Hotel Nord Otaru

Breakfast was a treat, with plenty of healthy, tasty options, and the rooftop bar had a relaxing feel and breathtaking night views. Our room also looked out over stunning scenery, making mornings and evenings memorable. The hotel is a short walk from the JR station, so it was easy to explore Otaru. Tadokoro Aya was especially attentive and eager to help, answering all our questions promptly. We had an unforgettable stay.

We couldn’t stay for even one night. After just moments in the room I felt very sick, and we had to haul our bags down the street after midnight in freezing weather to find another hotel. The room was old and smelled horribly musty, like mold. Opening the bathroom door brought another foul odor. Even the carpet at the main entrance looked dirty. I’m not especially picky, but I couldn’t tolerate this place at all. Nearly all the reviews I’d seen had rated it excellent, and I was shocked by what we found. I can’t understand those good ratings. I’m leaving this honest review to warn people: please find somewhere else.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and the location was convenient: about ten minutes from Otaru Station, twenty minutes from Sakaimachi Street, with Otaru canal right across. Wi-Fi was reliable. Still, the poor cleanliness really affected my stay, and the facilities were in such bad shape that the price was hard to justify. I’d suggest looking at other places nearby. The lobby smelled strongly of cigarettes because the smoking room is on the same floor. My room was very dated, with mold on the windows and in wall corners. There was visible mold in the bathroom sink and behind the toiletries tray as well. I couldn’t switch rooms because the hotel was fully booked for the weekend. They offered to clean the windows, but I only noticed the mold in the corner on my last day.

My room was cozy, clean, and nicely equipped, with a comfortable bed. The staff were attentive and friendly, always willing to help with requests. Hotel Nord Otaru is a short walk from Otaru Canal, so it was easy to wander around the waterfront, historic warehouses, and local shops. I had a delightful stay and would recommend it.