Kaneki Hotel

Pros +

• The hotel itself is quite sparse but functional. The futons were comfortable and you are well located for strolling the onsens. It's about a 1 hr stroll to the monkey park and a half hour walk from the train station. The hotel provides you with robes, shoes and a key to the public onsens, as well as directions. No one spoke a lick of English, so Google translate is your best friend.
• It was lovely to be received with yukatas and geta to use freely and to have our futons ready after dinner. Abundant narural hot spring water overflows the onsens in the hotel and throughout the traditional village. I discovered the basement onsen by chance. My fault as I don't know Japanese and as my trip progressed I became proficient with Google translate...do rent a portable wifi from the airport or major JR station. Japan is aging, and it's apparent away from major cities, so buildings and bathrooms are dated but functional. Suminoyu onsens are traditional and HOT, and people are traditional, ie. please be respectful and abide by onsen ettiquette. Support the local businesses and shops. I only wished I would have purchased more goods including yukatas from the shops there (it was the beginning of our trip).

Cons -

• Booking.com should have mentioned that the hotel only takes cash. So be prepared with cash on hand. The nearest ATM is at the Lawson's convenience store next to the train station.