This upscale mountain retreat in Nagano offers a slice of Japanese luxury with a modern twist. We found the views of Mount Asama breathtaking, and the hot spring bath was a real treat after a day of exploring. The free shuttle to Karuizawa station is handy, saving you the hassle of figuring out local transport.
While the food at the Michelin-starred restaurant was top-notch, we noticed the onsen hours were a bit limited. Also, if you’re looking for a traditional ryokan experience, this westernized hotel might not fit the bill.
That said, this resort is perfect for travelers who want comfort and amenities without sacrificing a taste of Japanese culture.
It’s ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway or families who appreciate spacious rooms and on-site facilities. If you’re a fan of outdoor activities with a cushy home base, you’ll find this spot hits the mark.
We included this hotel in our 26 favorite hotels in Karuizawa.
Good To Know
- Rated 8.5 out of 10 based on 282 reviews, the Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort offers Michelin-star dining, hot spring baths, and scenic views of Mount Asama.
- Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, spa and wellness center, on-site restaurant, bar, and free private parking with shuttle service to Karuizawa station.
- Room types range from Deluxe Double to Japanese-Style Junior Suites, all equipped with quality appliances, private bathrooms, and modern amenities.
- Guests can enjoy a variety of local flavors at the on-site restaurant, but must communicate dinner preferences 3 days prior to arrival.
- Flexible cancellation policies, with stricter terms for premium suites and last-minute bookings, ensure a smooth booking experience.
Hotel Overview
The Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort, located in Nagano, Japan, is a well-rated hotel that opened in August 2018.
Situated in the scenic Karuizawa area, the hotel has stunning views of Mount Asama.
With an 8.5 rating based on 282 reviews, the hotel is known for its Michelin-star restaurant, garden, bar, fitness and spa facilities, and hot spring bath.
The hotel’s convenient location, just 7.3 km from Karuizawa station, and its free shuttle service, make it an appealing choice for travelers.
Facility and Services
Complementing the hotel’s stunning natural setting, Le Grand Karuizawa boasts an impressive array of facilities and services that cater to the diverse needs of its guests.
The hotel offers free WiFi rated 9.7, an indoor swimming pool, and a rejuvenating spa and wellness center. Guests can savor local flavors at the on-site restaurant or unwind at the bar.
For added convenience, the hotel provides a free shuttle service to Karuizawa station, just 7.3 km away, and free private parking.
With a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and meeting/banquet facilities, Le Grand Karuizawa ensures a seamless and comfortable stay for all visitors.
Room Types and Amenities
Le Grand Karuizawa offers guests a range of room types to suit their preferences. Guests can choose from Deluxe Double Rooms, Premier Twin Rooms, Japanese-Style Junior Suites, and Suite options.
All rooms feature quality appliances, spacious layouts, private bathrooms, minibars, refrigerators, and toiletries. The rooms provide amenities such as air conditioning, desks, and TVs for a comfortable stay.
Children are welcome, though cots and extra beds aren’t available. Guests can expect clean and comfortable accommodations with ample space and modern conveniences to enhance their experience at the resort.
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Guests have largely praised Le Grand Karuizawa, awarding the hotel an impressive 8.5 rating out of 10 based on 282 reviews. They particularly commended the hotel’s staff, facilities, and cleanliness, with ratings of 8.8, 9.0, and 9.1, respectively. Comfort and value for money were also well-received, scoring 9.0 and 7.7, respectively.
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Staff | 8.8 |
| Facilities | 9.0 |
| Cleanliness | 9.1 |
| Comfort | 9.0 |
| Value | 7.7 |
Guests appreciated the hotel’s friendly staff, clean and spacious rooms, good breakfast, and onsen facilities, though some noted limited onsen hours.
Cancellation Policies
Cancellation policies at Le Grand Karuizawa vary by accommodation type. For most room types, guests can cancel or modify their reservations up to 5 days prior to arrival without penalty.
However, for premium suites and last-minute bookings, the hotel may apply stricter policies with higher cancellation fees. Guests are advised to review the specific terms when making their reservation.
The hotel emphasizes the importance of timely cancellations, as late cancellations or no-shows may result in charges for the full stay. Providing advance notice allows the hotel to offer the accommodations to other potential guests.
Clear communication about cancellation requirements helps ensure a smooth booking experience for all.
Dining Preferences
Along With the hotel’s cancellation policies, guests must also communicate their dinner preferences in advance. This ensures the hotel can accommodate dietary restrictions or special requests. The dinner service at Le Grand Karuizawa operates on a set schedule, and guests must check-in by 7:30 PM to dine. Late arrivals may not be served and will not receive a refund.
| Dinner Preferences | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Dietary Restrictions | 3 days prior to arrival |
| Allergies | 3 days prior to arrival |
| Vegetarian/Vegan | 3 days prior to arrival |
| Other Special Requests | 3 days prior to arrival |
Communicating dining needs in advance ensures a smooth and enjoyable culinary experience during your stay.
Check-in and Check-out
Checking in at Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort is a straightforward process, with front desk staff available from 3 PM to midnight to welcome guests.
The check-in time is from 3 PM, and guests must complete the process by 11 PM. Check-out time is until 11 AM, allowing ample time for a leisurely departure.
It’s important to note that the hotel enforces a strict 7:30 PM check-in deadline for dinner service, as late arrivals may not be able to dine on-site.
Guests are advised to plan their schedules accordingly to ensure they can fully enjoy the hotel’s dining options.
Additional Information
Guests must be mindful of certain policies and additional information when staying at Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort.
Dinner preferences must be communicated in advance, as guests who check in after 7:30 PM may not be able to dine and won’t receive any refunds.
Pets aren’t allowed on the premises.
The hotel offers free private parking and a shuttle service to Karuizawa station, 7.3 km away.
Check-in is from 3 PM to 12 AM, while check-out is until 11 AM.
Cancellation policies vary by accommodation type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Access the Onsen Facilities 24 Hours a Day?
The onsen facilities are not available 24 hours a day. Guests can access them during limited hours based on the hotel’s policy. Some guests noted the restricted onsen hours as a potential drawback during their stay.
Is There a Special Package for Honeymoon Couples?
The hotel doesn’t offer special honeymoon packages, but couples can enjoy the romantic setting, Michelin-star dining, and onsen facilities. It’s a great choice for a serene and relaxing getaway.
Do You Have Any Family-Friendly Activities On-Site?
The hotel offers several family-friendly activities on-site, including an indoor swimming pool, a spa and wellness center, and a restaurant that serves local ingredients. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s free shuttle service to nearby Karuizawa station.
Can I Request a Room With a View of Mount Asama?
Yes, guests can request a room with a view of Mount Asama. The hotel’s Deluxe Double Rooms and Japanese-Style Junior Suites often offer panoramic views of the iconic mountain, depending on availability.
What Are the Options for Vegetarian or Halal Dining?
The hotel offers vegetarian and halal menu options at its Michelin-star restaurant upon prior request. They’re happy to accommodate dietary needs with advance notice to ensure guests have an enjoyable dining experience.
The Sum Up
The Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort offers a luxurious retreat in the picturesque landscapes of Nagano, Japan. With breathtaking views, a Michelin-star restaurant, and rejuvenating spa facilities, the hotel provides an unparalleled experience that seamlessly blends Japanese hospitality with global standards of excellence. Whether seeking a relaxing getaway, a gastronomic adventure, or a wellness-focused escape, travelers are sure to have their expectations exceeded at this premier resort.