Independent Biratori hotels

"Firstly, Takashisan (the manager) is incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional. He speaks limited English, but uses WhatsApp and a translator when needed. He organises bus to/from Tomamu Resort, answers questions, and helps with everything. White House is a budget accomodation, it is not as fancy as Tomamu Resort. But is well organised, and you can get a bus to/from Tomamu at several times each day for 500Yen each trip. Make sure you arrange these trips in advance with Takachi (eg. on WhatsApp). Reception is often unmanned, and there is no restaurant or bar. But noodles and tea/coffee are available, including microwave, if you need to cook something up. There are good bathroom facilities, and hair dryer, towels, soap, shampoo. There are also washing facilities available (300Yen or so). White House is warm, but it is an old style wooden construction, and I had a bit of trouble sleeping with people coming an going on the old wooden stairs. Luckily, other guests are mostly Japanese and therefore well behaved (!) (I was the only Australian, thankfully). If you bring your own cereal / breakfast, you can eat at the front area - there are tables. Otherwise, it is 2600 Yen for a terrific buffet breakfast at Tomamu Resort - get the 7:20am bus from White House to Tower 1. SUMMARY: Good quality, warm, and friendly alternative, if Tomamu Resort is too expensive for you. "

"Exceptional. A beautiful well appointed room very comfortable with all the ammenities expected. An oasis is how I would describe it The staff went above and beyond. We made this booking on the morning after our other hotel was affected by a mud slide. It is the the most memorable of all our stays in Hokkaido. Recommended to anyone. Thank you for our stay"

"Stayed for 6 nights. Breakfast buffet is very good and its menu changes every day. Staff is polite and friendly. Room is clean. Loved deep bathtub."