Review: Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono

During a spring ski trip to Niseko, I had the privilege of enjoying the first two nights at the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, a luxurious mountain resort situated in Hokkaido, Japan.

The hotel, which recently opened its doors in January 2020, is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views spanning the Annupuri ranges and Mount Yotei.

Indeed, my anticipation for this stay was particularly high, especially as I’d planned this trip alongside friends and fellow travel creators: Jarvis from The Luxury Traveller, Albert from JetAlbert, and Manny from Flight Hacks.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Booking

As a luxury hotel in a resort area, rates at the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono lean towards the higher end. Given its prime location and status as one of the few luxury accommodations in the area, this resort certainly comes with prices to match.

A standard room at the hotel begins at around ¥45,000 ($310 USD, $420 CAD), and the rates go up from there, easily doubling those figures during the peak winter ski season.

If you dabble in the World of Hyatt loyalty program, this may be a good spot to use your points, depending on the going cash rates.

The Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is a Category 8 property, which means that a standard room redemption costs 35,000, 40,000 or 45,000 World of Hyatt points per night, for off-peak, standard, and peak pricing, respectively. I managed to secure the off-peak rate of 35,000 World of Hyatt points for my stay.

If you’re booking a cash rate at the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, be sure to get in touch with a travel advisor with access to Hyatt Privé, Hyatt’s preferred partner program.

You’ll pay the same as the publicly available refundable rate, but you’ll get extra perks such as free breakfast, a $100 (USD) property credit, a room upgrade, and more.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Location

The Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is tucked into the woodland along the eastern perimeter of the Niseko Hanazono Resort. The hotel offers direct access to the slopes, which is one of the key selling features of the property in the winter months.

Adjacent to the property lies the Hanazono Golf Course, which is just a 10-minute walk away.

Other popular attractions, such as Fukidashi Park and Mount Yotei, can be reached within a 40-minute drive from the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono.

The hotel is just a brief 10-minute drive from Kutchan Train Station, which is the main railway station serving the Niseko area. It’s also the station at which you’d arrive when travelling from Sapporo New Chitose Airport or the city of Sapporo.

Lastly, a perk that’s exclusive to Hyatt Globalist members staying at the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is a complimentary shuttle-bus service from Sapporo New Chitose Airport, which is an approximately two-and-a-half hour journey. 

The bus itself is luxuriously appointed, featuring comfortable seating and ample space, as well as complimentary water. This is a remarkably generous perk for Globalist members, who can bring a guest with them, especially considering that transfers may otherwise be quite costly.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Check-In

We arrived at dusk, and I was immediately taken aback by how beautiful the property is.

This is one of the only hotels at Hanazono, the easternmost resort out of Niseko’s four ski hills, which can all be accessed with a Niseko United ski pass. There are more hotels being built around Hanazono for the future, but at the moment, the Park Hyatt is like an exclusive snow bunker sheltered far away from the rest of the action.

The hotel is composed of four interconnected buildings, adorned with grey slated exteriors that elegantly meld into the rugged embrace of the mountainscape. The design boldly embraces a new era of modernity, breaking away from traditional alpine-inspired hotels.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by a cobblestone courtyard, which welcomed me into the minimalist entryway and hallways, exuding a feeling of luxurious simplicity.

Stone walls, Japanese-inspired patchwork carpets, and a fireplace offered us a warm welcome amidst the snowy landscape.

In the lobby lounge, there’s a lofty reception area, adorned in natural timbers and warm metals, as well as sculptured floor lamps.

During this particular stay, I was quite motivated to secure an upgrade on account of my Globalist status. However, the hotel was genuinely full due to the presence of a large in-house group, making it ultimately impossible for me to obtain any form of upgrade – even one offering a favourable view.

However, my friend Albert, who was checking in next to me, proved to be a greater force to be reckoned with on the “suite-talking” front, assertively pushing and pushing until he secured a suite starting from the second night onwards for his group’s three-night stay. I was highly impressed with his determination!

Following the check-in process, the front desk associate handed me the keys, and I proceeded to Room 628, located on the sixth floor.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – King Guest Room

The guest room hallways are minimalistic and warmly toned, and the soft ceiling lights and wooden accents collectively foster a very welcoming setting.

Immediately upon stepping inside, the King Guest Room stands out as an extremely impressive base-level accommodation. The colour palette is soft, combining neutrals with vibrant bursts of colour, which results in a luxurious yet highly comfortable space.

Upon entry, the space seamlessly unfolds into a dining area, featuring a dark timber dining table with seating for four.

Waiting on the dining table was a modest amenity of a few oranges provided to Globalist members. While somewhat limited, it’s still a thoughtful gesture.

Hooks and a slipper rack are thoughtfully placed near the entrance, providing a designated spot for hanging ski gear, and to facilitate easy transitions throughout the hotel’s public areas.

To the right, a combination minibar/pantry can be found, equipped with a Nespresso coffee maker, tea station, and water.

Continuing deeper into the room, a cozy seating area consists of a sofa, armchair, ottoman, and side table.

A shoji-inspired glass wall elegantly divides the dining area and living room from the bedroom.

The bedroom is quite spacious, housing a plush king bed adorned with a luxurious leather headboard. Positioned on the opposite wall is a flat-screen TV, while a generously upholstered bench spans the window.

Remarkably, the base-level rooms here at the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono offer two full bathrooms, both equipped with showers – a virtually unparalleled luxury. Indeed, this base room could easily be classified as a junior suite at other hotels due to its size and layout!

The main bathroom is truly stunning, boasting dark marble-clad interiors that perfectly complement the expansive LED mirrors, creating a striking contrast.

The bathroom features a double vanity, followed by a walk-in shower concealed behind a glass door to the right. The shower is equipped with both a rain shower and a handheld shower wand.

Positioned directly beneath a window within the shower area is a luxurious bathtub, adding an extra touch of opulence to the space.

Additionally, there’s an expansive walk-in closet, with stunning weathered grey wooden walls, providing ample storage space.

The secondary bathroom is in keeping with the room’s luxurious design. While it’s quite a bit smaller, it’s still well-appointed.

The Japanese-style toilets with automated covers is noteworthy – while not a standard across all Japanese hotels, the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono certainly takes pride in offering this feature.

Overall, the King Guest Room presents a meticulously designed space with a refined and sophisticated ambiance. It boasts ample room and an air of elegance, making it an ideal choice.

Indeed, one of the room’s greatest strengths is that it could comfortably accommodate families of four with ease, making sure both parents and children have their own distinct areas and full bathrooms.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Twin Guest Room

I also took a tour of some of the other room types available at the property, starting with the Twin Guest Room.

The room features the same elegant design as the King Guest Room I stayed in.

The exact layout varies slightly; however, the Twin Guest Room is otherwise the same as King Guest Room.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Signature Suite with Onsen

The Signature Suite with Onsen encompasses an impressive area of 1,750 square feet. These suites are situated on the uppermost floor of Park Hyatt Niseko, offering fantastic views of Mount Yotei.

Within the suite, there’s a well-appointed living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a generously sized dining area with seating for up to six individuals.

The bedroom features not one, but two expansive walk-in closets and a spacious ensuite, complete with both a rain shower and a bathtub.

Additionally, the Signature Suite includes a lovely veranda and a private outdoor terrace with an oversized onsen.

For those looking for more space, each Signature Suite offers the possibility of connecting with a Mountain View Twin Room.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – King Studio Residence

The Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono has a selection of residence units that provide the option of a more apartment-like situation on the property.

These residences are stunning, with modern interiors that are a step above what you can find in the hotel’s other rooms and suites.

The standard studio residences span about 375 to 430 square feet and are elegantly designed. These studio residences feature a separate inviting living area with a kitchenette, luxurious bathrooms, and washer and dryer units.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Two-Bedroom Residence with Onsen

The Two-Bedroom Residence with Onsen presents a lavish setting, featuring two bedrooms spanning an impressive 1,500 square feet.

Within the residence, a fully equipped kitchen connects to a well-appointed living and dining area.

The primary bedroom features a plush king bed and an expansive walk-in closet.

Next to the bedroom, a private semi-open onsen is directly accessible, positioned next to floor-to-ceiling windows offering prime views.

Additionally, there’s a private balcony that also offers stunning views of the Niseko landscape.

Adding to the functionality, an in-unit washer and dryer further enhances the convenience of this space.

These residences boast stunning floor-to-ceiling views of Mount Yotei, easily enjoyed from the semi-open air onsen and the private balcony.

All in all, the residences at the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono have beautiful interiors and are more suitable for extended stays, due to the inclusion of washer and dryer units.

It’s important to note, however, that these residences aren’t eligible for booking through World of Hyatt points, nor are they available for elite upgrades. Instead, a direct booking is required, subject to availability.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Breakfast

The breakfast buffet at Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono offers a diverse and extensive array of food options. These options are spread across multiple stations situated in various restaurants, each of which has its own dedicated seating area.

For those interested in Japanese cuisine, the buffet includes a variety of options such as noodles, fried rice, dumplings, roasted salmon, and sashimi. Alternatively, if you prefer a Western-style breakfast, you’ll find classic staples like bacon, sausage, and hash browns.

Egg dishes are available in various styles, including scrambled, hard-boiled, and fried eggs.

Lighter breakfast choices are catered to with an assortment of cheeses, yogurt, cereals, and salads.

The cold buffet also boasts an extensive selection of desserts and pastries.

Families with children can also take advantage of the dedicated kids buffet.

Lastly, a generously stocked large fridge provides a variety of beverages, including soft drinks, juice, and water.

A personal favourite of mine is the option of indulging in massive rice bowls, complemented by a variety of Japanese toppings – for example, unlimited ikura or salmon roe to go with your rice.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Dining

The Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono has an impressive number of dining facilities, with 11 restaurants altogether.

On the first night, we dined at China Kitchen, a Chinese restaurant situated on the first floor. This restaurant serves an impressive selection of Chinese cuisine, ranging from Cantonese barbecue and dim sum to Sichuan hot pot.

The following evening, we headed to Robata, another first-floor restaurant. 

Robata, which translates to “near the fireplace” in Japanese, specializes in the art of robata-style grilling, focusing on seafood and local vegetables.

Led by the esteemed chef Koji Mitsukawa, Sushi Mitsukawa is renowned for its meticulous preparation and intricate details. The restaurant has excellent views of Mount Yotei and Niseko.

While we intended to visit Sushi Mitsukawa, our schedules didn’t align – this emphasizes the importance of making reservations for your preferred dining venues during your stay here.

The heart of Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono lies in The Lounge, located on the lobby level of the hotel. This venue offers international and Hokkaido cuisine throughout the day, within a refined yet relaxed setting.

We stopped by The Lounge a few times and thoroughly enjoyed our evenings. The venue is complemented by live music courtesy of resident musician Daniel Park – my appreciation for Daniel was so profound that I even invited him to perform at my wedding in the summer.

While we didn’t get a chance to check-out every dining option, there’s also Teppan, situated on the lobby floor, which offers traditional Japanese and French-inspired teppan menus.

Olivio, the hotel’s Italian restaurant on the first floor, is perfect for social gatherings serving Italian classics.

The Bar & Cigar Lounge, located on the lobby floor of the hotel, offers a more sophisticated setting, with premium spirits, cocktails, and cigars available.

Molière Montagne operates under the guidance of Michelin three-star chef Hiroshi Nakamichi, and stands as a sister establishment to the renowned Molière in Sapporo. Here, you’ll find an elegant dining setting, specializing in French cuisine.

The Deli at Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono has a range of offerings throughout the day, including freshly brewed coffee, homemade ice cream, and snacks. You can also choose from a selection of delicacies from Pierre Herme Paris.

Lastly, during the snow season, the Ski Valet Café offers light snacks and refreshments.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – Other Facilities

The fitness centre is located on the second level of the hotel, and is open 24 hours. It isn’t the largest space; however, there’s a good range of equipment, including cardio machines, strength machines, and free weights.

The Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono offers guests an onsen, with two separate baths accompanied by a cold plunge pool and a sauna. This is a perfect way to unwind after a day on the slopes. Keep in mind that it’s mandatory to be naked here, and bathing suits aren’t allowed.

The indoor pool area is quite beautiful. There’s a 25-metre lap pool and four different whirlpool areas along the back area. There are plush loungers dotted around the deck, and floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the Annupuri ranges and Mount Yotei as its backdrop.

Even though the pool appeared to be a pleasant place to relax, I chose not to spend much time there, since there was an onsen available for soaking in piping-hot natural spring water instead.

The Spa at the hotel, positioned alongside a mountain stream and surrounded by birch trees with views of Annupuri, is adjoined to the onsen hot springs. It consists of a welcome area, relaxation lounge, and six treatment rooms, including couples rooms. 

The ski valet is located on the ground floor, and I found it to be highly professional, offering on-site rentals, lift ticket collections, and storage lockers. Additionally, each guest room is assigned a locker for personal use.

Ski-in, ski-out access to Hanazono lifts is available via a trail that descends to the lift. Moreover, from the hill, there’s a path that guides you to the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono.

The hotel provides a shuttle service, which operates multiple times a day, facilitating transportation to nearby destinations such as the supermarket, JR Kutchan station, and Grand Hirafu – one of the other ski hills in the area.

Furthermore, the Hanazono Shuttle Bus is accessible several times a day, serving the hotel and other conveniently located spots within the Niseko area.

Conclusion

Nestled gracefully within Niseko’s captivating landscape, the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono stands as a truly top-notch property, blending luxury with the natural world as an architectural marvel that perfectly complements the stunning natural surroundings.

Even though I was disappointed not to receive an upgrade, the King Guest Room easily surpassed my expectations, resembling more of a junior suite with its generous space and modern, lavish interiors that cocooned me in comfort. In terms of the facilities, from a myriad of dining options to inviting pools and soothing onsens, every element of the hotel contributes to its grandeur.

Besides the slight hiccup of the occasionally inconsistent service from the staff – some requests may slip through the cracks, and the rhythm of service during our dining experiences didn’t always match the hotel’s otherwise outstanding reputation – the overall experience remains unmatched, leaving me longing for a return visit.

Planning ahead is a must, as the exceptional Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono tends to fill up quickly during the busy winter periods.