The Maples was located around the middle of upper Hirafu Village amidst restaurants and shops. The nearest supermarket, Hirafu 88, was just across the road. Lower Hirafu Village's restaurants were also within walking distance albeit further which was not an issue because complimentary car lift was provided before 10:00 PM to and from restaurants within the Hirafu Village. The best part was that it was a true ski-out and ski-in unlike Ki Niseko which I stayed in previously, a ski-in, but not a ski-out because you had to walk out to the nearest ski lift which was located on higher grounds. The staff at The Maples were responsive and friendly, which really helped when assistance was needed. The studio apartment on the 6th floor was spacious and well-appointed with a fantastic view of the ski slopes and trees - I kept the blinds drawn open at all times and woke up with the sunrise; it was just so irresistibly beautiful especially after a snowfall which was quite regular in Niseko. Loved the absolutely no-hands toilet, which had a sensor-activated cover, heated seat, and cleaning, drying and self-flushing features. The portable air humidifier was much appreciated because the heating was extremely drying. Unfortunately, the apartment was not cleaned everyday, so had to make my own bed and clean after myself for 2 days before the cleaning service was scheduled. There were no hand towels; the face towels doubled up as hand towels. Also, for some reason, The Maples being a higher end accommodation, no hand or skin moisturiser was provided. As it was extremely dry and cold - bring plenty of your own if proned to skin dryness due to the weather. The ski room was conveniently located at the basement floor and opened out onto the ski slope. There was no ski valet, so had to take care of my own gears with an allocated ski locker which was fine because it was not like a ski valet would help me wear my ski boots. Ski room was well laid-out with a worktable to tune gears and toilet which was really convenient if you need to answer the implacable call of nature before you ski out instead of running back up to your room. The Maples made up for its lack of ski valet with an excellent concierge service that meticulously arranged almost everything from ski lessons and rentals to restaurant recommendations and reservations.