Mercure Urabandai Resort & Spa

I have stayed at many places like this in Japan. The concept is this: innovative operator takes over aging property and invests in upgrading the three key touchpoints - reception/lounge area + dining area + public bath. The rest is maintained at a bare minimum. I don't come to a place like this wandering the halls and stairwells looking for stained carpet or cracks in the walls. I want to eat well, soak in the hot springs, and relax in stylish surroundings. This place delivers. The bath is big and well designed. The lounge is nice, and the complementary drinks and snacks are well appreciated. The dining / breakfast area excellent, and I was quite surprised with the breakfast buffet - far surpassed my expectations. I will return next time to do more trekking, so this will be where I stay.

Amazing buffet for dinner and breakfast. We hadn’t ordered the half board in advance, but paid for the dinner buffet on site and it was well worth it. One of the best buffets we’ve seen in Japan so far, and it included a great selection of alcoholic drinks!

Breakfast was delicious and lots of kind foods !

Great location, friendly staff. Enjoyed daily welcome drinks. However the hotel needs a good refresh. Carpet in the hallways were worn and stained. Shower curtain in our room was very mouldy.