Ele Hotel Onsen Ryokufutei

The place is a bit remote, but the owner will pick you up by vehicle with a call of reservation And the view is good

The room was quite large, spotless and with large windows overlooking the lovely surrounding forest and laid out in beautiful traditional Japanese style ... everything was wonderfully prepared. Rocky at the reception and Andes, his assistant from Nepal, were very kind and open and welcoming. The location is excellent as it is only 10 to 15 minutes of gentle walking to anywhere in town ... from the three famous Onsen (Oktakinoyu (with a nice restaurant and indoor/outdoor Onsen), Sainokawara (the beautiful outdoor park Onsen), and Gozanoyu (the elegant Onsen in the very center of town) as well as Yubatake village.

Staffs are very friendly and they speak Mandarin. Best is they provide transportation to and pick up from bus station.

Great people and great onsen with a country feeling for sure! The room was awesome and the staff was very nice.

Hotel is a bit far from the bus station, booking the shuttle bus is necessary (It is only avaliable between 3pm-9pm). We had a little problem contacting the hotel for the shuttle bus as we did not get in touch. We ended up walking from yubatake to the hotel which was a very nice walk, about 10 min (no luggage). Staff was very friendly, tho only one spoke english. Regardless they try to help and we used translation app, so we had no problem communicating. We asked if they could help find a train route for our journey, which they gladly provided. The onsen at the hotel (open from 3pm-8am) was clean and the water was so good! The rooms was clean and spacious. The walls are rather thin and u can hear easily hear other guest, therefor be mindful and don't be loud at night. The hotel provide a yukata and bath towel. Overall a pleasant stay, if u dont mind the little walk. The location is among nature and local people.

First of all, the check in 3pm check out 10 am policy is a bit overkill. It was stated on booking so no surprises, but stil. It's a strong 15 minutes walk with your luggage from the bus terminal to the ryokan.. They say there is a shuttle, yes, but not operated by the ryokan and from 3 pm to 9 pm... I arrived at 11:30 am, no one was there, I had to wait for 10 minutes for someone to arrive by car. A young guy very disrespectful entered the ryokan .I speak japanese, far from perfect but enough to understand how rude this guy was from a japanese perspective ( I live in japan) and as well from a foreigner perspectice. No hello (I said hello first), just a sentence stating that the checkin is at 3pm. I wanted to leave my luggage, as everyone does when arriving before the check in time. I had to explain I already knew about the checking time and that I just wanted to leave my luggage. He answered me with disdain "ok" without any politeness or even looking at me.. When I went back at 3pm an older guy was there, way more polite. He gave me the rules of the ryokan in english on a paper. First sentence of the rules : if you exceed the check out time by 10 minutes you will be charged 1000 yen. It’s a rule ok, but as a first sentence it sets a certain atmosphere… Booking said there was a private bathroom. It’s not true, there is no bathroom, there is just a sink without hot water.. It was also stated there was no breakfast. It’s true, you can’t eat overthere. Part of the ryokan experience is that you can experience traditional food (not my first ryokan). It was said in the rules, you can ask the day before for a ride at the bus station to the staff in the evening. Well this ryokan is like a ghost establishment, there is nobody at the reception… Of course when you leave in the morning, still nobody at the reception… I don’t recommend this establishment...

Wonderfully located in a walkable neighborhood just above downtown. The room was just what we expected with many amenities. The Onsen was had both an indoor and outdoor soaking area. Both were clean and well maintained and the waters were wonderful.

The staff were kind and accommodating. Just one gentleman spoke English so you’ll need your device translator if you don’t speak Japanese. We couldn’t get a ride from the main town to the hotel before 3 pm so used a taxi. Walking was suggested but it’s all uphill and we had our luggage. Enjoyed the onsen at the hotel and wearing the provided yukata. The futon bed super comfy. Location of hotel is a bit out of the way from the center of everything but walkable if the weather is good. From 3 pm you can use the hotel transportation. Enjoyed our stay and Kusatsu is a great place to visit. Cozy little town with good food and good onsen.