Zao Bodaira Highlands Tours

Staff was nice however the rooms were very musty and old, the toilet was broken like the seat comes right off; the shower hasn’t looked like it’s been cleaned in years maybe decades wouldn’t recommend this hotel

We stayed one night here as a pit stop driving from Yamagata to Tokyo. We were traveling as a family of four with two young children so it was helpful that meals (dinner and breakfast) were included. We also stayed in one of the larger rooms (Room with Open Air Bath Type C) which was spacious. We liked that Maxvalu supermarket was nearby just in case we needed something last minute. I also liked the fact that they have a brewery and offer yoga class. However, the wifi was not the best and the room doors were not auto-locked. Guests were expected to lock the doors with the keys provided. English level of the staff was limited which was expected but, one thing they can improve was having an established wait list for the private onsen. They have two private onsen and each guest is allowed to use for 30 mins with a key that you have to ask from the front desk. I approached the front desk for a key and they said there was a 15 mins wait and I can wait "nearby". After 15 mins, I approached the front desk again, and they said I had to wait for another 20 mins because another guest already went in, so in the end I stood literally at the front desk to wait for the key afraid that I might lose my spot. Originally I thought it was because I don't speak Japanese and it caused the miscommunication but later on I found out there was another local guest who was as frustrating as I was about the wait, so I believe the confusion was due to no established wait list which can be avoidable.

Attentive service. Kind owner. Clean, comfortable, stylish space. Big bath tub for relaxing. Beautiful views of the river and hills. Offers meals you cook as part of the stay.