Le Grand Kyu Karuizawa

Wow, where do I even start? This hotel exceeded almost every single expectation that we had and was definitely a highlight of our trip. From the moment we stepped into the lobby for check-in, we were made to feel so welcomed by the friendly staff. Nothing was ever too much trouble for them and service was very personal with a smile (behind the mask). Need directions? Check. Need an umbrella? Check. Need a taxi? Check. They even served welcome drinks to my parents who were just stopping by on the way to Nagano and were not guests. Such small gestures made us feel appreciated. The room was really huge and spacious, the pictures can't do it enough justice. We had a really comfortable sleep and wished we had booked it for another day. The centerpiece bathtub was really inviting and for the shy ones, there are blinds that can be lowered to block the views from the room. Breakfast was fantastic with a nice range of Western/Jap choices and we really enjoyed it. The spa/bath on the 3rd floor is a real treat and it's always nice to be able to soak in it after a long day out. Maybe it happened to be a Monday but I was the only one there and had both the indoor and outdoor bath area all to myself, talk about being lucky! Thank you Le Grand for such a wonderful stay in Karuizawa, would love to be back in the future!

The hotel location was kind of perfect. Walkable to the train station and Lake and Old town (without luggage), situated basically right in the middle of the main street. It's opposite a couple of bus stops and the main tourist information area. The staff were amazing, took care of everything and did such a good job trying to manage English. Some translation with Google was needed but it didn't damage the experience. The staff even helped to print some train schedules and local restaurant recommendations for us! They lent us an Umbrella on the day of rain, too. Even ordered us a Pizza when we were too late for dinner. The main concierge seemed genuinely interested to hear about our Volcano trek! The room was huge (compared to what we got for a similar price in Tokyo), with a luxury bathtub and a great shower and toilet. It had AppleTV (didn't use it, though) and a big flatscreen. There was a massage-in-room service and a small spa on the top floor. And if you go in the cold months a lovely real wood-log fireplace in the lounge. Breakfast was good, a wide selection from various Asian foods and some European. Good coffee.

Beautiful hotel entrance. Old style building. taxi drop off area is undercover and away from rain or traffic. Great location walking distance to train station south (10 min)and to shopping street north (7 min). Art museum nearby. Indoor and outdoor onsen very good. Our twin room has two queen size beds, comfortable. Great Japanese breakfast with view of snow scene outside.

My husband and I spent one night on Christmas day at Le Grand Kyu Karuizawa, a very classic and beautiful hotel. We stayed at Superior Double Room, very spacious, clean and modern with a big bathtub and a lovely shower area. Staff (both in reception and restaurant) are very friendly and helpful, and they speak English well. Spa on the top floor are clean and modern, has indoor and outdoor, though a bit compact. Buffet breakfast and Christmas dinner are both delicious. Only 10mins walk to Old Karuizawa Ginza Street. We enjoyed our stay very much.

A beautiful hotel with a warm sitting lounge with fireplace. The room is pretty, bed is comfortable. A balcony look out to the main road. It's about 30mins walk from the train station, or you can take a bus. Friendly staff helped us with the luggage transfer. Sumptuous breakfast in a nice restaurant.