Review: Luxury at Sansui Niseko

• Number of Travellers: 2 adults and 1 baby
• Number of Days: 3 days, 2 nights
• Period of Stay: Late November (Late/Autumn, Early Winter)
• Room Type: 1 Bedroom Suite
• Travel Style: By Car
• Travel Duration: 2 hours from Sapporo New Chitose Aiport (with stops)

The Vibe

Luxurious, Family-centered and Blissful

Who does it suit

Sansui Niseko is an ideal choice for couples and families seeking a luxurious and pampering experience, yet also convenience. It’s an oasis for those who appreciate effortless access to the village restaurants and shops, as well the mountain. With ski-in, ski-out access to the beginner ski run, it is particularly appealing for novice skiers and families with young ones. The hotel offers a range of experiences, services and activities inside the hotel, from Michelin-star level dining options and calligraphy workshops to children dedicated playrooms. 

Who it doesn’t suit

If your holiday vision leans towards budget accommodation or backpacking experiences, Sansui Niseko’s luxurious offerings will not align with your preferences. This hotel focuses on providing an all-encompassing, high-end experience and will not suit those seeking a minimalist or budget-conscious vacation. However, for travellers who seek a memorable holiday filled with comfort, adventure, and a dash of extravagance, Sansui Niseko is the epitome of perfection.

The Room

The earthy tones and darker colour scheme of our room gave a warm and calm zen-like serenity. The room’s remarkable spaciousness left a lasting impression, comfortably accommodating a fully-equipped kitchen, dining table, a large L-shaped couch and a sunbed. The twin beds were extraordinarily large and extremely comfortable, and the thoughtful provision of a cot for the baby was much appreciated. A standout feature was the expansive onsen-style bath, enhancing the experience with aromatic hinoki woodchips and rosemary for a soothing, sensory bath experience. The room made us feel like we were transported to paradise.

Amenities

The hotel has a traditional Japanese onsen with both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as private onsens for families. This allowed our family to enjoy the onsen experience together. The hotel’s spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials and body wraps. We took turns to have massages after our baby went to sleep in the evening. For fitness enthusiasts, there’s a 24-hour gym available. The standout feature, especially for those with children, is the dedicated children’s playrooms. They’ve thoughtfully designed two playrooms, one catering to babies and toddlers, and the other geared towards older children. Conveniently located on the basement floor is a ski shop, offering ski and snowboard rental as well as a selection of equipment, apparel, and accessories for purchase.

The Welcome

We received a warm welcome from the Sansui Niseko team upon our arrival. They brought us over to the spacious seating area where they presented us with a delicious welcome treat of a locally made bean mochi and green tea. Our daughter even received her own cup! The staff then guided through the details of our stay, sharing information about the various activities and amenities on offer at the hotel.

Food and Drink

The hotel houses two excellent restaurants, each offering its unique ambiance and menu.

Lupicia, the all-day dining restaurant, offers a casual and relaxed setting. This is where breakfast is served, which is included with your room stay. We had delicious and beautifully presented bento boxes accompanied by a buffet. There were western and Japanese options. Dinner offers an a la carte menu of western-Japanese dishes using local Hokkaido-sourced ingredients.

For guests seeking an exquisite dinner experience, Sushi Shin is an unmissable stop. This renowned Michelin-starred sushi restaurant by chef Masaaki Miyakawa is originally from Sapporo. They serve traditional Edomae-style sushi using fish sourced daily from Hokkaido, and perfectly cooked rice combine to create a sushi experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. There are only 8 guests for every seating so reservations are essential.

Activities

There is a ski school located within Sansui Niseko hotel. In the winter, guests can take private ski and snowboard lessons, as well as guiding tours in Niseko resort. Bookings can be made on the day, however, it is strongly recommended to pre-book, particularly during the peak periods as they school is often booked out. 

All bookings made at the desk can be room-charged so that guests do not have to worry about payments and logistics. 

Our stay at Sansui Niseko was more than just amazing – it was a 5-star experience that captured the essence of THE perfect family vacation. The comfort and luxury provided by the rooms, together with the high-end and family-friendly amenities made us want to stay longer and never leave. The kids playrooms were definitely a highlight, especially when you want to be able to enjoy your holiday, rather than constantly having to entertain your children. 

Sansui Niseko really is an accommodation that seamlessly blends luxury, comfort, and culture. If you want an unforgettable holiday experience for your family, you will find it here.