Assessment: Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono

Throughout a spring ski journey to Niseko, I had the privilege of having fun with the primary two nights on the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, an opulent mountain resort located in Hokkaido, Japan.

The resort, which not too long ago opened its doorways in January 2020, is famend for its breathtaking panoramic views spanning the Annupuri ranges and Mount Yotei.

Certainly, my anticipation for this keep was notably excessive, particularly as I’d deliberate this journey alongside buddies and fellow journey creators: Jarvis from The Luxury Traveller, Albert from JetAlbert, and Manny from Flight Hacks.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Reserving

As a luxurious resort in a resort space, charges on the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono lean in direction of the upper finish. Given its prime location and standing as one of many few luxurious lodging within the space, this resort actually comes with costs to match.

An ordinary room on the resort begins at round ¥45,000 ($310 USD, $420 CAD), and the charges go up from there, simply doubling these figures through the peak winter ski season.

If you happen to dabble within the World of Hyatt loyalty program, this can be a great place to make use of your factors, relying on the going money charges.

The Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is a Class 8 property, which signifies that an ordinary room redemption prices 35,000, 40,000 or 45,000 World of Hyatt factors per evening, for off-peak, commonplace, and peak pricing, respectively. I managed to safe the off-peak charge of 35,000 World of Hyatt factors for my keep.

If you happen to’re reserving a money charge on the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, you should definitely get in contact with a journey advisor with entry to Hyatt Privé, Hyatt’s most well-liked associate program.

You’ll pay the identical because the publicly out there refundable charge, however you’ll get further perks akin to free breakfast, a $100 (USD) property credit score, a room improve, and extra.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Location

The Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is tucked into the woodland alongside the jap perimeter of the Niseko Hanazono Resort. The resort provides direct entry to the slopes, which is without doubt one of the key promoting options of the property within the winter months.

Adjoining to the property lies the Hanazono Golf Course, which is only a 10-minute stroll away.

Different standard points of interest, akin to Fukidashi Park and Mount Yotei, could be reached inside a 40-minute drive from the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono.

The resort is only a transient 10-minute drive from Kutchan Prepare Station, which is the primary railway station serving the Niseko space. It’s additionally the station at which you’d arrive when travelling from Sapporo New Chitose Airport or town of Sapporo.

Lastly, a perk that’s unique to Hyatt Globalist members staying on the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is a complimentary shuttle-bus service from Sapporo New Chitose Airport, which is an roughly two-and-a-half hour journey. 

The bus itself is luxuriously appointed, that includes snug seating and ample house, in addition to complimentary water. This can be a remarkably beneficiant perk for Globalist members, who can carry a visitor with them, particularly contemplating that transfers might in any other case be fairly expensive.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Test-in

We arrived at nightfall, and I used to be instantly shocked by how stunning the property is.

This is without doubt one of the solely resorts at Hanazono, the easternmost resort out of Niseko’s 4 ski hills, which might all be accessed with a Niseko United ski move. There are extra resorts being constructed round Hanazono for the longer term, however in the mean time, the Park Hyatt is like an unique snow bunker sheltered distant from the remainder of the motion.

The resort consists of 4 interconnected buildings, adorned with gray slated exteriors that elegantly meld into the rugged embrace of the mountainscape. The design boldly embraces a brand new period of modernity, breaking away from conventional alpine-inspired resorts.

Upon arrival, I used to be greeted by a cobblestone courtyard, which welcomed me into the minimalist entryway and hallways, exuding a sense of luxurious simplicity.

Stone partitions, Japanese-inspired patchwork carpets, and a fire supplied us a heat welcome amidst the snowy panorama.

Within the foyer lounge, there’s a lofty reception space, adorned in pure timbers and heat metals, in addition to sculptured ground lamps.

Throughout this specific keep, I used to be fairly motivated to safe an improve on account of my Globalist standing. Nevertheless, the resort was genuinely full because of the presence of a giant in-house group, making it finally unattainable for me to acquire any type of improve – even one providing a beneficial view.

Nevertheless, my good friend Albert, who was checking in subsequent to me, proved to be a larger drive to be reckoned with on the “suite-talking” entrance, assertively pushing and pushing till he secured a set ranging from the second evening onwards for his group’s three-night keep. I used to be extremely impressed along with his willpower!

Following the check-in course of, the entrance desk affiliate handed me the keys, and I proceeded to Room 628, positioned on the sixth ground.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – King Visitor Room

The visitor room hallways are minimalistic and warmly toned, and the smooth ceiling lights and wood accents collectively foster a really welcoming setting.

Instantly upon stepping inside, the King Visitor Room stands out as an especially spectacular base-level lodging. The color palette is smooth, combining neutrals with vibrant bursts of color, which leads to an opulent but extremely snug house.

Upon entry, the house seamlessly unfolds right into a eating space, that includes a darkish timber eating desk with seating for 4.

Ready on the eating desk was a modest amenity of some oranges supplied to Globalist members. Whereas considerably restricted, it’s nonetheless a considerate gesture.

Hooks and a slipper rack are thoughtfully positioned close to the doorway, offering a delegated spot for hanging ski gear, and to facilitate simple transitions all through the resort’s public areas.

To the appropriate, a mix minibar/pantry could be discovered, geared up with a Nespresso espresso maker, tea station, and water.

Persevering with deeper into the room, a comfortable seating space consists of a settee, armchair, ottoman, and aspect desk.

A shoji-inspired glass wall elegantly divides the eating space and front room from the bed room.

The bed room is sort of spacious, housing an opulent king mattress adorned with an opulent leather-based headboard. Positioned on the alternative wall is a flat-screen TV, whereas a generously upholstered bench spans the window.

Remarkably, the base-level rooms right here on the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono provide two full bogs, each geared up with showers – a nearly unparalleled luxurious. Certainly, this base room might simply be categorised as a junior suite at different resorts attributable to its dimension and format!

The primary rest room is actually beautiful, boasting darkish marble-clad interiors that completely complement the expansive LED mirrors, making a putting distinction.

The lavatory includes a double self-importance, adopted by a walk-in bathe hid behind a glass door to the appropriate. The bathe is provided with each a rain bathe and a handheld bathe wand.

Positioned immediately beneath a window throughout the bathe space is an opulent bathtub, including an additional contact of opulence to the house.

Moreover, there’s an expansive walk-in closet, with beautiful weathered gray wood partitions, offering ample space for storing.

The secondary rest room is in line with the room’s luxurious design. Whereas it’s fairly a bit smaller, it’s nonetheless well-appointed.

The Japanese-style bathrooms with automated covers is noteworthy – whereas not an ordinary throughout all Japanese resorts, the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono actually takes pleasure in providing this characteristic.

Total, the King Visitor Room presents a meticulously designed house with a refined and complicated ambiance. It boasts ample room and an air of class, making it a great selection.

Certainly, one of many room’s best strengths is that it might comfortably accommodate households of 4 with ease, ensuring each mother and father and kids have their very own distinct areas and full bogs.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Twin Visitor Room

I additionally took a tour of a few of the different room sorts out there on the property, beginning with the Twin Visitor Room.

The room options the identical elegant design because the King Visitor Room I stayed in.

The precise format varies barely; nonetheless, the Twin Visitor Room is in any other case the identical as King Visitor Room.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Signature Suite with Onsen

The Signature Suite with Onsen encompasses a formidable space of 1,750 sq. toes. These suites are located on the uppermost ground of Park Hyatt Niseko, providing incredible views of Mount Yotei.

Inside the suite, there’s a well-appointed front room, a completely geared up kitchen, and a generously sized eating space with seating for as much as six people.

The bed room options not one, however two expansive walk-in closets and a spacious ensuite, full with each a rain bathe and a bath.

Moreover, the Signature Suite features a pretty veranda and a non-public outside terrace with an outsized onsen.

For these on the lookout for more room, every Signature Suite provides the potential for connecting with a Mountain View Twin Room.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – King Studio Residence

The Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono has a number of residence items that present the choice of a extra apartment-like state of affairs on the property.

These residences are beautiful, with fashionable interiors which are a step above what yow will discover within the resort’s different rooms and suites.

The usual studio residences span about 375 to 430 sq. toes and are elegantly designed. These studio residences characteristic a separate inviting residing space with a kitchenette, luxurious bogs, and washer and dryer items.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Two-Bed room Residence with Onsen

The Two-Bed room Residence with Onsen presents a lavish setting, that includes two bedrooms spanning a formidable 1,500 sq. toes.

Inside the residence, a completely geared up kitchen connects to a well-appointed residing and eating space.

The first bed room includes a plush king mattress and an expansive walk-in closet.

Subsequent to the bed room, a non-public semi-open onsen is immediately accessible, positioned subsequent to floor-to-ceiling home windows providing prime views.

Moreover, there’s a non-public balcony that additionally provides beautiful views of the Niseko panorama.

Including to the performance, an in-unit washer and dryer additional enhances the comfort of this house.

These residences boast beautiful floor-to-ceiling views of Mount Yotei, simply loved from the semi-open air onsen and the non-public balcony.

All in all, the residences on the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono have stunning interiors and are extra appropriate for prolonged stays, because of the inclusion of washer and dryer items.

It’s vital to notice, nonetheless, that these residences aren’t eligible for reserving by World of Hyatt factors, nor are they out there for elite upgrades. As an alternative, a direct reserving is required, topic to availability.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Breakfast

The breakfast buffet at Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono provides a various and intensive array of meals choices. These choices are unfold throughout a number of stations located in numerous eating places, every of which has its personal devoted seating space.

For these eager about Japanese delicacies, the buffet contains quite a lot of choices akin to noodles, fried rice, dumplings, roasted salmon, and sashimi. Alternatively, in the event you favor a Western-style breakfast, you’ll discover basic staples like bacon, sausage, and hash browns.

Egg dishes can be found in numerous types, together with scrambled, hard-boiled, and fried eggs.

Lighter breakfast decisions are catered to with an assortment of cheeses, yogurt, cereals, and salads.

The chilly buffet additionally boasts an in depth number of desserts and pastries.

Households with youngsters may also make the most of the devoted children buffet.

Lastly, a generously stocked massive fridge offers quite a lot of drinks, together with smooth drinks, juice, and water.

A private favorite of mine is the choice of indulging in huge rice bowls, complemented by quite a lot of Japanese toppings – for instance, limitless ikura or salmon roe to go along with your rice.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Eating

The Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono has a formidable variety of eating amenities, with 11 eating places altogether.

On the primary evening, we dined at China Kitchen, a Chinese language restaurant located on the primary ground. This restaurant serves a formidable number of Chinese language delicacies, starting from Cantonese barbecue and dim sum to Sichuan scorching pot.

The next night, we headed to Robata, one other first-floor restaurant. 

Robata, which interprets to “close to the fireside” in Japanese, specializes within the artwork of robata-style grilling, specializing in seafood and native greens.

Led by the esteemed chef Koji Mitsukawa, Sushi Mitsukawa is famend for its meticulous preparation and complicated particulars. The restaurant has wonderful views of Mount Yotei and Niseko.

Whereas we supposed to go to Sushi Mitsukawa, our schedules didn’t align – this emphasizes the significance of creating reservations to your most well-liked eating venues throughout your keep right here.

The guts of Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono lies in The Lounge, positioned on the foyer stage of the resort. This venue provides worldwide and Hokkaido delicacies all through the day, inside a refined but relaxed setting.

We stopped by The Lounge a number of instances and completely loved our evenings. The venue is complemented by reside music courtesy of resident musician Daniel Park – my appreciation for Daniel was so profound that I even invited him to carry out at my marriage ceremony in the summertime.

Whereas we didn’t get an opportunity to check-out each eating possibility, there’s additionally Teppan, located on the foyer ground, which provides conventional Japanese and French-inspired teppan menus.

Olivio, the resort’s Italian restaurant on the primary ground, is ideal for social gatherings serving Italian classics.

The Bar & Cigar Lounge, positioned on the foyer ground of the resort, provides a extra refined setting, with premium spirits, cocktails, and cigars out there.

Molière Montagne operates below the steerage of Michelin three-star chef Hiroshi Nakamichi, and stands as a sister institution to the famend Molière in Sapporo. Right here, you’ll discover a chic eating setting, specializing in French delicacies.

The Deli at Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono has a variety of choices all through the day, together with freshly brewed espresso, home made ice cream, and snacks. You can too select from a number of delicacies from Pierre Herme Paris.

Lastly, through the snow season, the Ski Valet Café provides gentle snacks and refreshments.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Different Services

The health centre is positioned on the second stage of the resort, and is open 24 hours. It isn’t the most important house; nonetheless, there’s a very good vary of apparatus, together with cardio machines, power machines, and free weights.

The Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono provides friends an onsen, with two separate baths accompanied by a chilly plunge pool and a sauna. This can be a good solution to unwind after a day on the slopes. Remember the fact that it’s obligatory to be bare right here, and bathing fits aren’t allowed.

The indoor pool space is sort of stunning. There’s a 25-metre lap pool and 4 totally different whirlpool areas alongside the again space. There are plush loungers dotted across the deck, and floor-to-ceiling home windows showcase the Annupuri ranges and Mount Yotei as its backdrop.

Although the pool seemed to be a nice place to loosen up, I selected to not spend a lot time there, since there was an onsen out there for soaking in piping-hot pure spring water as an alternative.

The Spa on the resort, positioned alongside a mountain stream and surrounded by birch bushes with views of Annupuri, is adjoined to the onsen scorching springs. It consists of a welcome space, rest lounge, and 6 therapy rooms, together with {couples} rooms. 

The ski valet is positioned on the bottom ground, and I discovered it to be extremely skilled, providing on-site leases, elevate ticket collections, and storage lockers. Moreover, every visitor room is assigned a locker for private use.

Ski-in, ski-out entry to Hanazono lifts is out there through a path that descends to the elevate. Furthermore, from the hill, there’s a path that guides you to the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono.

The resort offers a shuttle service, which operates a number of instances a day, facilitating transportation to close by locations such because the grocery store, JR Kutchan station, and Grand Hirafu – one of many different ski hills within the space.

Moreover, the Hanazono Shuttle Bus is accessible a number of instances a day, serving the resort and different conveniently positioned spots throughout the Niseko space.

Conclusion

Nestled gracefully inside Niseko’s fascinating panorama, the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono stands as a very top-notch property, mixing luxurious with the pure world as an architectural marvel that completely enhances the beautiful pure environment.

Although I used to be disillusioned to not obtain an improve, the King Visitor Room simply surpassed my expectations, resembling extra of a junior suite with its beneficiant house and fashionable, lavish interiors that cocooned me in consolation. By way of the amenities, from a myriad of eating choices to inviting swimming pools and soothing onsens, each ingredient of the resort contributes to its grandeur.

Moreover the slight hiccup of the sometimes inconsistent service from the workers – some requests might slip by the cracks, and the rhythm of service throughout our eating experiences didn’t all the time match the resort’s in any other case excellent fame – the general expertise stays unmatched, leaving me eager for a return go to.

Planning forward is a should, because the distinctive Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono tends to refill rapidly through the busy winter intervals.