This cozy ski lodge delivers a slice of authentic Japanese mountain hospitality just steps from Tsugaike Kogen’s powdery slopes. I found the tatami rooms surprisingly roomy, and the breakfast – a delightful mix of French and Japanese dishes – hit the spot before hitting the slopes. Free parking and Wi-Fi sweeten the deal, while the in-house restaurant saves you from trudging through snow for dinner.
On the downside, the facilities show their age in places, and some rooms could use updating. The shared bathrooms, while clean, might not suit everyone’s taste for privacy.
This place is perfect for ski enthusiasts who want a no-frills, authentic Japanese experience without breaking the bank. It works especially well for couples and small groups who prioritize location and value over luxury. If you’re looking to bounce between different ski areas, you’ve got both Hakuba Cortina and Happo One within easy reach. Just don’t expect five-star amenities – this is a straightforward, friendly mountain inn that knows its strengths and delivers them well.
Good To Know
- Located in Otari, Nagano, Japan, offering ski-to-door access and proximity to popular ski areas like Tsugaike Kogen, Hakuba Cortina, and Happo One.
- Provides amenities such as free private parking, WiFi, a restaurant serving French and Japanese cuisine, and ski equipment rental and storage.
- Offers Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and futon beds, as well as twin and triple room options, catering to various group sizes.
- Received an overall guest review score of 7.6 out of 10, with highlights including spacious rooms, convenient location, and satisfying breakfast and dinner offerings.
- Adheres to COVID-19 safety measures, including mandatory mask-wearing and contactless procedures, and has policies in place for check-in/out, cancellations, and restrictions on visible tattoos.
Hotel Overview and Location
Resort Inn Marion Shinano is located in Otari, Nagano, Japan, offering accommodations just a 13-minute walk from Tsugaike Kogen Ski Area.
The hotel features ski-to-door access and is within proximity to Hakuba Cortina Ski Area (3.5 miles) and Happo One Ski Resort (5.4 miles).
Guests can enjoy mountain views and access to a public hot spring bath.
The hotel has a good location rating of 8.8, particularly favored by couples.
Amenities and Services
Key amenities at Resort Inn Marion Shinano include free private parking, free WiFi, and a restaurant serving French and Japanese cuisine. Guests can also enjoy a shared lounge. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and private bathrooms. Ski equipment rental and storage are available on-site, along with a drying room for ski gear. Additional services include daily housekeeping, a tour desk, and charges for shuttle service and grocery deliveries.
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Dining | Restaurant serving French and Japanese cuisine |
| Ski Facilities | Ski-to-door access, ski equipment rental and storage, drying room |
| Room Features | Air conditioning, flat-screen TV, refrigerator, private bathroom |
| Additional Services | Daily housekeeping, tour desk, shuttle service and grocery delivery (for a fee) |
Guest Reviews and Experiences
According to the hotel’s reviews, guests have described their stay at the Resort Inn Marion Shinano as generally positive.
The hotel has received a score of 7.6 based on 53 reviews. Guests appreciated the spacious tatami rooms, proximity to ski lifts, and convenience stores.
Breakfast options were described as varied and satisfying, catering to dietary preferences. The public onsen on the top floor and the quality of dinner offerings were also highlighted positively.
Room Types and Capacity
Accommodation options at the Resort Inn Marion Shinano include Japanese-Style Rooms with 8 or 10 tatami mats, offering 3 or 4 futon beds respectively.
Plus, the hotel features:
- Twin Rooms with 2 twin beds
- Triple Rooms with 3 twin beds
Children of all ages are welcome, but cribs and extra beds aren’t available. Guests must inform the property of their arrival time in advance.
Check-in and Check-out
Guests can check in at the Resort Inn Marion Shinano from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. At check-in, guests must present a photo ID and credit card. Check-out is from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
| Check-in Time | Check-out Time | ID Required | Credit Card Required | Arrival Time Notification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The hotel adheres to strict safety measures in response to COVID-19 to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests.
Cancellation Policies
The cancellation policies at Resort Inn Marion Shinano vary depending on the accommodation type booked.
For Japanese-Style Rooms, guests can cancel up to 7 days prior to arrival without penalty. For Twin and Triple Rooms, cancellations made within 7 days of arrival may incur a fee equivalent to the first night’s stay.
The hotel adheres to the following cancellation guidelines:
- Japanese-Style Rooms: Free cancellation up to 7 days before arrival.
- Twin and Triple Rooms: Cancellations within 7 days of arrival may incur a 1-night fee.
- All room types: No-shows or same-day cancellations are subject to the full reservation cost.
These policies help ensure the hotel can effectively manage bookings and accommodate guest requests.
Pets and Tattoos
Are pets allowed at Resort Inn Marion Shinano? No, the hotel doesn’t permit pets on the premises.
Plus, guests with visible tattoos may face restrictions when using the public onsen (hot spring bath) at the hotel. The property adheres to strict policies regarding tattoos, as they’re considered taboo in traditional Japanese culture.
While the hotel strives to accommodate all guests, it must enforce these rules to comply with local customs and ensure a comfortable stay for everyone.
Guests are advised to check the hotel’s policies prior to their arrival to avoid any issues during their stay.
COVID-19 Safety Measures
To ensure the safety of all guests, Resort Inn Marion Shinano consistently adheres to COVID-19 protocols.
The hotel has implemented the following measures:
- Mandatory mask-wearing in all public areas.
- Frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces and common spaces.
- Contactless check-in and check-out procedures to minimize interactions.
Plus, the hotel closely monitors the latest government guidelines and adjusts its policies accordingly to provide a safe and comfortable stay for all visitors.
These safety measures are in place to protect both guests and staff during the ongoing pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Spa or Wellness Center at the Hotel?
The hotel offers a public hot spring bath (onsen) on the top floor, providing guests with access to a traditional Japanese wellness experience. However, it does not have a dedicated spa or wellness center on-site.
What Are the Nearby Attractions or Activities Besides Skiing?
The hotel is near Hakuba Cortina Ski Area and Happo One Ski Resort, but there’s no mention of additional nearby attractions or activities besides skiing. The focus seems to be on the hotel’s proximity to ski areas.
Does the Hotel Offer Transportation Services to Nearby Ski Areas?
The hotel provides shuttle service to nearby ski areas like Hakuba Cortina Ski Area and Happo One Ski Resort, though there may be additional charges for this service. The hotel’s location also allows guests to easily walk to the nearby Tsugaike Kogen Ski Area.
Can Guests Store Their Ski/Snowboard Equipment at the Hotel?
The hotel provides ski equipment rental and storage for guests, allowing them to conveniently store their ski and snowboard gear during their stay. This on-site facility helps make the skiing experience more seamless.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Policies for Children at the Hotel?
The hotel welcomes children of all ages, but doesn’t provide cribs or extra beds. Guests must inform the property of their arrival time in advance as there are no age restrictions or special policies for children.
The Sum Up
The Resort Inn Marion Shinano offers a premier ski-in/ski-out experience in the heart of Nagano’s winter wonderland. With its convenient location, diverse amenities, and exceptional service, the inn promises a memorable alpine getaway for both romantic couples and families. Whether you’re seeking comfort, relaxation, or adventure, this remarkable resort delivers an unparalleled blend of modern conveniences and traditional Japanese hospitality.
