Hotel WBF Sapporo Chuo

We spent all three nights hanging out with friends in the first-floor lounge. The service there was lovely, and the snacks and drinks, including alcohol, were good quality. Breakfast was small but good, especially the ramen and curry soup. The room was a pleasant size by Japanese standards, and we could open all three suitcases at once. The bedding was comfortable, though it would’ve been better to have two pillows per single bed. The hotel is in a great spot near Nijo market and Susukino, but the station is a bit of a walk, about 500 meters. There’s no laundry, unfortunately.

The room was clean, comfortable, and neatly kept, with a quiet city view. In the morning, I watched soft light fall on the streets as gentle snow came down. It was a lovely peaceful moment before going out. The staff were warm and patient whenever I needed something. There’s complimentary coffee downstairs, and a lounge with free-flow drinks for anyone who wants them. I don’t drink myself, but it’s a nice option. The location was especially handy in winter, with restaurants, cafés, convenience stores, and the walking area around Tanukikoji just a short walk away. WBF Hotel Sapporo made a comfortable base for exploring Sapporo.

The coach to Rusutsu resort stops right at the door, and the hotel kindly stored our rather large pile of skis and suitcases for the day after checkout. Rooms were clean and roomy enough for our adult family to open our cases and still use the bed. Checkout is normally at 11am. There’s a complimentary bar for a nightcap, and breakfast was good and sensibly priced.

We were treated coldly at the front desk. When we asked for dinner recommendations, they said we had to call and book ourselves, even though they knew we couldn’t speak Japanese. They kept saying a long queue was forming, but helped Japanese guests ahead of us with food suggestions. No smile, just hostility. It was my first experience of racism, and it left me ashamed of what I felt Japanese people represented. The room was hot and stuffy, with no air conditioning or fan. One of the worst experiences I’ve had.