Hilton Niseko Village {JPN}
Jan 9, 2015, 2:56 am
#93
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,208
Am doing preliminary planning for a late February visit.
Given the distance from the airport, I was thinking about going to Sapporo the night before in order to catch an early morning flight.
Any experiences with getting a late check-out to maximize skiing time? I'm Hilton Gold.
Also, in terms of lessons, any recommendations for a kid/beginner? Is the Kids Club at the Hilton the best option?
Thanks.
Given the distance from the airport, I was thinking about going to Sapporo the night before in order to catch an early morning flight.
Any experiences with getting a late check-out to maximize skiing time? I'm Hilton Gold.
Also, in terms of lessons, any recommendations for a kid/beginner? Is the Kids Club at the Hilton the best option?
Thanks.
Jan 9, 2015, 5:38 pm
#94
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Okinawa
Posts: 2,611
Late checkout shouldn't be a problem. As a gold I was offered a 4PM checkout despite leaving at 6AM for the airport.
Make sure you book reservations ahead of time. I think Hanazono (far from the Hilton and if you don't have a car not the easiest place to get to) has the best area for kids to learn/best instructors, but also NBS in Hirafu works too, but they are booked solid weeks in advance. Both allow online bookings. No experience with the Hilton lessons, but there is not much of an area to practice there. Greeleaf (just down the hill) and Annapuri, not far by driving both have decent places, but again Hanazono is the best in my limited experience.
Make sure you book reservations ahead of time. I think Hanazono (far from the Hilton and if you don't have a car not the easiest place to get to) has the best area for kids to learn/best instructors, but also NBS in Hirafu works too, but they are booked solid weeks in advance. Both allow online bookings. No experience with the Hilton lessons, but there is not much of an area to practice there. Greeleaf (just down the hill) and Annapuri, not far by driving both have decent places, but again Hanazono is the best in my limited experience.
Jan 13, 2015, 2:29 pm
#95
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,485
I've found the Hilton fine for lessons. There is a new kids/beginner area, and plenty of decent terrain. It is also convenient as it is right out the door, and there Are plenty of English speaking instructors.
Late checkout will depend on availability of rooms, I only got 1pm last week, which is the first time I've ever asked for it there as I mormaly take a midday bus.
HH gold and diamond seem essentially useless in this hotel, apart from the breakfast offerings. I think everyone now gets Internet and there is no lounge. Upgrades to anything but a "deluxe" room are rare.
Late checkout will depend on availability of rooms, I only got 1pm last week, which is the first time I've ever asked for it there as I mormaly take a midday bus.
HH gold and diamond seem essentially useless in this hotel, apart from the breakfast offerings. I think everyone now gets Internet and there is no lounge. Upgrades to anything but a "deluxe" room are rare.
Jan 19, 2015, 8:32 am
#96
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,208
Thanks The_Wrath_of_Khan and Cynicor!
I'm about to confirm lessons at the Hilton's snow school. Perhaps the other schools are better but the convenience of not having to take a shuttle bus before and after lessons outweighs the quality of the lessons (this time, at least).
Cynicor, did you night ski at Niseko Village? Do you recall if the beginners area was open at night?
Thanks again.
I'm about to confirm lessons at the Hilton's snow school. Perhaps the other schools are better but the convenience of not having to take a shuttle bus before and after lessons outweighs the quality of the lessons (this time, at least).
Cynicor, did you night ski at Niseko Village? Do you recall if the beginners area was open at night?
Thanks again.
Jan 19, 2015, 11:38 pm
#97
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,423
I've found the Hilton fine for lessons. There is a new kids/beginner area, and plenty of decent terrain. It is also convenient as it is right out the door, and there Are plenty of English speaking instructors.
Late checkout will depend on availability of rooms, I only got 1pm last week, which is the first time I've ever asked for it there as I mormaly take a midday bus.
HH gold and diamond seem essentially useless in this hotel, apart from the breakfast offerings. I think everyone now gets Internet and there is no lounge. Upgrades to anything but a "deluxe" room are rare.
Late checkout will depend on availability of rooms, I only got 1pm last week, which is the first time I've ever asked for it there as I mormaly take a midday bus.
HH gold and diamond seem essentially useless in this hotel, apart from the breakfast offerings. I think everyone now gets Internet and there is no lounge. Upgrades to anything but a "deluxe" room are rare.
Jan 22, 2015, 9:15 pm
#98
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: WSSS/RCTP
Programs: SQ KF, A3 Gold, CI Dynasty, UA MileagePlus, ANA AMC, HH Gold, M&C Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 317
Stayed there last december during the first week. Overnight snow resulted in half a metre of snow the next day morning.
Didn't receive any upgrades at check in. Staff informed me that the hotel was running full house and apologised profusely. Instead offered me a bottle of red wine and a fruit cake.
Thermostat in my room was kinda malfunctioning though. it got really warm in the middle of night even though i've set it at 20deg C.
Was offered a late check out of 4pm (even though they mentioned they're running full house?)
Oh and on the day of checking out, ran into some mainlanders.
We were queuing for the Niseko village shuttle bus to the train station and were behind this group of 10 mainlanders. By the time it was their turn to board, their were only 2 or 3 seats left. They then made a huge hoo haa about how they were also in the queue so why arent they allowed to board as a group. Bellboy explained the bus was no standing and they got more agitated and stood in front of the shuttle bus and refused to let the bus go or others to board the remaining seats.
Bellboy was at a loss and called for the Duty Manager to assist. DM explained that he'll arrange for 2 of Hilton's mini-bus (9-seater) to facilitate transportation but ask for their cooperation to allow the first minibus to take 5 passengers to a nearby village before bringing 4 of them to the train station. While the second minibus will that the remainder of their group and other hotel guests direct to the train station.
And again they made a big fuss over how they wanna go as a group. The DM was getting visibly angry and told them the minibus allows for only 9 passengers, he will not go against the law and endanger anybody's life to exceed that limit.
The mainlanders finally agreed to split into 2 groups and here comes the kicker. They started deciding who should go first. And when they were done with that, they starting arguing whose luggage should be brought to the train station first.
In the meantime, the DM apologised to the rest of us for the delay and asked us to board the 2 minibus first and if the mainlanders couldn't make up their mind, he'll send us off first.
Eventually they got themselves figured out. All these time they also kinda stood at the driveway and blocked the 2 minibuses from moving off.
To give u guys an idea how long the entire fiasco last:
The original Niseko shuttle bus had already finished it's trip to the nearby villages and the train station and back at Hilton Niseko, picked up another batch of passengers and left again half a minute before our 2 minibus moved off.
There's a Chinese saying, "They like to block the Earth from spinning."
Didn't receive any upgrades at check in. Staff informed me that the hotel was running full house and apologised profusely. Instead offered me a bottle of red wine and a fruit cake.
Thermostat in my room was kinda malfunctioning though. it got really warm in the middle of night even though i've set it at 20deg C.
Was offered a late check out of 4pm (even though they mentioned they're running full house?)
Oh and on the day of checking out, ran into some mainlanders.
We were queuing for the Niseko village shuttle bus to the train station and were behind this group of 10 mainlanders. By the time it was their turn to board, their were only 2 or 3 seats left. They then made a huge hoo haa about how they were also in the queue so why arent they allowed to board as a group. Bellboy explained the bus was no standing and they got more agitated and stood in front of the shuttle bus and refused to let the bus go or others to board the remaining seats.
Bellboy was at a loss and called for the Duty Manager to assist. DM explained that he'll arrange for 2 of Hilton's mini-bus (9-seater) to facilitate transportation but ask for their cooperation to allow the first minibus to take 5 passengers to a nearby village before bringing 4 of them to the train station. While the second minibus will that the remainder of their group and other hotel guests direct to the train station.
And again they made a big fuss over how they wanna go as a group. The DM was getting visibly angry and told them the minibus allows for only 9 passengers, he will not go against the law and endanger anybody's life to exceed that limit.
The mainlanders finally agreed to split into 2 groups and here comes the kicker. They started deciding who should go first. And when they were done with that, they starting arguing whose luggage should be brought to the train station first.
In the meantime, the DM apologised to the rest of us for the delay and asked us to board the 2 minibus first and if the mainlanders couldn't make up their mind, he'll send us off first.
Eventually they got themselves figured out. All these time they also kinda stood at the driveway and blocked the 2 minibuses from moving off.
To give u guys an idea how long the entire fiasco last:
The original Niseko shuttle bus had already finished it's trip to the nearby villages and the train station and back at Hilton Niseko, picked up another batch of passengers and left again half a minute before our 2 minibus moved off.
There's a Chinese saying, "They like to block the Earth from spinning."
Jan 25, 2015, 3:46 am
#99
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,485
Stayed there last december during the first week. Overnight snow resulted in half a metre of snow the next day morning.
Didn't receive any upgrades at check in. Staff informed me that the hotel was running full house and apologised profusely. Instead offered me a bottle of red wine and a fruit cake.
Thermostat in my room was kinda malfunctioning though. it got really warm in the middle of night even though i've set it at 20deg C.
Was offered a late check out of 4pm (even though they mentioned they're running full house?)
Oh and on the day of checking out, ran into some mainlanders.
We were queuing for the Niseko village shuttle bus to the train station and were behind this group of 10 mainlanders. By the time it was their turn to board, their were only 2 or 3 seats left. They then made a huge hoo haa about how they were also in the queue so why arent they allowed to board as a group. Bellboy explained the bus was no standing and they got more agitated and stood in front of the shuttle bus and refused to let the bus go or others to board the remaining seats.
Bellboy was at a loss and called for the Duty Manager to assist. DM explained that he'll arrange for 2 of Hilton's mini-bus (9-seater) to facilitate transportation but ask for their cooperation to allow the first minibus to take 5 passengers to a nearby village before bringing 4 of them to the train station. While the second minibus will that the remainder of their group and other hotel guests direct to the train station.
And again they made a big fuss over how they wanna go as a group. The DM was getting visibly angry and told them the minibus allows for only 9 passengers, he will not go against the law and endanger anybody's life to exceed that limit.
The mainlanders finally agreed to split into 2 groups and here comes the kicker. They started deciding who should go first. And when they were done with that, they starting arguing whose luggage should be brought to the train station first.
In the meantime, the DM apologised to the rest of us for the delay and asked us to board the 2 minibus first and if the mainlanders couldn't make up their mind, he'll send us off first.
Eventually they got themselves figured out. All these time they also kinda stood at the driveway and blocked the 2 minibuses from moving off.
To give u guys an idea how long the entire fiasco last:
The original Niseko shuttle bus had already finished it's trip to the nearby villages and the train station and back at Hilton Niseko, picked up another batch of passengers and left again half a minute before our 2 minibus moved off.
There's a Chinese saying, "They like to block the Earth from spinning."
Didn't receive any upgrades at check in. Staff informed me that the hotel was running full house and apologised profusely. Instead offered me a bottle of red wine and a fruit cake.
Thermostat in my room was kinda malfunctioning though. it got really warm in the middle of night even though i've set it at 20deg C.
Was offered a late check out of 4pm (even though they mentioned they're running full house?)
Oh and on the day of checking out, ran into some mainlanders.
We were queuing for the Niseko village shuttle bus to the train station and were behind this group of 10 mainlanders. By the time it was their turn to board, their were only 2 or 3 seats left. They then made a huge hoo haa about how they were also in the queue so why arent they allowed to board as a group. Bellboy explained the bus was no standing and they got more agitated and stood in front of the shuttle bus and refused to let the bus go or others to board the remaining seats.
Bellboy was at a loss and called for the Duty Manager to assist. DM explained that he'll arrange for 2 of Hilton's mini-bus (9-seater) to facilitate transportation but ask for their cooperation to allow the first minibus to take 5 passengers to a nearby village before bringing 4 of them to the train station. While the second minibus will that the remainder of their group and other hotel guests direct to the train station.
And again they made a big fuss over how they wanna go as a group. The DM was getting visibly angry and told them the minibus allows for only 9 passengers, he will not go against the law and endanger anybody's life to exceed that limit.
The mainlanders finally agreed to split into 2 groups and here comes the kicker. They started deciding who should go first. And when they were done with that, they starting arguing whose luggage should be brought to the train station first.
In the meantime, the DM apologised to the rest of us for the delay and asked us to board the 2 minibus first and if the mainlanders couldn't make up their mind, he'll send us off first.
Eventually they got themselves figured out. All these time they also kinda stood at the driveway and blocked the 2 minibuses from moving off.
To give u guys an idea how long the entire fiasco last:
The original Niseko shuttle bus had already finished it's trip to the nearby villages and the train station and back at Hilton Niseko, picked up another batch of passengers and left again half a minute before our 2 minibus moved off.
There's a Chinese saying, "They like to block the Earth from spinning."
Would never let the mainlanders thing happen to my bus, at 6 ft, and a rock climber, one of them would be on the floor very quickly.
Jan 27, 2015, 9:58 pm
#100
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,423
Always hot at this hotel, I always open the windows and use the bath towels to mop up all the condensation.
Feb 18, 2015, 11:59 am
#101
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Staying here in a couple weeks as a Hilton Silver on C+P (Twin Regular room). I've been offered an upgrade to the Twin Hilton Mount Yotei view for 1000Y/night or Twin Deluxe for 2000Y/night. For those that have stayed here - is this worth it (keeping in mind I'm paying ~4700Y/night on C+P)
Feb 18, 2015, 11:16 pm
#102
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,423
Staying here in a couple weeks as a Hilton Silver on C+P (Twin Regular room). I've been offered an upgrade to the Twin Hilton Mount Yotei view for 1000Y/night or Twin Deluxe for 2000Y/night. For those that have stayed here - is this worth it (keeping in mind I'm paying ~4700Y/night on C+P)
Feb 19, 2015, 9:28 am
#103
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Also for those of you who took the Chuo Bus (and took advantage of the 5800Y deal) to the Hilton from CTS - did you contact the hotel concierge to set it up? I emailed them a couple days ago and haven't heard back and my arrival is relatively soon (within the next 2 weeks).
Last edited by Duke787; Feb 19, 2015 at 11:19 am
Feb 21, 2015, 6:59 pm
#104
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Laguna Beach, CA
Programs: SPG Gold, HHonors Gold, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 363
Anyone have experience sending luggage ahead to this property? I have a trip coming up and will spend 5 days in Tokyo and Kyoto before traveling up to Niseko. I'd like to send one of our bags to Niseko once we arrive in Tokyo (preferably from the airport, but we land late and might do it from the hotel in Tokyo instead). However, the bags will likely get there 3-5 days before we do.
I e-mailed the hotel a couple days ago but haven't gotten a response yet. Just wondering if it's possible before I try more ways to get a hold of someone to confirm.
I e-mailed the hotel a couple days ago but haven't gotten a response yet. Just wondering if it's possible before I try more ways to get a hold of someone to confirm.
