An overdue review of our winter trip to Niseko – Japan’s and indeed one of the world’s premier ski destination! Hilton Niseko is one of the largest resort in the area but the only one that features ‘ski in ski out’. You are literally a few steps away from the lifts as soon as you walk out the back door of the hotel.
Niseko is an easy scenic 3 hours bus ride from Sapporo International Airport and the externally operated ski bus stops at the door.
The main lobby is almost always busy with lots of people either checking in or going out to or returning from the slopes. It is a hive of activity at all times. There is always a special area cordoned off for Gold and Diamond Elite Hilton Honors members to checkin in the afternoon.
The hotel whilst is an undeniably older building, it has nonetheless been very well kept. Service is top notch too and being a ski resort, many of the hotel’s staff members are “temporarily imported” from other Hilton properties throughout the world. We have spoken to team members who came from America, Germany and many from Indonesia, there just for the ski season.
The rooms are located along a very long corridor and we were fortunate enough to be on the second highest floor with famtastic views of the slopes.
Breakfast at the main restaurant was expectedly busy at all times but there is a special line for Gold and Diamond members, as well as a little private dining area reserved just for Diamond members.
We felt very special on our last breakfast when we were presented with a special farewell gift at the table! A very special touch indeed.
Skiing in and out of the hotel could not be easier. The lifts are literally just out the back door!
The lift ride back to the hotel after a long day on the slopes is simply breathtaking!
After a long day out, the hotel’s Onsen (or hot springs) is the perfect place to relax those sore muscles. There is also a spa and well equipped fitness centre.
The only disappointing aspect of the hotel is its dining facilities. The quality of food served at the hotel’s restaurants are very disappointing especially considering the exorbitant prices charged. Nonetheless, it is somewhat to be expected at such a large resort.
There is a lobby lounge in the middle of the hotel’s main lobby. There is no Executive Lounge though!
There is a “village” just behind the resort with a few dining options, still not that great. The best is still to take the hotel shuttle or if the time do not suit, a taxi, to the quaint little town of Kutchan where you can actually find really decent and authentic restaurants and bars!
In summary,
Pros:
- Spectacular Mountain Views: Nestled at Mt. Niseko-Annupuri’s base, the resort offers breathtaking vistas, especially from higher floors, enhancing the natural escape.
- Spacious, Modern Rooms: Rooms are generously sized with comfy beds, updated furnishings, and large windows, blending comfort with a sleek aesthetic.
- Ski-In/Ski-Out Convenience: Direct gondola access makes it a winter sports haven, perfect for skiers and snowboarders seeking seamless slope access.
Cons:
- Isolated Location: Outside ski season, the remote setting feels cut off, with limited nearby dining or activities beyond the resort.
- Inconsistent Service: While some staff are friendly, others lack warmth or efficiency, leading to slow responses and a less polished experience.
- Pricey Extras: On-site dining and amenities like the onsen come at a premium, inflating costs beyond the already high room rates.
The Hilton Niseko Village Resort shines as a winter sports retreat, with its unbeatable ski access and stunning mountain backdrop. The rooms offer a cozy, modern refuge, ideal for relaxation after hitting the slopes. However, its off-season appeal wanes due to isolation, and the uneven service and steep add-on prices might frustrate guests expecting seamless luxury. It’s a top pick for skiers, less so for summer travelers seeking value or vibrancy.
