Globalist here. Booked the stay before the category change to 8.
I just checked in after a quick stay at Chalet Ivy Jozankei (Highly recommended, especially if you can score a points reservation!)
When I pulled up in my rental car, the attendant checked my name. I wasn't offered the underground parking perk and was actually told I have to pay extra for parking underground, I just shrugged.
Good to know about the Happy Hour - it wasn't mentioned during check-in. But it does seem like a good deal. Thanks for sharing that!
I too applied my TSU (another screwed up process), and when checked in I too was told that globalist suites does not give access to the ones with onsen anymore and the hotel is currently sold out so there isn't any onsen suites available for upgrade with cash either.
The non-onsen suite I got is actually quite nice, definately PH level! Staff has been friendly so far, although the service level isn't what I expected compare to other PH in Japan. Hopefully they'd gradually improve in the future once the overcome the staffing shortages.
Originally Posted by
ARLT
I applied a TSU and no further upgrades were available even tho occupancy was low. The days of getting a private onsen is in the past. The suite was very nice with a separate living and dining room, but we got a parking lot view. Next time I would ask for at least a mountain view, but they seem tight now.
Globalist members get free parking underground which is a godsend when it's snowing. Cleaning your car every time gets old fast. They also mentioned points stays also get free parking, but might be lost in translation. Probably want to double check.
There is a 3 night min stay so you might not get search results for less than that.
The newish Hanazono lifts and Gondola are super nice and better than anything at the other niseko resorts. The edge is a nice facility with free wifi.
There were minor service issues not worth mentioning, but I would expect them to be ironed out for a PH. Most of the workers were foreign and had just arrived due to the new border rules. No issues communicating in English or Chinese.
The food at the lounge, Italian and shabu places were all solid. However, there's not much around off site unless you drive 15 mins to hirafu. The happy hour is a great deal.
Breakfast was great as stated above. Pool is heated and there are 3 hot tubs also available. Onsen is not big and the sauna is cramped, but given the low room count, it may not be a problem? Too bad there's no outdoor area. The gym is a fairly standard selection of machines and dumbbells, but they do have a Smith machine.
Two minor complaints. 1) I wish there were more public bathrooms. You have to walk to the restaurant area from the front for the first bathroom. 2) They could have been more festive for the holidays. Aside from the gingerbread house, no signs of Christmas.
Great addition to the Hyatt portfolio and we plan on returning every year.