Hotel KAN-RAKU Fujisan Gotemba

This hotel is highly regarded for its excellent value and convenient location, particularly for car travelers and those visiting the Gotemba Premium Outlets. A standout feature is the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji from the rooftop terrace and even the breakfast area, making it a memorable stay for sightseers and nature enthusiasts. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness and the array of complimentary amenities, such as free evening noodles and ice cream, which significantly enhance the guest experience. It is well-suited for single travelers seeking comfortable and functional accommodations, as well as families who may opt for separate rooms. For an optimal experience, guests are advised to arrive early if driving to secure on-site parking and to be aware of breakfast hours to fully enjoy the morning offerings.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the comprehensive range of complimentary amenities available in the lobby, including free-flow coffee, tea, and water, accessible throughout the day. The hotel also offers free ice cream and a popular evening service of free udon noodles, which many guests find delicious and a welcome treat. A notable feature is the public bath, described as a clean and simple sento, providing a relaxing experience, though some guests found it smaller than expected. The women's public bath benefits from an added security key for peace of mind. For convenience, a rooftop terrace provides impressive views of Mount Fuji, and a coin laundromat with washers and dryers is available, though some found the dryers less effective. Free Wi-Fi is consistently praised for its good speed, ensuring guests can stay connected.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high marks for its cleanliness and modern aesthetic, with many guests describing rooms as well-maintained and tidy. Rooms are often noted as being spacious compared to typical Japanese business hotels, allowing ample space to open large suitcases, though some couples found them compact. While many guests found the beds comfortable, a recurring point of mixed feedback concerned the pillows, which some described as hard or too high, impacting sleep quality. Bathrooms are frequently mentioned as being quite small, and some guests reported issues with clogged drains, unpleasant odors, or visible mold. Despite efforts to maintain a quiet environment, some reviews indicate noise levels from adjacent rooms or the hallway can occasionally be noticeable.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a breakfast that garners mixed reviews, with many guests finding it simple and basic, yet satisfactory for a budget-friendly option. Some guests appreciated the breakfast variety, including Japanese and some Western items, and particularly enjoyed the Mt. Fuji view from the dining area. However, others expressed disappointment with the limited choices, slow refilling of dishes, or the quality of certain items like scrambled eggs. The complimentary evening free udon service is consistently highlighted as a delicious and highly appreciated offering, often available in tantan-style or cold sesame noodles. Additionally, free ice cream and coffee are available in the lobby, adding to the overall positive dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is highly convenient for guests traveling by car, offering free parking with ample space and easy access to the expressway exit. It is particularly well-situated for those visiting the Gotemba Premium Outlets, which are just a short drive away, and a shuttle bus stop is within walking distance. While not directly in the city center, the hotel benefits from being directly across the street from a large supermarket (MaxValu/Aeon), a Daiso, and a Uniqlo, providing easy access to necessities and shopping. A 7-Eleven and various local restaurants are also within a short walk. However, guests relying on public transport should note that the hotel is a considerable walk, approximately 15-20 minutes, from the train station.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive approach, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many guests highlighted the presence of English-speaking staff who were able to assist with inquiries and provide useful information, though some noted occasional communication challenges. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as quick and smooth. Staff are often commended for their willingness to accommodate requests, assist with baggage drop-off, and provide thoughtful gestures like lending umbrellas. While most feedback on service is positive, a few guests reported instances of perceived rigidity or unhelpfulness regarding specific requests, such as early check-in or parking arrangements, suggesting some inconsistencies in service delivery.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's strict no-smoking policy within rooms, with a significant penalty for violations, and a designated smoking room available in the lobby. Many amenities, such as combs, toothbrushes, and pajamas, are not provided directly in the rooms but are available for pick-up at the reception area, allowing guests to select only what they need. Rooms typically do not feature an in-room phone, though a communal phone is located near the elevator. Some guests noted the absence of drawers for storage within the rooms, which can be inconvenient for longer stays. Additionally, the hotel uses magnetic markers on room doors to indicate cleaning status, a practice some guests found unusual.