Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa

Kemerosotan tandas dan bilik mandi di dalam bilik agak teruk. Saya tidak kisah dengan keadaan bilik yang usang, seperti retak pada tab mandi dan lantai bilik air yang tenggelam, tetapi saya rasa jika saya membetulkannya, saya masih boleh hidup. Sungguh memalukan kerana kakitangannya sangat baik dan makanannya lazat. Bagaimana dengan memikirkan tahun baru tahun depan juga?

This hotel has stunning views the moment you walk into the main hall reception, you can see the massive lake. The room I was staying also had a stunning view of the lake. The onsen spa is also very good because there are 5 different types of hot spa (hot jacuzzi, bubble hot jacuzzi, an outdoor jacuzzi and two slightly warmer onsen. There’s a sauna and a cold bath. All were very refreshing. That’s about all the positives I can give. Now the disappointment, the buffet spread is large and was in a large banquet hall. It felt like a school hall eating place. The actual quality of the food wasn’t that good. Some dishes like the fish salmon had a fishy taste and stale, they served beef steak but it wasn’t that good. This hotel operates with large tour groups and I felt like the staff treated all foreign guest ( in the catering side ) poorly. They would serve croissant and butter and jam but they don’t have knifes. I requested for a butter knife and the manager (older guy) just stared and told me to use the forks or spoon to spread butter in it. If you’re having dinner and the buffet ends at 9am, even if you’re about to take a dessert at 9am or a minute after, the manager will stand next to you and stop you. This hotel provides you with an old fashion giant key instead of a key card. Only one key is provided, so if you’re going for a spa with your wife, you would have to time it on when to leave the spa area. I misplaced my keys but found it. I requested for a spare key and the reception told me to pay ¥10,000! If you’re used to modern hotels that provide you with modern amenities and plugs for all your devices and nice soft pillows with large TV, then this is not the hotel. But if you’re just going for a nights stay and experience the onsen, then go for it. (Beware…no towels are provided at the onsen)

For a visit to Noboribetsu Onsen, staying overnight at Lake Toya is a better option. Although I hesitated due to reviews mentioning old rooms, I found it good enough for a comfortable sleep. With breathtaking views from the room, exceptional onsen facilities, a variety of delicious food options, and delightful fireworks at night, I'm 100% coming back and wholeheartedly recommending it to my friends.