Chalet Shiga

This property does not honour the rate on their website. Booked rooms for 6 nights that included Breakfast & Dinner for min 6 nights at the inclusive rate quoted on their website but when checking in they informed us dinner was not included! We disputed this, showed them the winter rate quoted on their website for the room types we occupied , but their very unfriendly and rather surly front office manager didn't seem to want to know! Eventually they agreed to provide dinner but on the 4th night they had no chef and we were forced to find an alternative (like all other guests) except they refused to compensate us for having to have dinner somewhere else. Although the restaurant service staff and food was very good this incident rather spoilt our stay and we will not return.

We stayed for a week in Chalet Shiga. The entire process from booking, to check in and stay were very easy. The location is central to the Shiga Kogen area and there are bus stops just a minute’s walk for ski shuttles to the other ski fields- super convenient Our room was a western room with bathroom attached. Whilst the decor was dated and sofas needed a bit of love, the beds were firm (remember this is Asia) and supportive and we slept well. The public bath was great for soaking after a ski day and rarely crowded. Meals were amazing - the dinners were varied and delicious, featuring local produce. I would highly recommend booking dinner and breakfast with the room as there are not many other restaurants around. Staff were friendly and helpful.

I've just spent 8 nights ( off peak) at Chalet Shiga for spring skiing. I stayed there mainly because it was one of the few hotels that got back to me regarding my pre booking questions. The location is great. Right opposite the Inchinose ski fields ( you have a 2 min walk across the road to a chair lift) and the free shuttle stops right outside. It's very quiet at night but the heater does make loud clanging sounds from time to time and is difficult to turn on and off. The Western style beds are very cmfortable and loved the duvets and pillows. Toilet and hand basin in the room was appreciated and there are shelves for your clothes. You are also given a dressing gown and slippers for the onsen, also toothbrush. Fresh towels and gown supplied every 2nd day. The WiFi is fine in the lobby but useless in the rooms. The main restaurant has amazing food but you need to book well in advance especially weekends and you have ti eat at 6pm. No preference is given to in-house guests nor was it clear that reservations are required when booking. The Monday I was here I was told the 2 hotel restaurant and bar were closed so I had to go searching for somewhere else to eat ( could only find 1 other place that would take me, the other hotels wouldn't as they only take their own guests and there's practically nothing else open late March). I returned to find the main restaurant was in fact open but not the Tappo Bar ( casual beer place with snacks). I'll put this misunderstanding down to a language issue ( reception staff speak very little English). As the main restaurant was often booked out I had to make do with evening snacks in the Tappo Bar ( again strict seating hours 5 to 7pm and 8 to 9pm. You must also book) The bathing pool ( not an onsen but alkaline water) was very pleasant but floor needs frequent mopping as it was often very wet and slippery. Be aware you can't use the shower there until late in the afternoon due to cleaning. On my checkout day, I needed a morning shower as I had a long journey home. Despite no one actually cleaning the area at 8.30am there was no way they'd let me in. Instead they pointed to the ' rules' stating the onsen hours. There is a Delonghi coffee machine and tea in the lobby to use during your stay but don't expect to be able to have free use of this when you check out and are waiting for your taxi as they will charge you which is a bit rich especially given I'd just spent 8 nights here. Also don't bother requesting a late check, even when the hotel isn't full, out as it's not going to happen! The Ski locker area is good but there isn't a drying room so I had to take my boots and jacket to my room each night. There is a waxing and hire service which looks good. In summary, this is a good hotel but staff and procedures need to be more flexible and focus on customer service to attract international clientele especially as Shiga Kogan is now being sold more and more as an international ski destination.

Shiga Kogen and Chalet Shiga an excellent location and property. Sato the manager, his staff, the chalet, evening meals made for a wonderful stay. The property is very ski-in and ski-out and good access to the more challenging runs. The food selection in the evening and the friendly staff were a real highlight.