Pension Guest House Vingneuf

I am rating this a 5 of 5 based on what I expect at a Bed and Breakfast, Is this the Ritz Carlton? No. In Japan it is a Ryokan or Minshuku. In the US, we'd call it a lodge or Bed and Breakfast. Is it at the top of its category? YES! The family that runs it includes a former restaurant manager and Chef that worked in the US for several years. The food is top notch and the friendly and service (hotel and dining) is fantastic. This family is one of the friendliest, gracious, and most helpful I have encountered in my travels. They do speak english so it was easy to communicate before hand in email and on the phone. They provide transportation to and from the Train Station, to and from the Ski areas, and have some gear like snow boots and suits on site, but also will take to you ski rental companies in town. While there is a price for just the room, you would be daft for not including the onsen and both breakfast and dinner. It would be difficult to find better meals out and the cost is very reasonable. They have both western rooms and Japanese style rooms. A note is that all the western beds are singles (2-3 in a room). The western rooms, of which a counted 6, are set in pairs. One room of each pair has foyer which contains an entrance to a private bathroom (sink, tub/shower, toilet). The main portion of the room has its own inner doorway. The second room of the pair either can use a common toilet and sink or there door into the foyer of the first room. So a family could share the private bathroom. The Japanese room have a matt floor and futons that are spread out for sleeping. The hotel also has japaneese baths I am not sure if they are onsen or sento, but they are traditional. One for Men and one for Women. The etiquette here is to use the showers in the room to get completely clean and then soak in the hot water. This is done with out swimwear. You are provided with a towel and wash cloth. The cloth can be used for some modesty while walking to and from the bath. This ritual after a long day of Skiing was fantastic. So...no place is perfect, so what would be least impressive. The beds could be more comfortable, but I slept well each night. And the only other problem--I am stretching to call this a problem--is the low doorways. It is an older building. If you are over 5-10, be careful. I will stay here again and I recommend it anyone going to Yuzawa.