Gardens Cabin

The location and price were the main positives. I came for the Sapporo snow festival, and it was a five-minute walk to Odori Park and the Susukino Ice World site. The place was clean and reasonably well run, though a lot was automated to keep costs down, and it was much cheaper than nearby options. I went in expecting something closer to an upscale hostel than a hotel, but even with low expectations it didn’t work for me. The rooms felt more like human storage spaces. The sliding doors were basically retractable curtains, with no lock or latch, just a magnet to stop them coming off the wall. There’s a keyed space under the bed for valuables, but it’s a flimsy latch like you’d see on a cheap office desk. Otherwise, your things are out in the open with only a curtain between them and everyone on the floor. Japan felt safe and respectful, so I wasn’t very worried, but I’d think twice if you have an expensive laptop or similar. I knew there’d be no bathroom or shower in the room, but the floor has just three toilets for what I’d guess are 50 rooms. The showers are in the basement bath area, and there are only two for the whole hotel. One was broken while I was there, leaving one shower for everyone. They’re in the men’s bath area, where everyone is naked, which might not suit you, especially for a morning shower. Internet was another serious problem. There are networks and gateways throughout much of the hotel, but I couldn’t connect reliably in the bathroom, which disrupted my morning news routine. Even elsewhere, the speed was barely usable beyond email and basic scrolling. YouTube kept buffering and turning pixelated like dial-up, and uploading a 50-second Snow Festival clip took 30 minutes. One more thing: checkout is at 10 a.m., and you’re charged if you stay later without an extension. Once I checked out, they made everyone without an active booking leave the lounge. I’ve never seen that before. Keep it in mind if you aren’t heading straight to the airport. The place has a great location and price, but know what you’re getting.

I stayed in a cabin for six nights as a solo traveler, and the place went well beyond what I expected from a cabin inn. They also have rooms. The staff were professional, friendly, and helpful, and the service felt like a proper hotel. Getting around the building was easy. Check-in and checkout use self-service machines, the two elevators move people quickly, and there’s a 7-Eleven right at the entrance. There’s plenty of luggage space under each cabin, with a safety lock and a personal space for each guest, plus a small locker for valuables. The cabin itself is roomy. I slept well and had space above the bed for small things I didn’t put in my luggage storage. I could hang jackets and clothes inside, and the height made getting in and out easy. The bath was another pleasant surprise. The public bath, like an onsen, has cold, room-temperature, and hot baths. The hot water felt great after being out in the snow and Sapporo’s cold air, so I used it four days during my stay. Being naked with other people may feel awkward for visitors from abroad, but I got used to it. There are also two showers for anyone who prefers a private shower. The bath is on B1, and lavatories are on every floor. The location is very convenient for walking to famous Sapporo spots. For farther trips, there’s an entrance to the underground mall next to the building, Aurora Town if I’m remembering right, which connects to the subway. The facilities and service are well worth the price, maybe even more. If I return to Sapporo and want a cabin-style inn, I’ll stay here again.

The price felt fair overall, and I really liked having the public bath. It was just right for unwinding after a long, tiring day. I was disappointed, though, that we had to leave the lounge right after checking out. I only wanted to wait for my bus, and the lounge was empty. A little flexibility there would have been nice.

Right in the city center, this hotel is easy to get around from. There’s a konbini on the first floor, and airport bus stops and stations are nearby. Breakfast costs 1100 yen and felt worth it, with a buffet and several drinks to choose from. The public bath is a traditional Japanese onsen, and there’s one shower room if you’d rather not use the onsen. Free toiletries are provided, including basic skincare like lotion.