ゆけむり山荘

The hotel offers a distinctive blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern comfort, with its spacious rooms and inviting onsen being standout features. Guests consistently praise the warm and friendly staff who contribute to a pleasant stay, alongside the generous provision of complimentary amenities like delicious bagels and a variety of beverages. The tranquil setting provides a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, often complemented by picturesque views of the surrounding area. This makes it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic escape, families desiring ample space, and friends looking for a comfortable base to explore. For those planning a visit, it is highly recommended to have a car for convenient access to local attractions, and to fully enjoy the unique self-service offerings that enhance the overall value.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience. A significant draw is the onsen, which most guests find relaxing and appreciate for its extended operating hours, allowing for both morning and evening soaks. However, some guests noted the onsen area is quite small, accommodating only a few people at a time, and there were occasional reports of lukewarm water or clogged drains in the bathing areas, though staff are generally responsive to these issues. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi throughout, ensuring connectivity. Guests also enjoy the convenience of vending machines offering snacks, cup noodles, and even alcoholic beverages. Many rooms are equipped with an air purifier, and traditional yukata are provided for guests to wear. The lobby and common areas are described as spacious and comfortable, though some guests mentioned the lack of an elevator for upper floors, which can be challenging with heavy luggage.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently commend the spaciousness of the rooms, finding them ample for families and groups, and many appreciate the comfortable beds or traditional futons provided in the tatami rooms. The hotel is generally praised for its cleanliness and well-maintained appearance, especially after recent renovations. However, some guests reported specific issues, such as hair found in the women's changing room, a dusty air purifier in the room, or torn curtains. A few noted a musty smell in some tatami rooms upon entry, though it often dissipated. While most rooms are quiet, some guests experienced noise from adjacent rooms due to soundproofing limitations. Other minor inconveniences included light entering the bedroom from hallway windows, a lack of sufficient electrical outlets, or the absence of a trash can in certain rooms. It's worth noting that rooms typically do not include an in-room shower or bathtub, as guests are expected to use the communal onsen facilities.

Dining & Food Quality
While the hotel does not offer a full-service restaurant or traditional breakfast, guests are consistently delighted by the generous complimentary dining services. Each guest receives a delicious bagel for breakfast, often available in various types and can be warmed in a microwave. A highlight for many is the welcome drink upon arrival, with options including beer, juice, shochu, and whiskey, which can be enjoyed in the lobby or taken to the room. Additionally, free coffee and tea are available for self-service throughout the day, adding to the convenience. Some guests appreciated the presence of vending machines offering snacks and cup noodles for quick bites. The absence of a full breakfast or dinner service means guests need to plan their meals outside the hotel, but the provided amenities are widely praised for their quality and value, significantly enhancing the overall stay.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel is situated on a height, offering beautiful views of Yufuin city and, for some, even the morning "sea of clouds" or impressive steam from the hot springs. This elevated position contributes to a quiet location, providing a peaceful retreat away from the bustling town center. However, its distance from the main attractions and Yufuin station means that accessibility can be a challenge for guests without their own transportation. Most visitors find a car essential for convenient travel, as the walk to town involves an uphill slope. While free parking is available on-site, securing a taxi can be difficult, especially during evening hours, and some reported extra call fares or a complete lack of availability due to weather conditions, with no shuttle service provided by the hotel. Guests should also be aware that there are few dining options within easy walking distance, necessitating planning for meals outside the hotel.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their exceptional friendliness and kindness, creating a welcoming and at-home atmosphere for guests. Many reviewers highlighted their helpfulness and attentiveness, noting quick responses to requests and assistance with luggage, particularly given the lack of an elevator. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient. While most interactions are positive, some guests experienced a more reserved or "cold" initial greeting, and a very few reported an indifferent attitude from staff, particularly regarding taxi availability during adverse weather. It's important to note that the reception is not staffed 24/7, which means guests arriving or departing very early or late may not encounter personnel. Despite some staff having minimal English proficiency, they are generally effective in communicating and assisting guests, even going so far as to help with restaurant bookings.

Additional Information
For guests staying in traditional Japanese-style rooms, the hotel operates on a self-service futon policy, where guests are expected to lay out their own bedding, which some found thin despite provided mattresses. A key operational detail is that the reception is not staffed 24/7, meaning assistance may not be immediately available during late night or early morning hours. Guests should also be aware of potential electrical breaker issues if multiple high-power appliances like coffee makers and microwaves are used simultaneously in common areas. While rooms do not typically include a microwave, one is available in a common area for heating the complimentary bagels. The hotel provides yukata for children, a thoughtful touch for families. Some minor room-specific issues noted include a lack of trash cans in certain rooms or insufficient electrical outlets. The hotel has undergone recent renovations, contributing to its generally clean and modern feel, though some older elements like torn curtains were occasionally observed.