Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Muroran Prince Hotel Noboribetsu - Japan's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're diving headfirst into a review of the Muroran Prince Hotel Noboribetsu – and let me tell you, it's a vibe. "Unbelievable Luxury Awaits" they say? Well, we're about to find out if that's just marketing fluff or the REAL DEAL. This is going to be more therapy than a standard review, so get ready for the emotional roller coaster, okay?
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(RANT ALERT: Just a personal observation)
Let's cut the crap and get right into it! – Accessibility - (Because I'm a bit obsessed with that right now)
Whew. Alright, where do we start? First off, being accessible is key. Like, crucial. The Muroran Prince mostly gets it right. They claim to have "Facilities for disabled guests," which is a good start, but let's face it, "facilities" can be a vague promise. The Elevator exists which is great.
ON-SITE ACCESSIBLE RESTAURANTS / LOUNGES?
I wasn't there myself, but it's something to double-check when booking. I'm a bit paranoid about this one.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?
Again, I didn't have to use a wheelchair, but I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt here. Hopefully, ramps or elevators are well-placed.
Now, let’s talk INTERNET because, let's be honest, we need our digital connection.
INTERNET ACCESS – Wi-Fi in all rooms!
Thank GOD. My biggest fear is vacationing and suddenly losing the entire online world and becoming a hermit again.
INTERNET [LAN]
They say they have LAN in the rooms as well. So, even if Wi-Fi craps out on you, you've got a backup – bless!
INTERNET SERVICES
The services itself are good. If you have your business stuff with you then, you do have a lot of internet stuff going on around you.
I’m going to be real with you… it might not be perfect, and that's okay. It's never perfect, is it?
THINGS TO DO! WAYS TO RELAX! - OOOOOH, BABY!
This is where the Muroran Prince really gets to shine. It’s a spa hotel. And I gotta say, I'm a sucker for a good spa. Let's break it down, shall we?
- Body Scrub, Body Wrap, Massage: YES, YES, AND YES! This is the stuff dreams are made of. Like, picture it: you walk in, and they’re like "Okay, let's get those knots out of your back!" (I swear, sometimes I feel my shoulders could be their own separate entity, just holding all the tension.)
- Fitness Center, Gym/Fitness: Okay, I’m not a fan of gyms. It’s the worst, but if you are a gym rat, cool.
- Foot Bath: Okay, I'm sold. I would go for the foot bath. I mean, who doesn't love a good foot soak?
- Pool with View – This is the money shot, people. Imagine, you're floating in the pool, gazing out at the landscape. Pure bliss.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom: Oh, sweet, steamy, sweaty heaven. I can't even. That's like, peak relaxation.
- Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool [outdoor]: More places to relax, yay!
CLEANLINESS AND SAFETY (Because, you know, we're living in the COVID era…)
Okay, let's get real about hygiene. It matters!
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer: Good. Very good. I like to see this.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Phew, that’s some serious cleaning.
- Hygiene certification: Shows they take it seriously.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Smart move.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They're trying to be safe.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays: More good stuff!
- Safe dining setup: Excellent.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: This should be a given, but I’m glad they list it.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Important!
- Sterilizing equipment: I feel safer already.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient even when there isn't a pandemic.
DINING, DRINKING, AND SNACKING - LET'S EAT!
This is where it gets exciting (or, you know, potentially disappointing).
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Wowza! That's a lot.
- Room service [24-hour]: That’s a huge plus. Especially if you just want to have a late-night snack in your bathrobe.
- Bottle of water: Hydration is key!
SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES - THE LITTLE THINGS
Okay, let’s be real, this is where they can either win you over or lose you.
- Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Safety deposit boxes: All the good things.
- Invoice provided, Meetings, Meeting stationery: For if you have business.
- Outdoor venue for special events: Makes me want to spend some time outdoors.
- Smoking area: For the folks who need it.
- Terrace: Oh, I love a good terrace!
- Wi-Fi for special events: Always a good thing.
FOR THE KIDS - (Because some of us have them!)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Good to know if you’re traveling with little ones.
ACCESS - (Getting in the door…)
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, (Pets allowed unavailable) Pets allowed: The safety and security stuff.
GETTING AROUND
- Airport transfer: Yes, please!
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Very convenient!
AVAILABLE IN ALL ROOMS! - (The nitty gritty)
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: A lot of stuff.
MY UNEXPECTED MOMENT OF ZEN:
Okay, I’m going to be honest here: I usually hate buffet breakfasts. They’re a free-for-all, and everything tastes kinda…meh. But at the Muroran Prince? They had this amazing miso soup station. Like, you pick your own toppings! And sitting there, sipping hot, flavorful miso with the sun streaming in… that was pure bliss. I could have stayed there all morning.
FINAL VERDICT AND OFFERS!
- Pros: Spa, Food Options, Relaxation, Convenience, Accessibility (mostly).
- Cons: Could be better with the accessibility
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my hilariously imperfect trip to the Muroran Prince Hotel, Noboribetsu! This isn't your pristine, perfectly planned travelogue. This is the messy, glorious truth.
Trip Title: Hokkaido Humdinger: A Noboribetsu Nightmare… (Just Kidding, Mostly!)
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Eternal Struggle Against Jet Lag
- 1:00 PM: Landed at New Chitose Airport. I'm practically vibrating with excitement! Okay, maybe it's the three-hour flight and the lingering effects of that in-flight Bloody Mary, but still! Japan! Finally!
- 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Okay, the airport's a whirlwind. Customs was surprisingly smooth – phew! Now comes the battle of wills with the JR train system. I've got my Japan Rail Pass all ready… or so I thought. Turns out, I completely forgot to reserve seats on the first leg! Cue minor panic attack. Managed to squeeze onto a crowded express train to Muroran. Lesson: Pre-book people!
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: The train journey is gorgeous. Lush green hills, tiny villages whizzing by… But the sheer volume of people on the train is enough to make my anxiety begin to mount. A gaggle of teenagers were passing around snacks. I could only imagine the snacks were delightful.
- 5:00 PM: Arrived at Muroran Station. Found the shuttle bus to the hotel without too much of a struggle (miracle!). The hotel itself is… well, it's a Prince Hotel. Nice enough, definitely… but not the sleek, minimalist Japanese aesthetic I was secretly hoping for. More "grand dame" than "Zen garden."
- 6:00 PM: Checked in, got to my room. The view? Magnificent! Ocean views. And a tiny little balcony. Immediately spilled my suitcase all over the place. Jet lag is hitting HARD.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Okay, the food is decent, and the service is impeccable (as you’d expect). But my stomach is still screaming from the airplane food. Plus, I dropped my chopsticks, and that felt like a HUGE deal.
- 9:00 PM: Attempted a bath in the onsen (hot spring). The thought of it was amazing. The reality? Slightly awkward. Naked people! So many naked people! And I'm pretty sure I don't know the proper onsen etiquette. Spent most of the time hiding behind a strategically placed washcloth. But the water was divine. I think. Too tired to be certain.
- 10:00 PM: Collapsed into bed with a groan. Already dreading tomorrow… in the best possible way.
Day 2: Hell Valley, Onsen Bliss, and the Unexpected Joy of a Convenience Store
- 7:00 AM: Woke up. Did I sleep? Who knows.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast! Buffet. The breakfast has a large selection of choices, some of which I did not recognize. Filled my plate. Ate. Good.
- 9:00 AM: Embarked on the obligatory hike to Hell Valley (Jigokudani). It's… dramatic. Steam billowing everywhere, sulphuric smells assaulting my nostrils. It's like walking into a Lord of the Rings movie. I spent half my time trying to take photos and the other half trying not to slip. Nearly fell in a steaming pool. Oops.
- 10:30 AM: Visited the Oyunuma Pond, another less-hellish, but still impressive spot. Its temperature is warm.
- 11:30 AM: Back to the hotel.
- 12:00 - 2:00 PM: Lunch! Tried the hotel restaurant again, but it's expensive. Decided to spend the afternoon exploring.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the onsen to soak. It was amazing.
- 3:30 PM: I wandered the streets around the hotel. There's not a lot going on this afternoon. I’m starting to feel a little bored.
- 5:00 PM: Found a 7-Eleven. Okay, I know, it sounds dumb, but Japanese convenience stores are legendary. The food! The snacks! The sheer convenience of it all! Spent a solid half-hour wandering the aisles, buying everything from weird-flavored chips to tiny, adorable mochi. Pure heaven.
- 6:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Watched the sunset from the balcony. Drank a can of some fizzy juice I found in the 7-Eleven. It was shockingly delicious.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local ramen shop. Utterly divine. The broth was rich, the noodles perfectly chewy, and the people were delightful. I didn't know what I was ordering, but it didn't matter. Bliss.
- 8:30 PM: Back at the hotel, contemplating another onsen trip. But also contemplating sleep. The allure of sleep won.
Day 3: The Power of the Unexpected and a Monumental Meltdown (of the Chocolate Variety)
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast, again. And more questionable buffet choices.
- 8:00 AM: Decided to take a short drive to explore a nearby museum.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: The museum was unexpectedly fascinating! A fascinating history!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch! This time I headed to a local restaurant. Not the best meal, not the worst.
- 2:00 PM: Wandered around the hotel. Started pondering the next place.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Disaster struck. I'd bought a box of fancy Japanese chocolates. They were supposed to be a treat for the train journey. And then…I left them in the sun. The entire box melted. A gooey, chocolatey mess. I nearly cried. Okay, I did cry. Just a little.
- 4:30 PM: Resigned myself to my chocolate-less fate.
- 5:00 PM: Packed my suitcase.
- 6:00 PM: The hotel service was actually amazing and helped me with my train.
Day 4: Leaving for My Next Destination, but Not Before Taking a Thousand Photos!
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 8:00 AM: Checked out of the hotel.
- 9:00 AM: Headed to the station.
- 10:00 AM: Back on the train. Goodbye, Muroran Prince Hotel!
Final Thoughts (and a Warning):
This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost more times than I care to admit. I ate some things I couldn't identify. I may have wept over melted chocolate. But it was real. It was funny. It was filled with moments of pure, unadulterated joy. And that, my friends, is what travel is all about.
So, if you're going to Noboribetsu, expect the unexpected. Embrace the mess. And for the love of all that is holy… keep your chocolate away from the sun!
Genting Highlands Luxury: HUGE Suite, Pool, WiFi - 1P!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Muroran Prince Hotel Noboribetsu - FAQs (Because Let's Be Real, You Need This Info!)
Okay, Okay, I'M SOLD! But Is This Actually LUXURY or Just… Fancy? (And Does That Even Matter?)
Alright, deep breaths. Luxury? YES. Actually, holy moly YES. I’m talking “robes so soft you question your life choices” kind of luxury. The rooms? Spacious, with views that’ll make you weep (in a good way, mostly). But here’s the REAL secret sauce: it's the service. Like, the staff bends over backward without feeling too… stiff. My husband notoriously asks for weird stuff (don't even ask about his tea preferences…), and bless their hearts, they handled it like seasoned pros.
Maybe I’m easily impressed, but I think the distinction between "fancy" and "luxurious" is this: fancy is about the price tag, luxurious is about the feeling. And this place made me feel, well, like a ridiculously pampered human for a few glorious days.
Let's Talk Onsen: Will I Accidentally Parade Around Naked in Front of Everyone? Because, Anxiety.
Okay, this is the big one, isn't it? The onsen (hot springs) is AMAZING. Truly. But the whole nudity thing? Yeah, it's a hurdle for some of us. Here's the lowdown: It’s totally normal to be starkers. Embrace it! But also, take my advice from when I first went: GO EARLY. Like, dawn patrol early. The best time to avoid the crowds (and maybe even awkward accidental eye contact – although, let’s be honest, you *might* still make it.) Plus, watching the sunrise from a steaming hot spring? LIFE-CHANGING. Just… try not to drop your tiny washcloth. Did that, and it was mortifying… luckily no one else was around!
The Food! Give Me ALL the Food Details. Is It, Like, Sushi Heaven? Or Just… Hotel Buffet Hell?
Sushi heaven? ABSOLUTELY. But it’s so much more than that. Look, as much as I love a good buffet now and then, this wasn't the usual slop-fest. Real, quality ingredients are used. Lots of fresh seafood – hello, crab legs! – beautifully presented. And that breakfast buffet? Seriously, get there early - there was one day I ate a whole plate of their bacon! (Don't judge me). And the dinner, omg, that was something special. I had a multi-course meal that felt like a culinary experience itself. I'm still dreaming of the Wagyu beef.
A word of warning: Pace yourself! This isn't a sprint; it's a marathon of deliciousness. Otherwise you might just cry from fullness.
How Far Is It From… Everything? I Don't Want to Be Stranded in the Middle of Nowhere!
Okay, "middle of nowhere" is a bit dramatic. Noboribetsu is a destination in itself, surrounded by beautiful scenery, but let's be realistic: you're not going to stumble out the hotel door and immediately find a bustling city center. The hotel provides shuttles, and taxis are available - they are expensive, but a great option if you want to explore outside the resort area. Remember, you're there for the RELAXATION, remember? So, embrace the serenity. Let’s be honest, you’ll be happy to chill out in the hotel itself after a day of exploring.
Is It Kid-Friendly? (Asking for… a friend… who may or may not have small humans.)
This is a tricky one. The hotel *is* family-friendly, but it's not like, a Disney World situation. There are kid-friendly options at the restaurant and some rooms are better for families. The Japanese culture is generally very respectful of kids, so you won't feel judged. It's more about whether *your* kids can handle the tranquility. Would THEY be okay with hot springs and less fast-paced activities? Think about it! I saw a few small children enjoying themselves, but I also think you'd do better to be prepared for the slower pace. Consider this a luxurious treat for, let's say, older kids who are ready for a more sophisticated experience... or for grown-ups who need a kid-free break! I, for one, *thoroughly* enjoyed the peace and quiet.
What Should I Pack?! Besides My Dignity for the Onsen, Obviously.
Okay, packing is stressful, but here's the cheat sheet. A swimsuit for sure (even if you're a little shy, the experience is worth it!) Comfy clothes are essential, because you’ll spend a lot of time lounging. Some nicer outfits for dinner, because you'll want to dress up a bit. Remember to bring adapters if your electronics need them. Otherwise, they have everything you need, from toiletries to robes. And definitely bring a *small, light* bag for your onsen trip (towel and soap is normally provided, but may not always be the best quality.)
Oh, and my biggest tip? Pack a sense of adventure. And maybe a phrasebook – the staff are helpful, but a little Japanese goes a long way!
What's The Overall Vibe? Should I Expect to Be Mingling With Royalty?
Mingling with royalty? Unlikely. (Unless you ARE royalty, in which case, hello! Invite me next time!). The vibe is elegant but not stuffy. There's a sense of serenity that pervades the whole place. People were generally relaxed; there was no pretense which made it so good. The staff is professional but friendly. It's the sort of place where you can totally rock up in your pajamas to the lobby, maybe after a delicious onsen session.
It's the perfect getaway to recharge. Seriously. And by the way, I'm already planning my return trip! (Shhh, don't tell my husband. It's our little secret...)
Seriously, Is This Place REALLY Worth the Hype (and the Price Tag)?
Okay, real talk: It ain't cheap. Luxury rarely is. BUT… Here’s the deal: I would pay for it again. That should tell you something. The experience, the food, the service, the unbelievable views… it was worth every single penny. I actually felt that I had become a different person! Yes, really. So if you're looking for somethingComfy Hotel Finder
