I had a really pleasant stay at Hotel and Spa Gift Takayama. The highlight was definitely the onsen — it’s clean, relaxing, and has both indoor and outdoor baths. After a long day of exploring Takayama, it was the perfect way to unwind. The free ice cream and relaxation area after the bath were a nice touch.
The room was modern, comfortable, and very clean. It’s not very large (typical Japan size), but well-designed so it didn’t feel cramped. The bed was also very comfortable, and I slept well. I like the morning view especially.
I also want to give a special mention to one of the staff members — I only remember his name starting with “M” (wearing glasses)— who was exceptionally kind and helpful during our stay. He made the experience feel much more welcoming and went out of their way to assist, which I really appreciated.
Location-wise, it’s not right next to the main station, but still within walking distance to most attractions, so it was convenient enough. The area is quiet, which I appreciated.
One downside was that we, 7pax of us weren’t able to enjoy the hot pot dinner as planned. We had made a reservation, but it didn’t seem to be properly handled, and we were unfortunately turned away. It was a bit disappointing, especially since we were looking forward to that experience.
Breakfast was decent, good enough to start the day.
Overall, I think this hotel offers great value for money, especially if you want a comfortable stay with a good onsen experience without paying luxury ryokan prices. I would still consider staying here again, but would recommend double-confirming any dining reservations in advance.
