The Niseko Ski Lodge - Higashiyama

TL;DR great staff, ok location, uncomfortable room. The staff were all extremely helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable of the local area with some great recommendations. It was a shame during our stay they weren't offering cooked breakfast or other meals due to staff shortage. My wife and I had a double room with private ensuite. The room itself was alright but two factors made it a very uncomfortable stay. First, the bed was a super soft mattress with an even softer foam topper. In all the hotels from springy motels in the US to rock firm beds in India, this was the most uncomfortable for me which came as quite a surprise. I don't know if I can fault the lodge for it, I'm sure someone loves their bed like that, but it really kept waking me up. Second, the radiator in our room had the heat cranked to maximum for our entire stay. We asked about this on the first day because walking in it was really stiflingly hot and the settings on the radiator didn't seem to do anything and we were told the heat is set for the entire lodge. We had to have a window open every night just for it to be a livable temperature in that room which is obviously a massive waste of energy and money and added to the discomfort trying to sleep. The location was alright. I would recommend you rent a car if you come to Niseko and stay at a lodge like this. There are truly only a few restaurants in walking distance, all but one lift requires a bus and buses come roughly once an hour and stop at 8pm. That's rough when most restaurants open at 6. We managed with the buses and it wasn't terrible but I wouldn't do it the same way again. If you have access to a car I think the location is very central and quite great.

We stayed two nights at Niseko ski lodge, and absolutely loved our time here. Great rooms, a cozy atmosphere and a very good & filling breakfast. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended!