LiVEMAX RESORT Echigo-Yuzawa ANNEX

It seems to be a labor-saving style of operation, but the only staff we met were two front desk members, and they were both very pleasant and helpful. Having to make up the futon ourselves was actually nice, as it meant we didn’t have to worry about being a bother. The spa with a sauna and the meals are in the main building, but it’s less than a 5-minute walk away; there is a slight uphill slope, but it wasn’t an issue. We were able to enjoy the sauna and Onsen for long hours both on the day of arrival and again early the next morning. Dinner was buffet-style with all-you-can-eat salmon roe and steak. Since it was an inexpensive stay, we didn’t have high expectations, but the salmon roe had a great pop and the steak was tender and delicious. Breakfast was also lavish—I felt one hour wasn’t enough. Just one thing: I couldn’t tell whether some of the in-house loungewear had already been used, so I had to deduct a star. Overall, we were extremely satisfied!

I initially chose it because the price was low, but I was surprised to find it was an even more luxurious Hotel than expected. Dinner included sashimi, Niigata’s famous hegi soba, and sasa dango, as well as fruit and gelato, which was very satisfying. The large public bath also had a well-designed sauna, and I was able to fully relax and recharge.