Chikumanoyu Shigenoya

"Excellent experience at a traditional ryokan! I gave 4/5 stars for location because there are no particular views (it's right in the middle of the town), but the other features more than compensate for this. All the staff we met were very courteous and professional. Meals were traditional and introduced us to many interesting dishes. Onsens were small but since this hotel only has eight room, they are never crowded. Also the onsens are open through the night which I especially appreciated."

Hotel Yuuzan

"The parking lot had no lines, making it very difficult to park. The toilet in my room was dirty; there was feces stuck to the bowl even before my stay, and I was shocked to see that it hadn't been cleaned. The room was also a bit dusty overall (the tissue box was especially dusty). Table tennis cost 550 yen for 30 minutes. Considering the price, the net wasn't properly strung, and the rackets were worn out, so it wasn't worth the price. The food was delicious in both quantity and quality. However, some staff members spoke to me in a casual manner, which was a bit of a concern."

Sasaya Hotel

"It's so good that I stay there for two nights every autumn. When I stay there, I either make a reservation for the following autumn before I leave, or I make the next reservation as soon as I get home. Unfortunately, when I called in March to make a reservation for November, I found out that they are only accepting reservations up to six months in advance this year. We travel a long distance to Chikuma City, so we usually stay at several other hotels besides Sasaya Hotel, but we always end up staying at Sasaya Hotel. In this situation, we can't make reservations at any other hotels either. I'm sure there are many people who, when planning their annual trips, first reserve the hotel they really want to go to, and then plan the rest of their trip. I think there are many people like that. When I called and explained, "We are regulars and go there every year as a matter of course, and we would like to make plans for this autumn as well," the front desk replied, "We have the same conditions for everyone, and we do not accept any prior consultations by phone." There are regulars who stay there every year and want to go to Sasaya Hotel again this autumn, and they specifically request Sasaya Hotel. I was disappointed by their response that they couldn't even hear what the customer had to say. To be honest, I felt disheartened. My wife and I were talking about how we need to find another place quickly, otherwise we won't be able to make our annual travel plans. It's just so disappointing. I understand that if it's an online reservation, there's nothing we can do if the system can't accommodate it, but shouldn't they at least listen to the customer's request and say something like, "We'll take your reservation request into consideration, but we can't guarantee it. If we can't fulfill your request, we'll contact you"?"

Hotel Platon Annex Green Plaza

"In addition to the facilities are a bit old, the price is very reasonable"

Sanpusou

Umemura Ryokan Uguisutei

"Cost-cutting measures were noticeable. I went to the hot springs two minutes before 3:30 PM, as I was told it would be open then, but it was pitch black. I returned to my room, contacted the front desk, and they turned on the lights. I was staying in what was advertised as the only suite in the building, so I expected to have breakfast there as well as dinner, but I was with a family with children and it wasn't very relaxing. I wish they had at least provided private dining rooms for meals on the special suite floor. The evacuation route map posted on the room door was also from before the renovation. Dinner was delicious, with local ingredients skillfully prepared."