ペット同伴で利用可能な、長野県軽井沢町のリゾートホテル : Karuizawa Marriott Hotel

Overview: This resort hotel in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, allows pets if you stay in dog-friendly cottages. Although it's a bit away from tourist spots, the hotel offers excellent service, delicious food, a tranquil environment, and the enjoyment of hot springs. Please note that pets are only allowed in the cottages and their vicinity, so they cannot accompany you to meals or the hot springs.

Karuizawa Marriott Hotel is a resort hotel located in one of Japan's premier summer retreat areas, Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. Specifically, it is situated about 1km southwest of Nakakaruizawa Station and is somewhat distanced from the lively areas of Old Karuizawa, New Karuizawa, and Hoshino. This allows you to enjoy the serene atmosphere of Karuizawa.

For access, it is advisable to travel by car, as there is some distance to the nearest station and tourist attractions. If you take the Shinkansen or express bus, you can use the hotel shuttle bus between Karuizawa Station and the hotel during non-peak seasons. Pets are also allowed on the shuttle if they are in crates or cages. However, be cautious during the Golden Week or summer vacation seasons as there may be traffic congestion from Usui Karuizawa Interchange to Karuizawa Station. If significant traffic is anticipated, you might find it less stressful to exit the expressway at Saku-daira Smart Interchange and head to the hotel.

The pet-friendly accommodations are located in two dog-friendly cottages situated about 100 meters from the main building (main wing). The main building features the front desk, restaurant, and large public bath, but pets are not allowed inside. Accommodations include the following four types in order of size: Comfort Cottage Twin with hot spring, Deluxe King with hot spring, Cottage King with hot spring, and Cottage Twin (no hot spring). When I made the reservation, the larger rooms were already booked, so we stayed in the hot spring Cottage King (for me and my partner) and the Cottage Twin (for my partner's sister and mother).

Pet accommodation limits are that the Comfort Cottage Twin and Deluxe King can take up to three small dogs or two large dogs (negotiable), while the Cottage King and Cottage Twin can only accommodate one small dog. Therefore, unless a larger room becomes available, it is unfortunate that my two small dogs cannot accompany my partner and me.

Regarding room size, the Cottage King and Cottage Twin are adequate for resting and sleeping, but could feel a bit cramped for playing with dogs indoors. Additionally, while the floors are slip-resistant, dogs that are generally prone to slipping may have a hard time even at a brisk walk. That said, the rooms were very clean.

The televisions are large and impressive; however, using the HDMI port may require some skill, which could result in difficulty using personal gaming consoles or AV equipment.

Pet-related facilities are limited to a foot wash area in the building, as there is no dog run available. While a walk is possible around the building, entering grassy areas elsewhere is prohibited. Pet amenities are provided in the rooms.

The cost for each pet is JPY 5,400 per night, and for additional pets, it is JPY 2,160 per night per pet. Qualifications for pet stay include being an indoor dog, well-trained, and able to present a copy of vaccination proof for five or more combined vaccinations and rabies prevention. There are also breed restrictions (such as Bull Terrier, Mastiff breeds, and medium to large Japanese dogs) to be aware of.

Dining is offered in the restaurant in the main building for both breakfast and dinner. On the nights before holidays, guests can enjoy a semi-buffet with selected main dishes. When fewer guests are present or if less food is needed than a buffet offers, a prefixed dinner may be served. We enjoyed the semi-buffet style, featuring the main courses (meat and fish dishes) and the buffet salads, appetizers, and soups, using fresh seasonal local ingredients from Nagano, which were all exceptional. Therefore, it's likely you'll end up overeating, so do approach with caution.

As for the hot springs, there is a large public bath in the basement of the main building. If your room includes a hot spring, you can also enjoy it in your room. The water quality is a refreshing sodium-bicarbonate spring. Although I didn't notice a strong chlorine scent in the public bath, the scent was more pronounced in the room's bath, so if that's a concern, I'd recommend using the public bath. Please note that the hot spring is subjected to circulation, dilution, and chlorine usage, so it may be lacking for those with high standards for hot springs.

The hotel also features a spa and fitness center, but there is no convenience store on-site. Vending machines are available in the main building. For light snacks, room service and lounge services are available until 10 PM. Since there is no store on the property, purchasing items in advance is recommended. The closest convenience store is 1km away, while Tsuruya (supermarket) with local specialties and souvenirs is 1.5km away, so if you're not an avid walker, I strongly suggest using a car.

In terms of sightseeing, there are no notable attractions within walking distance; you need to drive anywhere you want to go. However, there is a hotel bus that can take you close to Karuizawa Station, New Karuizawa, and Prince Shopping Plaza. For places like Old Karuizawa, Hoshino Resort, or Hatci Market, driving is advised.

I think this is an excellent resort hotel for staying in Karuizawa with a pet (one allowed). If you enjoy traveling by car, savoring delicious meals, and don't have strict hot spring preferences, this accommodation comes highly recommended. Of course, even without pets, it is a hotel I would recommend.