A Perfect Retreat: Highlights from My Stay at Mercure Hida Takayama

by John Marx Velasco · August 7, 2024

When we were planning our summer trip to Japan, one of my friends suggested checking out Takayama. With its history, traditional vibe, and mountain views, it sounded like a solid choice – and it definitely was. The town itself was great, but what really made our trip memorable was our stay at Mercure Hida Takayama. For four days, the hotel gave us just the right balance of comfort, convenience, and peace, letting us fully relax. It was a perfect retreat. It was the highlight of our time in Takayama.

Mercure Hida Takayama

Mercure Hida Takayama is a well-appointed hotel located in the heart of Takayama. The hotel offers spacious, tastefully designed rooms that provide a relaxing atmosphere. It’s perfect for unwinding after exploring the historic streets and nearby attractions. The hotel also has convenient location that makes it easy to access Takayama’s famous markets, temples, and old town. If you want comfort and a genuine experience in this charming town, Mercure Hida Takayama has you covered.

We arrived at the hotel around 1pm and got a warm welcome. The check-in process was quick and smooth after showing our passports and confirming the reservation. The front desk also gave us a quick rundown of the hotel, including details about breakfast and the amenities available during our stay.

Room

Mercure Hida Takayama offers two types of comfortable rooms: the modern Superior Rooms and the more upscale Privilege Rooms, both available in Double, Twin, or Triple options. I stayed in a Double Privilege Room, while my friends had a Twin Room. You can check this link for room rates and availability. The rooms were stylish and comfortable – just what I needed for this trip.

My Bed at Mecure Hida Takayama Pivilege Double Room at Mercure Hida Takayama

As soon as I entered the room, it immediately felt like a vacation. It had a relaxing vibe with a touch of luxury. The room had a comfortable double bed, a fridge, a TV, a safe, and a seating area. The room also featured an open wardrobe, and pajamas were provided as well. The bathroom was clean and modern, complete with a hairdryer and all the essential amenities. Being on a higher floor, it also offered me a great view of the town. What also stood out to me were the welcome treats – a nice, friendly touch that I really appreciated.

Welcome Treats from Mercure Hida Takayama

Throughout my entire stay, I must say I experienced some of the most restful sleep I’ve had in a long time. The bed was incredibly spacious, providing plenty of room to stretch out and relax. It was not only huge but also exceptionally comfortable. My room at Mercure Hida Takayama was the ideal environment to unwind and recharge, and I truly appreciated every moment of comfort and coziness it provided.

Facilities

Mercure Hida Takayama also offers a range of excellent facilities and services for a more comfortable and relaxing stay. The hotel features a bar and restaurant where guests can enjoy breakfast, meals, and drinks in a cozy setting. A 24-hour reception desk is available to assist with any needs. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property. Additionally, the hotel boasts both indoor and outdoor onsens, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Public Onsen at Mercure Hida Takayama Mercure Hida Takayama Public Onsen

Private Onsen

One of the highlights of my stay at Mercure Hida Takayama was trying the Private Onsen for the first time. While the hotel has public onsens available for all guests, there are also three private onsens for those seeking more privacy. For just ¥4,000 for 45 minutes, guests can enjoy the onsen alone or with a partner, friends, or family. Simply ask the front desk for details on how to book.

Private Onsen at Mercure Hida Takayama

I reserved a slot for 10pm in the Private Onsen, and found it to be the perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure. It was a peaceful, distraction-free experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed my 45 minutes there.

Hobar Restaurant and Bar

Another highlight of our stay at Mercure Hida Takayama was our exceptional dining experience at Hobar Restaurant. This is where guests can enjoy breakfast during their stay, and the restaurant offers a delightful buffet-style spread that is truly sumptuous. The breakfast selection was impressive, featuring a wide variety of dishes that cater to different tastes—from authentic local specialties to popular Western and Asian options. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared, ensuring there was something delicious for everyone.

Hobar Restaurant Mercure Hida Takayama Breakfast at Hobar Restaurant

In addition to breakfast, our group had the pleasure of dining at Hobar for dinner, where we were treated to a full-course meal. The dinner menu was equally impressive, offering a range of beautifully presented dishes that highlighted both the freshness of the ingredients and the culinary expertise of the chefs. My personal favorites were the oven-baked sea bream, which was perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the grilled Hida beef rump, which was tender and flavorful as our main course. For dessert, the high cocoa terrine chocolate was a standout, offering a rich and indulgent finish to our meal.

Takayama Full-course meal at Hobar Restaurant Takayama Dinner at Hobar Restaurant Hida Beef Hobar Restaurant

The atmosphere of the restaurant, combined with the exceptional quality of the food and the attentiveness of the staff, made every dining experience at Hobar a memorable one, truly elevating our stay.

Overall, Mercure Hida Takayama is an excellent choice for a stay in Takayama, offering a great location close to some of the tourist attractions. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, with amenities that make the experience even better. Combined with the friendly and attentive staff, the hotel provides everything needed for a memorable and enjoyable visit.