Wait, sorry, I didn't catch that before. Are you saying that the cypress bath tub in the Premium room doesn't use Onsen water? Is that confirmed?

The Club rooms in IC Beppu definitely use Onsen water for the bath on the balcony and so I thought was the case here at IC Appi Kogen. If it isn't that would definitely change my mind about paying up for a Premium room. It's like 30-40k JPY more per night than a Classic Mountain View and while also being double the size to be fair, the in room Onsen was the key "clincher".

That may change my mind a bit as IC Appi Kogen is a backup anyways vs. a stay in Hakodate at a modernish Ryokan that has a splendid in room Onsen bath and is even cheaper than the IC with two meals a day (stayed there before). Btw, very different locations - I know. Trip would be in Nov so no skiing in Appi Kogen (yet).

Anyways, I also noticed that this hotel definitely plays around with AMB FWNC never offering it for Fri - Sun (where the more expensive Sat night would be free as 2nd night), but rather only for Sat - Mon (where one pays the higher rate for Sat-Sun and gets lower Sun-Mon free). I mean sure, they only make one room available at that rate plan anyways (small hotel), but it's a bit cheeky.

Overall, we are still interested to visit, but seeing Raynyan great videos of the various room categories on YouTube, I found the 30ish sqm Classic Mountain View room appear small and especially not having much room for luggage and clothing except that small area at the entrance door.

1-category upgrade for AMB (Diamond) would be to the Classic Outdoor Living room I think (if granted), so similar size from the looks of it and my spouse would be comparing it to the IC Beppu Classic room that is twice the size and be disappointed I think . Ahh decisions, decisions.