe single room includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. The air-conditioned single room offers a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor and yukata. The unit offers 1 bed.
Studio (Twin) - Breakfast Included - Non-SmokingThe studio includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. This studio is air-conditioned and features a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor and yukata. The unit offers 2 beds.
Single Room - Breakfast Included - Non-Smoking - New WingThe single room includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. This single room is air-conditioned and has a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor and yukata. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe Twin Room - Breakfast Included - Non-Smoking - New WingThe twin room includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. The air-conditioned twin room offers a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, a sofa and a carpeted floor. The unit offers 2 beds.
Deluxe Double Room - Non-Smoking - New WingThe double room includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. The air-conditioned double room features a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor and yukata. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe Double Room - Breakfast Included - Non-Smoking - New WingThe double room includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. The air-conditioned double room offers a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor and yukata. The unit offers 1 bed.
Standard Single RoomThe single room includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. The single room provides air conditioning, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, yukata and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Connecting Twin Room with No View - Non-SmokingThe twin room includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. This twin room is air-conditioned and features a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor and yukata. The unit offers 4 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.1
Good
Location
The 'APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso' is highly recommended for its strategic location, making it a prime choice for travelers. It is situated just a mere few minutes' walk from JR Karuizawa Station, ensuring quick and easy access for those arriving by train. This convenience extends to nearby attractions, including the Prince Shopping Plaza and and the local outlet mall. The hotel's proximity to bicycle rental shops, bus stops and car rental facilities further enhances mobility around the area. The location also offers seamless connectivity to popular destinations like the ski slopes and Prince resort, providing a variety of activities within a short distance. Overall, guests consistently praise the hotel's location for its ease of access and the convenience it offers, making it an excellent base for exploring Karuizawa.
Breakfast
The breakfast offerings at APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso have received generally positive feedback from guests with several praising the variety and taste. The breakfast is typically served buffet style, featuring a wide range of Japanese delicacies that many found delicious. Notably, the homemade pudding and side dishes garnered numerous compliments. The vegetable stir-fry and rice options were also highlighted for their quality and flavor.
Despite the many favorable comments, some guests noted that breakfast options were somewhat limited and the variety insufficient. The price for breakfast, set at 1700 yen per person, was viewed as steep by some, particularly given the limited selection. Additionally, issues such as weak coffee and occasional drips from the ceiling fan were mentioned, suggesting room for improvement in certain areas. Overall, while there were a few criticisms regarding value and variety, the breakfast experience at the hotel is largely considered enjoyable with an emphasis on delicious, thoughtfully prepared dishes.
Dinner
Dinner experiences at APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso are varied. Guests have the option to dine at the in-house restaurant or explore nearby eating spots, including delicious izakayas and a recommended BBQ restaurant. The affordability and tastiness of the in-house meals, particularly the beef stew, have been highlighted positively by some guests, noting the friendly and thoughtful staff for contributing to an enjoyable atmosphere. An Indian meal received particular praise for its terrific taste.
However, the quality of the food at the hotel's restaurant has garnered mixed reactions with some diners finding the menu tacky and akin to a cafeteria style. Set meals with multiple options and affordability of the restaurant's offerings are considered a good deal by some. Despite the presence of only one restaurant open at night and a convenience store nearby, the hotel's overall dining options seem to cater reasonably well to diverse preferences.
Rooms
The rooms at APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso offer a mix of experiences with both highlights and areas for improvement. Many guests appreciate the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms. The beds, in particular, often receive praise for being large and comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep. Another frequent compliment is the spaciousness of the rooms compared to other Japanese hotels, although this perception varies among guests.
However, room size remains a recurring point of contention. A significant number of reviews mention that the rooms feel small and cramped, particularly for travelers with large suitcases. Despite this, some guests found the rooms relatively spacious and suitable for their needs.
The hotel’s prime location near the train station is a major plus, making it a convenient choice for travelers. This convenience, though, sometimes comes with drawbacks, such as noise from nearby trains, which could disturb light sleepers.
The facilities in the rooms, while complete, show signs of aging. Issues such as peeling wallpaper, mold in the bathrooms and outdated fixtures are noted. Temperature control in the rooms also seems problematic with some guests finding the rooms too hot or too cold and unable to adjust the temperature to their preference.
Overall, APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso presents a functional and well-located option for travelers, provided they can overlook the occasional cramped space and dated decor.
Beds
APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso's beds are predominantly praised for their comfort and size. Many guests have enjoyed the large, soft beds with some noting that the beds were so comfortable they had a great night's sleep. The availability of futons and good-quality pillows has also been highlighted, contributing positively to the overall sleep experience. The bedding, including down blankets, has been appreciated for being warm and cozy.
However, there are mixed opinions on the mattress firmness. While some guests have enjoyed the softness, others have found it too soft, leading to discomfort and back pain. Issues with pillow comfort have also been reported, including problems with height and smell, which somewhat detracts from the overall positive experience.
Despite these concerns, the hotel's efforts in cleanliness and bedding quality have been noted. If mattress softness and pillow issues could be addressed, the sleep experience at APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso could become even more enjoyable for a wider range of guests.
Cleanliness
The cleanliness reviews for APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso present a mixed picture. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the clean rooms and the quality of the hotel cleaning service. Descriptions such as simple and clean, clean and comfortable and very clean were recurrent in the reviews. The staff were also noted to be friendly and the cleaning service quiet and efficient.
However, several reviewers highlighted issues that detracted from their overall experience. Common complaints included the presence of mold, especially in the bathroom areas, dust under the bed and around the TV and occasional hairs in the bathtub and bathroom drains. Some guests noted that the rooms and facilities seemed old with chipped tubs, worn faucet fixtures and peeled wallpaper.
Additional critiques focused on the need for intensified cleaning, particularly in the bathrooms and dealing with lingering odors, such as the smell of cigarettes and mold. Although the general cleanliness was praised by several guests, others felt that the small details required more attention to maintain a higher hygiene standard.
In summary, while the hotel's cleaning services received commendation for keeping the rooms generally clean and comfortable, there are notable areas for improvement, particularly in deep bathroom cleaning and addressing the aging facilities.
Staff
At APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso, the staff consistently receive praise for their friendliness and polite demeanor. Guests often highlight the helpful and kind attitudes of the hotel personnel, which contributes significantly to the overall pleasant experience. Many reviewers appreciate the professional and welcoming atmosphere created by the staff, noting instances where receptionists provide prompt and clear responses and front desk support is efficient and accommodating.
Reception staff are particularly commended for their politeness, even when guests arrive late at night. The easy check-in and check-out processes also leave a positive impression. Additionally, several guests mention the staff’s efficiency and attentiveness in handling requests, such as lending umbrellas on rainy days or providing small electric fans for comfort.
However, there are occasional criticisms regarding communication barriers due to the staff's limited English proficiency and inconsistencies in service quality. A few reviews mention less friendly interactions, especially during busy times and some guests note that more smiles and better communication could enhance the overall service experience.
Despite these occasional drawbacks, the prevailing sentiment reflects a team that is largely professional, accommodating and committed to ensuring guests have a pleasant stay.
Wi-Fi
At APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso, guests generally appreciate the availability of complimentary Wi-Fi. However, there are several concerns regarding its reliability and performance. While the Wi-Fi is good for some, others report that it can be very slow, particularly after 11 PM and sometimes does not connect at all. There are also mentions of the Wi-Fi password being difficult to understand. Visitors have noted that addressing these issues at the front desk can sometimes help, but overall, there is a consensus that the hotel could benefit from improving its Wi-Fi service to better meet the needs of all guests.
Parking
APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso offers some convenient perks for those driving to the hotel with one significant highlight being free parking. Guests appreciate the complimentary parking, especially given its proximity to the train station. Despite the convenience, many reviews indicate that parking spaces are limited and can be challenging to manage, particularly for large vehicles and during busy times. While the hotel has an underground parking facility, it is noted to be narrow and difficult to maneuver in. When the dedicated parking lot fills up, guests have the option to use nearby coin parking, which occasionally involved a fee. There have been some reported issues with the clarity and management of parking, but overall, guests seem satisfied with the availability of free parking and the partnerships the hotel maintains to ensure guests have a place to park.
Family
'APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso' proves to be a convenient stay for families with children, particularly due to its close proximity to Yagasaki Park, which is just a brief 2-minute walk away. This park offers a great opportunity for kids to play and expend energy, making it an attractive feature for those traveling with younger guests. Handling of incidents involving children, such as a grandchild vomiting during a meal, is managed efficiently by the staff, ensuring minimal disruption to the stay. Although the rooms may be small and there's a lack of specific kid-friendly amenities or engaging staff interactions for children, the hotel's location and the quick response to requests or issues do provide a level of comfort and convenience for families.
Nightlife
Tucked near the beautiful station, APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso offers a convenient and compact environment, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat without straying too far from lively activities. The quiet atmosphere surrounding the hotel is ideal for winding down after a day of exploration.
Recently, a new bar has opened close by, adding to the already abundant selection of restaurants and bars near the station. This makes the nightlife accessible and varied, providing numerous options for dining and entertainment within easy reach. The area is compact, allowing guests to enjoy a range of nighttime activities without needing to travel far.
Despite some minor maintenance issues with the facilities, the hotel remains a convenient choice for travelers due to its peaceful ambiance and proximity to vibrant nightlife.
3 Star
APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso offers a budget-friendly stay with a few caveats. As an older building, it's clear that some elements are showing their age with many mentioning the outdated facilities and small rooms. Despite these aspects, it's generally regarded as a decent option for short stays, especially for those seeking simplicity and good value for money. The hotel is well-located, making it a practical choice for business travelers. It is considered a standard Japanese business hotel and provides the basic necessities for a convenient stay.
However, there are areas where the hotel falls short. The lack of seating in the reception, as well as the absence of vending machines or ice on each floor, are commonly noted. Some guests feel that the high accommodation fee does not align with the dated facilities and overall service level.
On the brighter side, the hotel includes amenities like a parking lot and many guests have found the quiet environment conducive to a deep sleep. Generally, it delivers a satisfactory experience for the price, ensuring simple and easy accommodations without luxury. While it might not be suited for longer stays, for short visits, its cost performance and location make it a reliable choice. Ratings often reflect moderate satisfaction, highlighting a balance of pros and cons that is to be expected from a standard three-star hotel.
No, APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso.
No, APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso.
No, APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae Karuizawaso doesn't have a gym.