Smile Hotel Otaru

The new onsen was the best part for me. It has plenty of space, plus a cold water tub and a sauna. The location is convenient too, with Otaru Station, restaurants, and conbinis a short walk away. There’s a Sapporo soup curry restaurant in the lobby, and it was pretty decent. The concierge was friendly and spoke a little English. My room was an okay size, but everything in it felt very old. The bathroom smelled like a public toilet, worse than some public toilets I've come across in Japan.

The price is a plus, and it could work well if you're traveling with a small backpack. With a suitcase, though, I found it a bad setup for solo travel. I stayed in a dorm, where rooms are separated only by curtains, and the lockers are just backpack-sized. The reception is in a separate building across the road, and the rooms are upstairs with no elevator. Every time I went out, I had to carry my suitcase downstairs, across the road, and ask at reception.

The beds were decent, and our room had its own bathroom and fridge. Parking is valet and costs extra. The staff spoke very little English and didn't seem to try to help. There was an incredible amount of dust along the carpet edges and behind the furniture, like those spots hadn't been cleaned in months.

Breakfast is very basic, and the breakfast room is too small. Go early, or the line can stretch out into the lobby. The hotel itself is centrally located, with restaurants and several convenience stores within easy walking distance. The facilities were clean, coffee was free around the clock, and vending machine prices were about the same as at a convenience store. Check-in starts at 3 pm, though they may give you a keycard earlier if your room is ready.