REVIEW: A Luxurious Retreat in Hokkaido: Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Credit: Christian Bloss)

Nestled in the scenic beauty of Hokkaido, Japan, the Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, promises an exclusive and luxurious retreat. Opened in December 2020, this hotel has quickly become a premier destination for discerning travelers. As one of only seven Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties worldwide, this hotel is marketed as a gem of the Ritz-Carlton brand. Our expectations were understandably high for this unique property, but the experience left us with mixed feelings.

Arrival and Check-In

Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Credit: Christian Bloss)

Upon arriving at the Higashiyama Niseko Village, we were greeted by the stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings. However, the check-in process was less than seamless. We found ourselves waiting for quite a while in the lobby lounge, feeling a bit neglected. On a positive note, our suitcases and belongings were already delivered to our room during our wait, which was a nice touch.

Room and Amenities

The rooms at the Higashiyama Niseko Village are undeniably spacious and well-designed. With 50 rooms and suites, the hotel offers a range of accommodations, all featuring contemporary décor that reflects the natural beauty of Hokkaido. One standout feature was the fully included and daily refreshed minibar, which even included alcoholic beverages. The large bathtub in our room was fantastic for a relaxing soak. However, the view from our room left something to be desired, and we recommend booking a "Mount Yotei View" room for a more picturesque experience.

Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Credit: Christian Bloss)

Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Credit: Christian Bloss)

Despite requesting no turndown service on our first night, it was provided anyway, which was slightly inconvenient given our late check-in around 6:30 PM.

Onsen

Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Credit: Christian Bloss)

Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Credit: Christian Bloss)

The regular gender-divided onsen, open until midnight, is free of charge and provides a quintessential Japanese bathing experience. For a more private experience, guests can book a private onsen room for one hour at 5,500¥ (~40 USD).

Dining Experience

Breakfast at the Higashiyama Niseko Village is fairly priced at around $30 for the buffet or $45 for the buffet with one à la carte dish. However, the selection is not extensive, and the quality left us wanting more. The pastries were a bit dry, and the fruits were slightly mushy. Disappointingly, cheese was unavailable on multiple days, which is surprising given Hokkaido's reputation for excellent dairy products.

Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Credit: Christian Bloss)

Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Credit: Christian Bloss)

Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Credit: Christian Bloss)

While the service at breakfast was friendly, it lacked the professionalism expected of a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Drink orders were frequently incorrect, and the staff seemed hurried and unprepared to recommend sauces for our dishes. Additionally, the buffet was often not replenished quickly, leaving it looking half-empty. However, a nice gesture from the staff was setting aside a special coffee for us, which is usually out of stock during breakfast.

Service and Overall Experience

The overall service at the Higashiyama Niseko Village was inconsistent. While the staff spoke both English and Japanese well and offered friendly service, there were noticeable lapses in professionalism. This might be due to understaffing or inadequate training, as the staff appeared to be in a constant state of hurry.

Valet parking was another area of concern, with long wait times and the mandatory valet service feeling inconvenient. Despite these issues, there were thoughtful touches, such as a complimentary dessert for dinner and a souvenir cake on our bed on our last night.

Activities and Surroundings

Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Credit: Christian Bloss)

The Higashiyama Niseko Village is ideally located for those looking to explore the natural beauty of Hokkaido. In the winter, it offers direct access to the renowned Niseko United ski area, which boasts some of the best powder snow in the world. In the summer, guests can enjoy hiking, golfing, and exploring the local wildlife. The hotel also offers a range of curated experiences, such as guided nature walks and cultural tours, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the local culture and environment.

Alternatives and Conclusion

For those considering other options, there are two "Small Luxury Hotels of the World" properties and a Park Hyatt nearby, which also seem promising.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono (Source)

In conclusion, while the Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers beautiful rooms and a potentially wonderful experience, the weaknesses in service and breakfast quality currently detract from its value. We hope to see improvements in the future to justify its premium pricing.

Watch our full video review here: