Murodo, Tateyama hotel rooms at the Independent

"We arrived at the hotel around 10 pm and there was noone at the desk.The keys were in envelopes on the desk with instructions. Our bags (that were shipped) were just unsecured. No instructions on the location of the elevator which was in the other wing (A). No locks on lockers for your ski equipment. There was no TV or WiFi (except inside the guest lounge). Bathrooms are communal and not every floor has one. Communal showers are in the basement. Just a very generic room. There were 3 of us, so we were in a small room with no dressers or closet. Our sleeping arrangement was 1 single bed and a bunk bed. The only positive to this place is it is a stone’s throw from the Happo ski resort. Just be prepared to have your clothes/bags strewn across the room. This is more a hostel than it is a hotel. "

"The stay is modest and older but that’s totally fine! The host is so kind and helpful and the beds and bathrooms were clean! It’s def a place you can meet other travelers and is SO close to the train station!"

"Great staff"

"This place is a great value for the price! It’s right in the heart of Echoland, which seems to be one of the trendier areas in the Hakuba Valley. There are shops and great dining options within a few blocks. There’s also a club right down the street, and one evening there was quite a bit of noise on the street when we were headed to bed. (Not sure fire long it lasted—it apparently wasn’t loud enough to keep me awake…) For the Dancru itself you just need to be aware of what it is. The rooms are really just for sleeping—our room had a sink and a couple shelves, but wasn’t much bigger than the beds. There’s a large space downstairs where we hung out in the evenings playing games and doing a puzzle. The bathroom and shower are shared, and there are also two private baths downstairs. I was a little worried about availability of the facilities, but it was never a problem for us. The breakfast is great and very reasonable. I’m not sure if it changes significantly, but for us it was an egg dish, salad, fresh fruit, and bread with butter and jam—a great start to the day! The owners/operators couldn’t be nicer—very helpful, friendly and accommodating. The network of busses throughout the valley can be a little intimidating at first, but they’ll do their best to help you figure it out. Last but not least, the gear storage room downstairs is very convenient and has a heated closet. It’s great putting in warm boots and gloves in the morning!"

"All of the staff are absolutely excellent, I must say the two concierge’s were exceptionally helpful but all of the staff are great"

"Very clean, modern hotel with excellent service from the staff. The hotel shuttle to the ski areas in Hakuba was very convenient. The hotel shuttle even picked us up when we were shopping in town and could not catch an Uber or Taxi. The service was exceptional."

"Hotel was fantastic - location is ideal for snow access with one lift across the road (10 metres) and another two within a short walk. The runs at the resort at perfect for early beginners, but easily connect to the gondola for more experienced riders. Location is too far from restaurants to walk, a shuttle or taxi is required. We didn't mind, the food at the hotel was great and we preferred the excellent snow access. Staff were really helpful, picking us up from Hakuba Goryu and dropping us off on the way out. The food was really good - a few rotating buffets for breakfast including different types of eggs (scrambled, poached, boiled, omelette) and sides like bacon or pork or sausages. Dinner was wonderful each night - something different and Japanese plated for us along with a buffet selection or sides. Bathroom was small but serviceable, room size was otherwise good. I read some of the really negative reviews before coming and it made me incorrectly worried about the hotel - we had a great experience and I don't understand those reviewers at all. This was a great lodge like experience right on the snow."

" Nice room Onsen ski storage breakfast Friendly staff"

"The room size and decoration were great but the view was spectacular! Lovely place for winter skiing. "