2 Best Hotels in Rusutsu, Hokkaido

This ski-in ski-out resort is popular with Japanese families and also for school trips, tour groups, and competition skiers. Recent updates to the hotel have focused on luxury wellness suites with their own saunas and, in the case of the premium suite, an oxygen capsule. The cheapest rooms—particularly the bathrooms—are in need of renovation. Young children will like the full-size indoor carousel, arcade games, and the animatronic singing bears. The "Oktoberfest" Hokkaido buffet showcases the best of the island's cuisine with all-you-can-eat snow crab. 

Located in the valley between the two main ski areas, the Westin Rusutsu Resort has spacious bi-level suites with views out to slopes and the fairways. Dining is in the modern, sparse, light-filled atrium lounge. Access to the main resort area, where ski lifts and slopes can be found, is by a rather slow monorail, which can be inconvenient if you are intending to have meals or start ski lessons there.  In summer, golfers can enjoy the four 18-hole golf courses.