Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort (Granbell Hotels & Resorts)

I was able to enjoy an extraordinary getaway at this quiet mountain Resort Hotel, with a soothing atmosphere and magnificent views of Mt. Asama. The staff’s warm smiles and consistently professional, top-class hospitality were truly comforting. Dinner while watching Mt. Asama at dusk from the mountaintop was a special experience you can’t find anywhere else. From the spa’s open-air bath, the sky felt vast—I imagined how beautiful the stars must be on a clear night—and afterward I cooled down with a soft drink at the poolside bar. The view from the pool over the European-style buildings, courtyard, and Mt. Asama beyond was also outstanding. It was a Resort Hotel where you can enjoy a truly special summer retreat.

We had planned to visit last September, but we had to cancel because my husband suffered a heart attack, so we were finally able to come this May. I was so excited that I booked the Shinkansen to match the earliest shuttle bus. When we arrived before 11:00, we were shown to a lounge that felt like a European palace and enjoyed coffee. After leaving our luggage, we went straight to the open-air bath at Happu Onsen, then had tempura soba at Minori next door, and used the one-drink service from the front desk for Shinshu apple juice. Since I wanted to explore the spacious grounds, I didn’t take the cart and instead enjoyed the scenery and the sound of Japanese bush warblers.Although check-in is usually at 15:00, they kindly escorted us to our Room early at 13:30 as a special arrangement. After using the open-air bath in the main building, we enjoyed Calpis, cocoa, and apple cookies at the poolside bar. We then walked up to Suite Terrace on top of the hill and had lemonade and apple cookies.The dinner’s new onion potage soup was exquisite—I almost wanted seconds. The sea bream dish was also wonderful: perfectly crisp skin with tender flesh inside, and a delicious seafood-flavored sauce around it. After dessert and coffee arrived, we were surprised to receive additional small sweets as well.For breakfast there was an Onsen egg, so I fully enjoyed my favorite tamago-kake gohan.The Room may feel a little dark for some people, but it’s gentle on your eyes and very relaxing. If you plan to do your makeup, I recommend bringing a handheld mirror into the bathroom area. There were loungewear provided in the Room, and both hand towels and bath towels were available for bathing as well.All of your staff were very kind, which made us truly happy.Next time I’d love to visit when the roses are in bloom.Thank you very much for taking such good care of us.