ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa

ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa: A Michelin One-Key Oasis of Luxury

The ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa, a recipient of the prestigious Michelin One-Key award, consistently delivers a "very special stay" experience, blending professional luxury with the serene beauty of Beppu's hot springs. Guests frequently highlight the resort's stunning views, exceptional service, and world-class amenities as reasons for its high acclaim.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 9.2 out of 10 from numerous guest reviews. It is consistently described as "wonderful," "excellent," and "amazing," with guests eager to return. The Michelin One-Key designation underscores its status as a property offering a truly memorable and high-quality experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests particularly adore the resort's breathtaking panoramic views of Beppu Bay and the surrounding mountains, often accentuated by the rising steam from the city's hot springs. The luxurious onsen facilities, including both public baths and private onsen in select rooms, are a major draw. The modern and chic design, spacious rooms, infinity pool, and the overall serene atmosphere also receive consistent praise.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa are noted for being spacious, handsome, and exceedingly comfortable. They feature a modern design with luxurious finishes and wooden floors. Many rooms come with private balconies, offering splendid views of the landscape or Beppu Bay. A significant highlight for many is the inclusion of private onsen baths in some Club rooms and suites, allowing for an exclusive hot spring experience. Bathrooms are often described as "awesome" and very spacious. Room sizes vary, from Classic Rooms at 49 square meters (527 sq ft) to expansive Panorama Suites up to 151 square meters.

4. Dining Experience

The resort offers a diverse dining experience across its several venues. Atelier, a French fine-dining restaurant, serves exceptional European cuisine for dinner. Elements provides a more casual setting with a semi-buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including both Japanese and Western dishes. Breakfast is frequently praised as "rich and fresh," with a multitude of choices. The new sushi restaurant, Bungomae Musui, offers meticulously prepared nigiri, maki, and sashimi using fresh local seafood, with Omakase courses available. Additionally, guests can enjoy a stunning wood-paneled bar with memorable mountain views, a poolside bar and cafe called Aqua, and The Lounge for specialty coffees, teas, and seasonal fare.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa are consistently highlighted as a standout feature. Guests describe them as "outstanding," "very helpful and friendly," "polite and attentive," and "professional." The staff's multilingual capabilities, reportedly speaking up to 10 different languages, are particularly appreciated by international visitors. From warm welcomes to efficient check-outs, the team's dedication to ensuring a memorable stay is evident.

6. Location & Accessibility

The resort is beautifully nestled in the hills overlooking Beppu, a renowned hot spring destination. This elevated position provides spectacular views of Beppu Bay and the city's iconic steam plumes. While it's situated away from the immediate city center, the hotel offers a convenient shuttle bus service to and from Beppu Station, with a ride typically taking about 20 minutes. Guests appreciate the peaceful, idyllic setting and the comprehensive on-site amenities that mean they don't always need to venture out.

7. Value & Pricing

As a 5-star Michelin One-Key property, the ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa is positioned as a luxury destination. The average price for a room is around $522, which is notably higher than Beppu's overall average hotel room price of $187. However, guests largely agree that the experience is "well worth the investment" for the unparalleled luxury, facilities, and service provided. Opting for Club rooms, particularly for families, is often seen as offering excellent value due to included amenities like lounge access, afternoon tea, and complimentary alcoholic beverages.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted by guests. A few Japanese guests, for example, felt that the buffet at Elements, particularly for breakfast and lunch, lacked variety compared to buffets at other large international hotel chains. Another point raised was the observation that not all rooms have private onsen tubs; this amenity is exclusive to Club rooms and suites, a clarification from earlier announcements. Additionally, guests should be aware of an onsen fee that applies regardless of use.

Sources

1. michelin.com
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4. anaicbeppu.com
5. flyertalk.com
6. luxuryhotelkyoto.com
7. travelandleisureasia.com
8. voyapon.com
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12. flyertalk.com