Food.
The quality of the local produce served in the kaiseki ryori was wow! Dishes were yummy, varied, simple yet exquisite. Over our 4-night stay, we sampled the 3 dinner menus served in rotation. I recommend you add the Joshu beef for at least one dinner (if you can eat loads and love meat). In the morning, a feast of a breakfast greets you. We chose Japanese breakfast. The onsen-cooked egg was simply out-of-this-world.
Onsen.
There are 3 private onsen baths on the same floor as the rooms and 2 public ones (1 per gender). The rotation for the private onsens was good, I never had to go to the public one downstairs. The onsens are beautiful and clean, easy to use and perfectly relaxing. The tatami rooms are spacious. And the futon beds were incredibly good for sleep and rest.
Location.
Shima Onsen is a short walk away along the scenic river. The small town embodies the spirit and the charm of "wabi-sabi". Be sure to visit Sekizenkan, the onsen and bridge in Spirited Away (Chihiro Sento). The grand hotel has an interesting Hello Kitty café. The ryokan will provide you with a local guide (Shima Onsen Passport) on the main attractions. I enjoyed the Onsen Fountain, the water worked its magic on my battered stomach. The local fruit-based sake sold in the sake-ya or the combini was also very good. The sweets shop had nice souvenirs other than food items, and its onsen cakes were delicious.
Staff.
Incredibly polite and friendly! It was easy to interact and bond.