OMG this is the place to stay. The location is fantastic, ski in ski out and walking distance to all the restaurants, ski shops, mini mart etc. The staff here are fantastic, so welcoming and nothing is too much trouble. We are well travelled and I would say The Vale is now on our list for our yearly holidays. It... More

we thought the Vale was a good hotel, mostly due to its brilliant location. very nice just to bob downi to the locker room, don the skis, and walk up a few steps, strait into the gentle family lift. deluxe room was big, and nice to have the kettle / toaster. Fridge facility.

After reading reviews I was dreading the service, but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. It was an efficient check in (the English lady was great who was working at the time) and service in the bar/restaurant was friendly and spot on the whole time we were there. To the point the staff remember our coffee and drink orders... More

We had a joint onset room as we were staying with family. The room was nice, although not luxurious by any standard. The staff at the hotel were nice, but I did notice that there seemed to be a lack of staff around which sometimes lead to extended waiting times for simple things like a coffee at the main bar.... More

Our group stayed in a 2BR without an onsen apartment. It comes with a fully equipped kitchen with microwave, oven, toaster, full size fridge, hot water boiler, rice cooker and all necessary utensils. Beds are small but Japan standard, all singles. Huge sofa, huge dining table with 8 chairs, a fireplace (requires you to call down to have them come... More

I think my title says it all. We just came back from a 3-night ski trip at the Vale in Niseko. The hotel location can't be beat! You can rent excellent ski equipment on the first floor of the property as well as store your boots & skis in private lockers on B1. The rooms are very nice, but for... More

We stayed here for five nights. We booked a Studio apartment, which was a bit too small, but the price increase to an apartment was too much. The room layout was good, small kitchenette (with convection oven/microwave, rice cooker, toaster & small fridge) Good size bathroom with a deep bath, which as a surprise.. Common Laundry for other Studio apartment.... More

I had really low expectations of the service here having read previous reviews, and, I wasn't disappointed. It was poor. With the exception of Imogen, a cheerful Brit who mans the reception desk. No one else really gives a stuff about you. It is not a hotel, even if you stretch your imagination. It's a bunch of well designed time-share... More

I understand both the bad and good reviews, however the travellers have to understand that Hirafu is ONLY a ski town and the Vale is not a "hotel" but "service apartment" (so I was told). The accommodation is pricy but it comes with a great ski-in ski-out location, in-house restaurant, onsen and a pool which no other accommodations can provide... More