Nestled in the mountains of Beppu, his IHG property is a rarity for Western chain hotels. The main draw is the beautiful onsen and scenery of Beppu City while being high in the mountains removed from the chaos of the main city. 

Check In

We booked via FHR and also attached an IHG platinum member to the reservation. The hotel was quite empty in early June. We were greeted with welcome drinks and towels after the long journey from Oita airport. 

The hotel did upgrade us from the mountain/parking lot view to the most premium city view on the top floor. This was due to IHG platinum, as FHR would only upgrade us one level higher.

Room

We got a top-floor superior room with a city view. These rooms are aesthetic. Really reminds me of Park Hyatt and Ritz Kyoto. Stunning wooden features and LARGE bathrooms. You won't be disappointed even with a standard room.

We were on the mountainside of the resort, so if I were to come here again, I would request a room closer to the city/ocean side as it's closer to the lobby/restaurants. Either way, the view is spectacular. 

Service

The best feature of the hotel by far is the secluded and picture-perfect onsen overlooking Beppu City. The two baths change by gender every day, so a one night stay will be able to enjoy both baths on the first night, and the next morning. It's rare to get full unobstructed views of the town, mountains, and sea in one onsen. 

Speaker room with audiophile-grade speakers

Unfortunately, the bar was closed during our stay

Dining

Breakfast and dinner were in the main dining room. Breakfast is the full buffet, and they offer a la carte egg dishes as well. The orange juice was the best we've tasted in Japan. It's a special local variety. 

If you get a chance, request a patio-view seat 

FHR dinner was a little underwhelming. The pasta was just okay. We did a la carte from another reviewer's tip, but I would probably stick to the Asian dishes at this restaurant.

Location

This hotel is on a hill overlooking the city, so a car is recommended for exploring the town and traveling to nearby Yufuin onsen town as a day trip. The roads are quite windy, and the rain can make things difficult. The hotel is very close to the main tourist attraction in the city, the Beppu Hells tour, which is a self-guided tour of different onsen pools scattered through the city with different colors and scenery around them. 

Unfortunately, the sand onsen bath experience on the beach was closed for renovation, so if you are here, try to check if it's operating. 

Overall

This really is the best resort in the city. I highly recommend making the journey to Beppu and experiencing the best of Japanese culture and hospitality at this hotel.