Shigaichii Hotel

This older hotel has extremely helpful front desk staff who speak reasonably good English. You can buy discounted lift ticket vouchers at the front desk. Many rooms have views of the slopes. It is not ski-in, ski-out, but a one-block walk to the slopes. The bus from Nagano leaves from the bullet-train station and arrives next door to the hotel (Ichinose stop.) They offer ski rental on-site, but you can't see and select the equipment behind the desk - we used nearby Sno-Can which was affordable, good equipment, pick-your-own skis, and helpful staff. The independent restaurant in the building has exceptionally good smash burgers and fries, but only about 4 items on the menu. Pros Adorable retro comfy vibe (e.g. grandfather clock) Authentic Japanese hotel with Tatami mats and mattresses on the floor. Rooms are large. Bidet spray toilet with heated seat. Onsen (hot tub) in basement, separate men's and women's Included breakfast has a decent array of Western and Japanese items, though oddly no savory condiments for the rice bowls. Cute gift shop. Piano in lobby for guests to play. Toiletries smell very nice. Cons Elevator is tiny Toilet paper is single-ply unperforated (seems like a silly place to save money.) Included breakfast is in a large, unwelcoming, abnormally-bright florescent-lit basement room. Onsen (completely nude hot tub for about a dozen people)

The helpfulness and customer services are top notch! Staff was willing to help in any shape and form and were very kind. The room we stayed was spacious, and had everything we needed. Breakfast and dinner were lovely (buffet) with different options between Japanese meals vs western style meal. Burger bar at the entrance is also an option as well. The hotel is next to the ski area so it is very convenient. Great hotel overall

Professional staff, clean facilities and rooms. Clean bath ! Good option for buffet. Very accommodating to foreign travelers.