The Windsor Hotel TOYA Vignette Collection: What's Special About It in Hokkaido, Japan
If you're looking for a reason to "splurge" on a truly luxurious night in Hokkaido, then The Windsor Hotel TOYA Vignette Collection is at the top of the list. With an average price of over 500 USD/night (about 12-13 million VND), this is not just a hotel, but a real "sleeping among the clouds" experience.
Here are a few reasons why I think that 500 USD figure is worth every penny:
🏔️ "One-of-a-kind" location on the mountaintop
This hotel is completely isolated on the top of Mount Poromoi. The most special thing is that it has a "dual" view: one side is the emerald Lake Toya, the other side is Uchiura Bay facing the sea.
Real experience: Waking up early in the morning, you just need to pull back the curtains to see clouds drifting lazily right below your room's window. It feels like being in a castle in the clouds, quiet and extremely private.
🇫🇷 French flair in the heart of Japan
Although in Hokkaido, Windsor Hotel TOYA is imbued with classic French architecture and service style.
Top-notch cuisine: This is one of the rare places in Japan with Michelin-starred restaurants. If you're already splurging on the room, you should also try a dinner here. Local Hokkaido ingredients like beef and seafood are prepared in a refined French style, one taste and you'll remember it forever.
Once the G8 summit venue: In 2008, world leaders chose this place for their meeting. So, from reception to service quality, you'll feel treated like a real "VVIP."
♨️ Onsen amid a million-dollar scenery
Visiting Japan without soaking in an onsen is a miss, but soaking in an onsen at Windsor is on another level.
Experience: The onsen area here has a direct view of the majestic nature. Soaking in the hot water amid Hokkaido's cold, breathing in the fresh air of the high mountains, you'll feel all fatigue melt away.
💳 Booking and payment tips
Book early: Due to its uniqueness, the hotel often sells out during peak seasons (snow season or summer). You should book at least 2-3 months in advance for the best rates and to choose a Lake Toya-facing room (this view is prettier than the sea-facing one).
Payment: At a world-class 5-star hotel like this, using a card is the top priority. Just use Visa/Mastercard or Apple Pay for payment. Processing is super fast, and you even get massive credit card points for such a big transaction.
💡 A few small tips from me:
How to get there: The hotel has a free shuttle bus from JR Toya Station. Remember to check the shuttle schedule on the website or contact them in advance to arrange pickup, so you don't have to spend millions on a taxi up the mountain.
Golden time: If you go in winter, the snow-covered scenery blanketing Lake Toya viewed from the hotel is so beautiful that no words can describe it. If you go in summer, you can watch brilliant fireworks over Lake Toya every evening right from your room's balcony.
500 USD for one night might be high, but with what Windsor Hotel TOYA offers, I believe it will be the most romantic and memorable memory of your Japan trip.
