Olivia and her team were very warm, welcoming and helpful. Shakespeare Hotel is very charming, has everything you need and it is located conveniently close to Base Camp where you catch the shuttle to the mountains.
Great stay. The front desk had quick communication by email, spoke excellent English, and the shuttle service was excellent, even giving us a lift to the Onsen halfway through our stay.
The location was as central as you can get in Echoland, right in the heart of the action and across the road from Hakuba Base Camp bus terminal. That being said, there is a bar out the front which was never an issue until Saturday night when there was a little bit of noise.
The room was a decent size by Japanese standards, typical small basic bathroom but everything was clean. The bed was two singles or king singles pushed together, and we could feel the join in the middle. We had a mountain view room and the view to the mountains was beautiful.
The building itself is very nice in an old English thatched roof style, and has food, massage and yoga facilities onsite, along with a well setup drying room.
Side note about the area: Echoland has no ATM, the closest is in Happo about 15 minutes walk away. This is also where the closest slopes are, or short bus ride or taxi away. There are lots of places to eat but reservations are recommended.
Well I owe the staff an apology. I left a not so great review because of the bed and pillows... The first night I did not sleep well because the mattress was way to hard for me. After I let the front desk know they told Olivia. She mostly manages the property. She went WAY above and beyond remedying the situation. She actually went and bought two pillows that were to the specifications I usually like AND she got a memory foam bed topper!!!!! Seriously amazing person and service. I feel like I’m a guest in her house.
I also had a chance to explore the neighborhood and it has really great restaurants and stores close by.
Another thing Olivia organized was a free car ride to a beautiful Onsen and pick up. I feel beyond pampered. At first the look of the hotel was a bit dated but the Aloha she gives and the homey atmosphere is really wonderful.
I’m I’m lucky enough I will be back.