Yufuin Hoteiya

Our stay at ryokan Hoteiya was truly a wonderful experience for me and my family. The room was spacious, with a private hot spring bath where I spent most of my time soaking and relaxing. Even though the outdoor temperature was only around 10 degree C, the room stayed warm and the bath water was always hot, making the experience perfectly comfortable. The Kaiseki dinner was an unforgettable highlight: a private dining room with windows overlooking terraced fields, beautifully presented dishes, and a burst of flavors in every bite. The ryokan also offers private public baths; room 1 was set up beautifully with a semi-open design and garden elements, but it was occupied when I arrived, so I used room 2 instead. While still nice, I couldn’t help but feel a little regret about missing room 1. Fortunately, the private bath in our room was also semi-open, which made up for it. Since it was raining, we didn’t have much time to enjoy the backyard and outdoor relaxation area under the trees. Nevertheless, overall this was a truly wonderful experience, and I am completely satisfied and deeply appreciate the hospitality and attention to detail at ryokan Hoteiya.

Designs of the room, private Onsen N/A

We absolutely loved our room. It was a small house with our own private onsen. It even had a river with fish coming into the private onsen area. Also, the staff was incredibly nice. We also loved the heated floors. Since the shower was outside by the onsen and the sink and toilet areas were outside the main sleeping area, those sections were a little cold.

Location was just a 5mins walk to Yufuin Flora Village. Fresh yummy bottled milk was provided every morning as well as eggs, sweet potatoes, senbei and toasted marshmallows in the evening in designated areas. The room we booked came with private onsen and western beds as well as spared tatami futons. Coffee, tea, hot flask water as well as refrigerated cold bottled water were all provided for in the room. Enjoyed our 2 nights stay.

Everything about the property was incredible from the room to the food to the staff. I assume the greenery makes everything more visually appealing in summer or spring or autumn, but I think winter is the time to go because the outdoor baths are simply magical in the cold air. The food was quite literally worth writing home about, I bought local post cards and did just that. The staff was wonderfully helpful and accommodating, and there was always someone who spoke English well enough to answer any question or concern I had with no confusion. I did find the covers on the bed to not be quite large enough, but I’m 195cm tall so I very well might just not be on the right scale for this country. Or any country XD

loved the whole experience! perfect location just off the shopping street and lake. easy stop from the bus from beppu (we didn’t need to go to yufuin station first). they let us drop off our bags so we could explore, and when we got back to check in they had everything set up in our room. loved our private cedar bath and both the first come first serve private baths. breakfast and dinner were both fantastic and we loved the milk in the morning. staff were amazing and kind!!!

The hot spring bath were really good. They all have different styles and sizes which are suitable for every one N/A

Onsen bath was private and the staff were friendly Thin walls, too cold that i couldn’t figure out the heater until next morning before leaving

Food was good and the private onsen that came with our room was nice and convenient. We called the Ryokan from a payphone at the station and they sent a shuttle to pick us up. There are 3 private onsen that people can use. The massage chair in each of the rooms was very nice for sore legs/back. There is popcorn/rice cracker popping 8pm-10pm in front of the lobby that was pretty cool. There are also onsen eggs and other snacks they provided. Fresh milk is delivered in the mornings for those that want it. There were some bugs in the rooms. The AC units were not very powerful. There were only 2 water bottles provided. The Onsen tubs probably could have used some touch ups, the bottom was a bit rough and irritated my skin. They didn't offer a larger "public" bath like a lot of other ryokans.

Exceptional

Our stay at Hoteiya was average at best. We had paid a premium for the rooms with the private onsens but it felt like we were being penalized for the upgrade instead. The rooms are near the front of the property which meant that they were noisier. The private onsen was next to the common foot path which did not give you any sense of privacy. The bedroom window was also next to another footpath with a light perpetually turned on all night, there was no curtain in the room which meant that it was hard to sleep at night with the light shining in. The meals were also a disappointment. Small quantity and not good quality. Food was served cold like it’s been sitting out for ages. For the price we paid c. USD500 a night, I’m sure you can find better quality ryokans who treat you better.

Great experience for outdoor onsen, the half board was excellent. Quality food and totally very happy with our meals. Highly recommended.

Outdoor onsen is beautiful. Nice staff The hotel price is not worth the money paid. I expected more from what I paid. Room is small and old and noisy coz my room is in front of the dinning room. No queue booking for private onsen. Use your luck if the onsen is available at the time u need. We walk to checked the onsen availability at least 3 time whice are all outside the building we stayed. Showe water pressure at outdoor onsen is low. Dinner and breakfast is average. Nothing to remember. Our room is on the 2nd floor. No lift. I think they lie about dinner time thas only 1 selection which is at 6pm while other couple came at 18:40. Dinner served super slow up to 2 hours from 6 pm.

Exceptional

It was my first time to visit this part of japan. The staff are very friendly, actually their service was excellent! There is a welcome drink/snack at the lobby, dinner is served at private setting room, same as breakfast. It was excellent meal! After we bath, we joined the lounge again, one of staff was showing us how to make popcorn from small fire pit(Hibachi). We had a lovely conversation. My wish was the hot spring to be a bigger. There is no public hot spring which means if you/partner wanted to use it, you have to go outside to see if no one is using them. We had luck not needed to wait that long but it must be challenging during peak season. I believe some room comes with a private hot spring.

Quiet, away from the bustle but close enough within 5 mins walking distance to the Lake Kinrin and Yufuin village. Although the kaiseki meal is simpler than some of the ryokans but it is good cos there’s no wastage of stuff that we wldnt eat and the food is delicious! The milk, onsen egg and sweet potatoes are bonuses! Nil

Great service. Good food. Walkable to Kirin lake. Quiet area. Upslope and hidden away, away from most sights and shops. The road to the hotel is pretty tight for any car. The great service may not be consistent as a number of the staff are temporary interns who have to return.

Great ryokan with 2 outdoor private onsen. Location is near the main shopping street and lake.

Rustic environment with lovely views of hills and rural area. Walking distance to Lake Kinrin. Good kaiseki dinner n breakfast. Bathroom toiletries could be better.

Exceptional