Compare and book 4 Star hotels in Sawando, Matsumoto

"The hotel itself if fine but showing some wear. In a good location near the castle. We paid for an upgraded ‘suite’. The room was large. But the carpeting was badly worn and in need of replacement. Going into the bathroom the edge was frayed with backing showing. And it had an off odor that seemed to air out once the windows were open. Onto the furnishings. A chair had a large rip in the arm. The ottoman was badly stained. And the couch looked tired and old. Additionally the curtains were ripped in a couple of places. All in all disappointing. I rarely write critical reviews but in this case it was justified."

"Okuhida Hot Spring Hirayukan is conveniently located, just a short and easy walk from the Hirayu Onsen bus terminal. A small shop beside the ryokan sells snacks and drinks, which is useful especially in the quieter evenings. Check in was smooth and the ryokan already had our Expedia reservations. As with most Japanese ryokan, copies of our passports were taken. We stayed in the Japanese Style Room, Sengakuso, Non Smoking (35 sqm). Footwear must be removed at the main lobby and changed to the in house slippers, in line with traditional ryokan customs. Our room was located some distance away from the main lobby and required climbing two flights of stairs, with no lift access. There were no shower facilities in the room, which is typical for many traditional ryokan. The onsen baths are located in the main building, and the male and female bathing areas are rotated once a day. Buffet dinner offered at Y4400 per person from 6pm. It was enjoyable and good value, with a wide selection including seafood. Each table is provided with two fuel stoves, and guests can choose between grilling, hotplate, or hotpot to cook the raw food. A nice touch is the free ramen served at the main lobby from 10pm to 10.30pm, perfect for a light supper after a soak in the onsen."