Kitami Hotel Kurobe

The room was clean, and the service was nice.

The courteous service was a real help. The room was clean, though I wished it had a humidifier or deodorizing spray, and a heated toilet seat. I’d hoped to use the large public bath at Dormy Inn Kitami, so it was disappointing that this hotel didn’t have one. I’d been recommended this place after the water supply was cut off at Dormy Inn Kitami. They also seem to hold banquets and New Year’s parties, which looked fun.

The room is roomy and feels open, and the renovation has left it very clean. I got a very reasonable rate at Ezoshika, perhaps because of a special price. The Harbia package sauna in the room is the same powerful Cilindro 6 as the guest room sauna at Kitakobushi. But even with the setting at 110°C, drafts through the poorly fitted door kept the room at 85°C and 10% humidity. They need to seal it up somehow. I won’t go into the staff’s help, including the parking guidance and unmanned front desk, in detail. There’s plenty that could be improved, so I’m curious to see what they do next.

Breakfast comes as a set, and I chose the Western one this time. The omelet was tasty, and I liked that they had newspapers such as the Nikkei. The hotel itself is one of Kitami’s long-established places. It’s a little far from the station, though there’s a bus stop close by. Restaurants and convenience stores are also some distance away, so without a car, I’d get food near the station first. The front desk and lounge aren’t flashy, but the marble here and there gives them a simple, refined feel. Staff were very attentive, which made me feel at ease. The room is simple too, with a more upscale look to the lights and wallpaper. Only one outlet at the desk was a letdown.