Hotel Pearl City Sapporo

The price felt fair, and the rooms were clean. It’s handy being close to the station, and the staff were friendly and helpful. Breakfast at the nearby cafe was nice, too. The building feels old and worn, though, and I found the bed and pillow uncomfortable. Internet was slow.

The staff were kind and quickly moved me to a non-smoking room after I complained. The first room was awful: a missing lightbulb and an unbearable smoke smell. That whole floor felt like a jump-scare game. Even after the switch, I’d have chosen another hotel if I could do it over. This place needs an upgrade. The location was fine, but the hotel itself is dated, with dim lighting, a stained blanket, and a pillow that was flat on one side and lumpy on the other. The walls seemed thin. I woke to what sounded like a nearby train, though with the subway underground I’m not sure what it was. Wi-Fi was only so-so, so I used mobile data.

The room had enough space to open two suitcases and included a private shower, and the service was impressive. I arrived early in the morning, and the friendly receptionists let me leave my luggage for free. When I returned after a day out, they had already brought it up to my room. The hotel is very close to JR Sapporo train station, visible from the front. But the room smelled of cigarette smoke, which I’m allergic to, despite my trying to book somewhere with separate non-smoking rooms. I also couldn’t adjust the temperature. I stayed over the year end in freezing winter weather, and even with the great service, I wouldn’t stay here again.

Beautiful place, but some of the rooms seem tolerable only if you smoke.