Little Barrel Guest House

The common room by reception feels really welcoming, and it’s easy to meet people there. The place is clean, the staff are friendly, and you’re near the supermarket, station, and waterfront. Staying in a shared dorm makes it fairly affordable. The kitchen gets cramped when several people are in it, and with just one bathroom and one shower on the first floor, I sometimes had to wait.

We were happy with the feel of our large room, which had four beds. There’s a kitchen where we could make breakfast, and the main road is within walking distance.

I hadn’t known what to expect when I left Sapporo for Otaru, so this place was a lovely surprise. The huge dining and lounge area is gorgeous, and the whole place felt classy, more like a hotel than a hostel. I’d have stayed longer if there’d been availability. I did wish the chairs were more comfortable, and going in and out of the shower room meant ducking.

Sharing the bathroom and toilet with other guests hasn’t caused us any trouble so far, and we haven’t had to wait. Lawson is really close by, which is handy. The old style of the building does mean even little noises carry, though, and that can be hard to put up with.