Visitors to Sapporo have much to do beyond marvel at the snow that covers the ground up to nearly half the year, with historical architecture, a vibrant city life, and lots of delicious seafood being just a place to start. At the end of the day - especially if it’s a chilly one - it’s nice to come home to Hotel Okura’s Sapporo outpost, where service and elegance from a time gone by not only still lives on, but avails itself to you at a reasonable price.
A spacious room makes for a relaxing stay
Hotel Okura Sapporo’s standard guest room is spacious and comfortable, with an inviting sitting area, large bed, and plenty of counter space too. Naturally there is also a television (not shown), but notably for a hotel in this class, there is even something to watch in English, even if it is only CNN. The bed is firm, but in the supportive sense, not the “sleeping on a slab of rock” sense. Sheets are a cut above. If there is one detraction, it is that you cannot control the room’s temperature, though you can see it: On a recent winter stay, the thermostat stayed glued at 24 C (75 F), so if that’s a perfect temperature for you, you’re in luck.
The hotel is an aging grand dame, but it’s been kept up well. You will find no signs of wear and tear, and the lobby and room furnishings do not feel dated at all. Even more importantly, this is a hotel where service is executed flawlessly and professionally, with friendly staff assisting you however they can.
Space and comfort also define the bathroom
The shower and bathtub combo makes for a solid bathing experience regardless if you are in the mood for a quick shower or a nice hot bath. Soap, shampoo, and conditioner are in environmentally friendly dispensers along the bath’s ledge, and all the bathroom niceties such as cotton swabs and shaving sets grace the countertop. Towels are soft and bountiful, with your standard bath towel being provided alongside both a hand towel and larger washcloth.
Grab a drink at the bar before going out for dinner
Between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm, the old-school bar on the mezzanine level runs a half price happy hour. Be sure to take advantage of it. Comfortable seats, excellent service, and superbly made drinks in a setting like this are hard to come by for the around 600 JPY (6 USD) that the happy hour price will run you. All the standard cocktails are available, and even a few ones you may have never heard of.
Value runs deep at this venerable hotel chain’s Sapporo offering
Sure, you could stay somewhere cheaper, but why let regret eclipse the satisfaction you can get by splashing out just a bit more on the Hotel Okura Sapporo. A recent weeknight stay for two, including a bountiful buffet breakfast, came in at just around 12,000 JPY (108 USD), an exceedingly reasonable price for a property of this calibre.
History
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