We found absolutely nothing to dislike. Every aspect of our experience was perfect.

Pete and Jen are exceptional hosts! Their property is beautifully maintained and provided a perfect winter retreat for my family. We especially loved the private onsen—it was such a unique and relaxing experience. Breakfasts were delightful, with Jen's homemade sourdough bread being a standout highlight. If you're lucky, you might get to enjoy it too! I can't recommend this place highly enough. It's also a few minutes walk to the snow. A great place with a great vibe.

Stayed in January 2025

Great location and great people. We felt home staying there. Nice breakfast and hanging area. Dry room was really nice to have especially for daily snow activities.

Stayed in February 2025

Didn’t stay long enough!!

What an incredible trip! The team at Refre Hotel were absolutely amazing—so kind, welcoming, and always ready to help. Jen and Pete were fantastic, organizing dinner and transport, and always so welcoming! Mitch, Seamus, Loz, and Tatty were great with our son, always offering to help with anything we needed. They also gave us great snow tips, which helped my partner a lot on the slopes, and were always there for the guests! The rooms were spacious, comfortable, and perfect for relaxing after a big day in the snow. The large bar and lounge area was one of my favorite spots to hang out—it felt so nice and refreshing playing board games and watching the snow. The dining area is also lovely, with a great view. And the onsen? It was the highlight of our trip—so peaceful and rejuvenating. The location was spot-on, with an easy walk to town, daycare, and the snow hill. Everything about our stay was perfect, and we’ll definitely be back again. Highly recommend Refre Hotel for anyone looking for a warm, relaxing, and memorable snow holiday!

Stayed in December 2024

Nothing really! Everything was awesome and there was nothing to dislike about my stay here. It's located near an abundance of really great food from a quick walk down the road. Once your here you are set to go!

Honestly, I had no idea on what to expect as it was my 1st time visiting. As soon as I waked in I was greeted by the amazing hosts. They instantly made me and family feel at home, but for the most it's definitely an ultimate ski in and out with just a few minutes walk to the lifts at Akakura Onsen which connects you to the mountain to 2 spectacular ski resorts. Highly recommended this accommodation to all visiting.

Stayed in March 2024

Pete and Jen are wonderful hosts. So happy to help out.

Stayed in March 2024

Comfortable, well taken care of by Pete and Jen. We were provided shuttles, recommendations around the area, and discounted ticket offers to ski resorts where available. They were friendly and checked in with us often to ensure we were enjoying our stay.

Stayed in February 2024

The location is amazing! 100m to the closest lift. Pete + Jen

Location! Cleanliness! Hospitality! Food! Warm + welcoming always!

Stayed in March 2024

Couldn’t fault it was unreal!

Onsen and staff location

Stayed in February 2024

Beautiful rooms. Well designed. Lovely staff that make you feel like family. Amazing breakfast provided with fresh sourdough made in house!

Stayed in February 2024

Nothing

Great owners and staff , perfectly positioned for ski lifts and restaurants

Stayed in February 2024

Nothing

Close to restaurants, ski slopes Lovely breakfast and onsen

Stayed in February 2024

NA

We absolutely loved the Refre. The family who run it are amazing, so friendly and helpful. Great facilities, storage for equipment and the Onsens are brilliant. Rooms and very clean and comfortable beds. Breakfast was also 10/10. Cool bar to relax after skiing and socialise with guests. Could not recommend highly enough. We will definitely be back! Thanks for an amazing stay

Stayed in January 2024

There wasn't a shower in the room but the onsen was really nice!

The location, the breakfast (overnight oats), the super friendly and helpful Peter and Jenn!

Stayed in January 2024

Jen and Pete went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable and comfortable. As soon as we arrived to the hotel, Pete gave us a detailed tour of all the facilities and recommendations on what to do around the town. The private onsen was amazing and really clean. In fact the hotel was super clean and our room was a great size as well! Loved how breaky was included and the there was a great selection of food too. Lastly, the hotel is in a great location- walking distance to the main strip of restaurants and convenience store.

Stayed in January 2024

I don’t think there’s anything that could have been better, we really enjoyed our stay!

From the moment we got there, everyone was super kind and welcoming. We really enjoyed the lengths our hosts went to make the stay worth it, including a tour of the facilities, daily breakfasts, ski resort recommendations, and a ride to train station.

Stayed in January 2024

Excellent hospitality from Jennifer and Peter!

Stayed in December 2023

Amazing stay. The owners, Jenni and Peter, are fantastic hosts- free room upgrade, wonderful homemade breakfast and they even picked us up from the trailhead at the end of a hard days hiking! Onsen fantastic too.

Stayed in September 2023

the limited number of rooms mean that you are lucky to get into book

super friendly family run hotel, authentic and clean Onsen, beautiful breakfast

Stayed in March 2023

Couldn't fault it at all!

The hotel is beautiful, the staff are wonderful and the facilities were fantastic. We adored our time and this hotel felt more like a 2nd home.

Stayed in March 2023

Was faultless!

Jen and Pete were fantastic hosts! Gave us loads of great recommendations for dinner (booked places for us) and helped us choose where to ski in late March '23. Jesse and Mim were extremely friendly and we loved having a chat with them in the lounge/bar; also gave great recommendations for ski resorts and bar culture. The onsen was so incredible and felt less intimidating than a public one as we could book it for 1/2hr as the two of us. Onsen was so magical!! The room was Japanese influenced and we felt super comfy in the space. Hotel is in a great location, walking distance to one of the base lifts for Akakura Onsen. They also were more than happy to drive us to Akakura Kanko which would have been a bit of a walk in our ski gear. Refre is so close to the main street, which had lots of convenience stores, bars and restaurants. Drying room was well equipped. Laundry facilities only 600 yen to use and easy to figure out. Pete drove us to Myoko-Kogen station about 10 mins away which was super easy. Being Aussie we loved the breakfast as we hadn't found breakfast alike ours in Melbourne when we were in Tokyo; good variety of T2 teas, cereals and great sourdough bread to have with our choice eggs, bacon, spinach, mushrooms. We had a fantastic brief stay :)

Stayed in March 2023

no

Jean and her husband are very warm and friendly

Stayed in March 2023

Jenn, Pete and family were exceptional hosts during my time staying in Akakura Onsen with them. They were extraordinarily helpful, accommodating and willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyon had a great time. Jenn was excellent at organising the booking and managing the communication in advance pro actively as Japan changed the rules on entry, Pete was a great host and often was willling to share a beer at the end of the day after he had driven/picked me up from a neighbouring ski field. Briony, Jesse and Mim were great with the breakfast service and any questions or concerns anyone had, immediatly resolved. The onsen was fabulous and very clean, the location superb, their knowledge and connection to the local community really ade my stay special. I'll be back!

Stayed in March 2023

Room was great and beds very comfortable, the owners were amazing , they were willing to help us at anytime , bar / breakfast and private onsens all winners.

Stayed in March 2023

Nothing

the possibility to reserve the onsen for private use. The staff was very nice. Breakfast was great !

Stayed in February 2023