We traveled with Gate 1 group so we didn't pick the resort, the location is outside of the city but it didn't create any inconvienance for us since we had our tour bus. The resort was a little complicated to get around, if you like to experience the onsen bath (who would miss it anyway?) a long walk from your room and you have to change the elavator.The day we arrived, they did the check-in on the bus, which is quite efficient, but did have to waite for a while (15-20 minutes) for the elevator since one is not working. The room was comfortable, clean, and nice size with a good view of the town. The yukata was provided for the onsen bath. Diner wasn't provided by Gate 1, but we have some local delicacies brought back from town, it took care of it. You can make tea or coffee in the room. Breakfast was edequate and delicious, mostly Japanese style. The courtyard and the decoration are quite zen and pretty. The staff was very friendly. Overall it was a very refreshing stay.…
Way out of town. Too large for individuals, mainly geared for tour groups. To get to our room we had to walk quite a bit and change elevators and buildings when needed to go to a food outlet. One of the restaurants had seating on the floor however since we are older and can't sit on the floor, we asked to be served at a table they had in the area but refused. Even though the table and chairs were right there they would not allow it. We ended up eating in their expensive place which was not worth the expense and the service was extremely slow although it was mostly empty. I would not recommend the hotel for individual stays. Judging by the number of buses in the parking lot, it mainly caters to groups.
Was part of a Gate 1 tour. Room was large with two beds. Beds & pillows were comfortable. My room had a great view of the mountains. Room was clean with a mini fridge, safe, ice on each floor. Shampoo, conditioner & body wash is provided. No body lotion so bring your own. (This is true in most of the hotels in Japan). No bottled water in the room.There is a Yukata robe and slippers to wear to the onsen (thermal bath). Internet was very spotty. Breakfast was ok with American dishes - eggs, pancakes and Asian choices. There is a shuttle bus that will take you into town and pick you up. Check the schedule. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Great gift shop.
The Associa Takayama resort is a family modern hotel with a hot springs bath facility they call a spa. (Don't expect massage or other body services). It's a large hotel that accommodated 6-7 tour buses each of the two days we were these. Check-in was courteous and easy. We had a room in the Alps wing (recommended) with a very nice view of the valley. The room was of adequate size with 2 twin beds, ensuite bathroom, TV, safe, and extra heater. They provide robes and sandals in the event you take advantage of the spa. Breakfast was very good with a nice mix of American and Japanese cuisine. The drawback is that its location is a few miles from town and taxi cab rides to and fro can be expensive. That said, they offer a shuttle between the hotel and train station that runs about every hour. The train station is about a 10 minute walk to the old town area. I think of this hotel as good value for the money.…
Like a lot of the reviews, we will not revisit this hotel. It is very dated and too far out of town. It was obviously built for large tour groups which they do a good trade in. However, it is not a nice hotel for families or couples. There seems to be a problem with air ventilation as everywhere in the hotel is very stuffy. Nice enough staff but they seem like they've been weathered by lots of large groups.
The hotel is nicely situated a little bit outside of Takayama. We traveled with the JR rail pass and were arriving with the train. We were not aware, that the hotel had a shuttle bus and didn’t know until what time it was running so we had to take a taxi from the railway station. Rooms were okay, except that there were carpets in the whole room expect shower. Breakfast was average and dinner in the small restaurant was good. As we used breakfast to organise our day we were depending on Wi-Fi, which was not available in Breakfast room nor in the dinner room. The dinner restaurant was next to the spa.
Hard to call this between a 2 and 3, went with a 2 as didn’t. really enjoy the two nights there. Not due to poor service, due to a lack of amenities and location. They seem very efficient for coach parties, there were about five coaches there when we stayed. The service was good, when we asked questions staff were able to help, including a room move when we had no view. It’s clean. The hotel is out of town, and although there is an hourly shuttle bus it takes more effort to plan. There doesn’t seem any thing around the hotel. The decoration is an odd 1970 vibe, the bar isn’t opened and there was no mini bar in the room, and v little option to eat when we arrived in the middle of the afternoon and what there was took ages to arrive. Leave it to the coach parties and stay in town.…
I think if there was a 3.5 star rating available I’d give that. The good - the hotel has great views and is clean and the staff are helpful and reasonably proficient in English. If you like Onsens, the one in this hotel is better than one we visited in a more traditional Japanese hotel. The bad - the rooms are very dated and have an odd 1970’s vibe. The hotel is huge and a bit characterless and I think used a lot by large tour groups. We didn’t eat there in the evenings but the breakfast was fine. All in all, I wouldn’t seek this hotel out if returning to the area but I can’t point to major faults. I don’t know what the cost was as it was part of an overall package but it would need to be not top end in pricing good.
We really enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Associa. The rooms were the largest we had in Japan, with big windows offering a panoramic view over the area and hills beyond. Comfortable beds and seating area. Breakfast decent and had a nice reasonably priced meal in the restaurant in the spa area. Onsens were very nice, with yukatas provided in the room. We were aware of its location out of town but we had a car and appreciated the space and outlook after hectic Tokyo. We saw some coaches in the car park but didn’t see any tour groups.
Huge room. Large beds. All rooms have unobstructed view of the town. There is a well designed passageway leading to the hot spring area. The experience would be even better if there are more natural elements surrounding the pool. Now it seems I am enjoying the bath in a modern building. Not entirely free from hustle and bustle. Bathroom is clean and up to Japanese standard. But the floor tiles are a bit cliche. The lobby is quite grand.Very warm staff who waved us goodbye until our vehicle was out of their sight. No gym. Dinner is like a feast. Breakfast is a japanese and western buffet. The half boiled eggs are superb in taste. The locally produced milk is sweet and fresh. Air ventilation is an issue. The room is a bit muggy.
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