Route-Inn Grantia Hakodate Ekimae

The public bath and sauna were both great, and the service was nice. Rooms are a decent size and kept clean. They offer daily cleaning unless you hang the sign on the door, which is better than APA and toyoko inn, where rooms are only cleaned every 3-4 days. Bring the disposable bath sponge from the room or lobby if you want to wash up faster in the public bath.

I didn't take a photo of the room, but it was small and Japanese-style. The hotel is close to the station, and the staff are always smiling and really nice. They let you store luggage before check-in or after check-out. There's a top-floor public bath with a sauna and DHC products, plus coffee and ice machines and vending machines. The room has adjustable AC and a fridge.

The gentleman went out of his way to find us a map and was happy to share directions after we headed out. I also noticed clear signs explaining that the hotel offers a safe evacuation area during tsunamis.

Being right next to Hakodate station is the main plus. The view from the very small room was good, and the window could be opened. The onsen setup is basic, with just one small pool and a sauna, and few amenities. Its view is screened, probably so people outside can't see in. The water tasted salty when I accidentally tried some, and I didn't notice much of a hot spring effect. The massage machines are reasonably priced. Most staff were polite, though a few women working breakfast looked irritated. Breakfast itself was so-so, and there was no salmon sashimi or salmon roe during my stay, which was a shame. If you're after a proper onsen experience in Hakodate, you may want another hotel. This feels more like a communal bath, depending on your budget.