#205 Apartment in Sapporo ALMAZ PLACE

Stayed here in winter. The host was super friendly, and the room and facilities were 8/10. The location was pretty calm and not too crowded. ❄️

I found the corner room comfortable and convenient, with everything I needed. It had the usual size and layout of a Japanese apartment, a bit like the dormitories I used to live in. The landlord had arranged the storage cleverly, and there was a washing machine. Laundry detergent was under the bathroom sink, so have a look there. Each person gets one large and one small towel. Bringing your own extra towel is normal if you need one. The station is the main drawback. Getting there can be tiring in winter, though summer should be fine. There's no elevator either, so you'll have to carry your bags on arrival and departure. Nearby you'll find local supermarkets and yakiniku and sushi restaurants, plus pharmacies by the station. Since it's a long way from the city center, many shops don't offer tax refunds. If that matters to you, shop in the city and bring your purchases back. With two or more people and heavy luggage, I'd recommend a taxi to Sapporo Station, then transferring to the airport. It costs around 2000 yen and saves a lot of effort.

I've found my regular place to stay in Sapporo. The owner is hospitable, has lots of hobbies, and provides everything you need for a long stay. There's a washing machine, so I can dry clothes in the room, and parking is available by reservation. A park sits right across the street, and the cherry blossoms are beautiful this time of year. The next room was well soundproofed, so it was comfortable. During my stay, the water heater was updated and the owner contacted me about it. They also rent bicycles, so I rode to Hokkaido University to clear my head while writing. Thank you to the northern land, Almaz Place!

This was the worst accommodation, and I have no intention of coming back. The room wasn't cleaned, so I had to wipe every nook and cranny with the wet wipes I'd brought. The bedding was moldy, and the electric kettle and pots were in terrible condition. They only provided plastic plates. The bathtub and bathroom were so dirty that, even without the "shower only" sign, I ended up just taking a shower. They said it wasn't a hotel, but gave each person only one large and one small towel. I had to use the washing machine, but there was no detergent. Parking cost 500 yen per night. They say Japan is strict about waste separation, yet there were only two small trash bags. Even giving this place one star felt like a waste.