Ancient Hotel Karuizawa

This is the first ever review I’ve done because Ancient Hotel deserves it. I spent Christmas here with my family and all I can say is that it was a Christmas well spent. Ancient Hotel has an elegant and cozy decor, and the rooms are quite big. Shizuka, one of the hotel’s staff, was amazing and very helpful. In fact all of them were. Breakfast was excellent too. And the view of the snow, trees and the cute small birds from our room and the restaurant just added to the hotel’s charm.|Although a bit far from the town and station, you can take advantage of the free shuttle to the hotel and back in the morning and afternoon, so distance was not an issue at all.

Had a wonderful 2 night stay here in mid spring, they had renovations ongoing in another wing but it did not disrupt our stay at all. The flourite room was spacious, warm and comfortable. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The dinners were excellent set course meals, every course was delicious, perfect for those who enjoy fine dining. We had the western breakfast both mornings, which was a selection of breads, soup, vegetables, egg, and bacon or sausages, with filter coffee and juice. All also very delicious. The location in a national park is very beautiful and we enjoyed a short walk to a waterfall from the hotel.

"Great!" cannot fully describe this hotel. It is another home hidden in the mountains, offering warm service, decent rooms, and exquisite, delicious food. The owner, the ladies, and the chef put dedicate heart here. I hope this place can continue to operate forever, so we will be lucky to stop by every summer.

The staff was amazing and were very attentive for every single moment! We are junior consultants who were invited to stay at Ancient Hotel by our gracious host and their recommendation was perfect! I started in the Amber room which was the exact traditional yet contemporary Japanese experience I’ve always wanted. The meals (dinner and breakfast) was incredible! I wish I had more time to explore, but the staff ensured we got as much in as possible. I e got to view the stars with the kind gentleman who knows about astronomy, we got to celebrate our fellow junior consultants birthday at Ancient Hotel, and of course got to enjoy the onsen! ||The cozy atmosphere was the perfect time to get to know our clients better as well as socialize in a familiar and comforting manner. I hope to return soon and enjoy more of the outdoors and everything Ancient Hotel has to offer in the future.

Wonderful experience! In spite of we didn’t have the meal in hotel but we still very enjoy to stay inside. There is no TV in the room but the guest can rent vinyl record player and enjoy the beer for free! Hospitality service, unique room, all the atmosphere was really great! VERY ELEGANT!

One of the best accommodation decisions I’ve made! I came to see a friend in Karuizawa, and thought I’d stay a night. Honestly, I’d stay longer if finances allowed. First of all, what made a strong impression was the staffs. Each and every one of them were friendly, approachable and, most importantly, genuine. This is what I found sometimes lack in some onsen ryokans. What set this ryokan apart is also its spectacular location - a short walk away from the beautiful waterfall and a hiking trail if you feel up to the challenge. I chose to include dinner and was blown away by the 11-course set menu. The ingredients needed little to help them shine and the chefs did just enough to bring them into the spotlight. Loved every single dish I had that evening. Onsen was lovely and the meditation room next to it was cherry on top! All the rooms had different themes to them, corresponding to I presume different stones and elements. A wonderful concept well executed. Will visit again soon :)

I've had the pleasure of staying here a few times and each stay is as magnificent as the last with beautiful rooms as well as the kindest staff. Ancient Hotel, located in the about 15min from the station and surrounded by greenery, is a peaceful getaway from the bustling city. Upon arrival, the staff greets you with the biggest smiles and shows you to your room. The hospitality is impeccable where the staff would remember your name and provide the up most services. The rooms are all each individually uniquely designed and feels very homey with special touches like the music player. Outside your window is lush greenery where you can hear the birds chirping. The dinner is incredible with amazing dishes made of quality seasonal ingredients, crafted with immaculate attention to detail. ||For breakfast we chose to eat outside in the terrace enjoying the peaceful nature sounds. Highly recommended for the place to say in Karuizawa.

When one ventures into the realm of unparalleled service and hospitality, certain cultures and terminologies come to mind. The Japanese, for instance, have gifted the world with the concept of "Omotenashi," an intricate weave of selflessness and attentive care. However, following my recent sojourn at this elusive hotel, I can't help but feel that the word "Omotenashi" falls short of capturing the depth and magnitude of the experience. Service, in many places, is often a mechanistic process - a routine act delivered without much thought. At this establishment, the service transcends mere hospitality. It is evident in the meticulous attention to detail in every corner of the space. It resonates in the genuine warmth of every interaction, where the staff seem to anticipate your needs even before they form in your mind. It's in the very rhythm of the place, in those quiet pauses between destinations and activities, where one is allowed a moment's respite, a gentle reminder of the world's beauty. It's a challenge, an almost Herculean task, to encapsulate the essence of such an experience in mere words. To write a review for this hotel is like trying to capture the vastness of the ocean in a single cup. It's both an endeavor and an injustice. The ineffable magic of the experience defies straightforward description, leaving one grappling for phrases and adjectives that seem perpetually inadequate. While a part of me wishes to keep this gem a closely guarded secret, a haven untouched by the overwhelming tide of modern tourism, I pen down this review out of sheer gratitude. Gratitude for an experience that has elevated my understanding of hospitality and care. Gratitude for memories that will linger, long after the scent of the hotel's linens has faded. To anyone contemplating a stay here, I offer a simple assurance: You will depart with a heart full of gratitude and the gentle certainty that you've experienced something profoundly beautiful. You will never regret your stay at this hotel.