JR Inn Sapporo South

The shower room is roomier than usual for Japan and separate from the toilet, which I really liked. The walk from Sapporo station is easy, though the hotel is several blocks away and getting there with big bags over snow and ice can be tough. The one drawback was a 1000jpy charge for staying one hour past 10am. I enjoyed my stay and would consider coming back.

My single room had a nice view of a wall, which I wish they'd mentioned. I only noticed late in the evening and was too tired to ask to switch. The twin room was bigger than the single, but I didn't really like having the sink in the room. Beds were comfortable, and I liked being able to choose the pillow filling. One bed had a really strong menthol smell on the sheets. I moved to the other bed, but still felt uneasy about cleanliness, and my pajamas picked up the menthol smell. Breakfast was very repetitive, with just four sets to choose from and little difference between them. I have another booking in a week and haven't decided whether to return. I'm backpacking, and it's a good 10 minutes from the train station.

There's an underground exit, #22, close by that connects all the way to Sapporo station, which is especially useful in snowy weather. Odori Park is also about a 14-minute walk away. The room was standard sized, and we appreciated having a humidifier in winter. Bathroom was standard, and the amenities were complete. There were only three washing machines and dryers. Still, I'd stay here again.

Nothing to complain about. The room is small, but I could open a 24-inch suitcase, one on the floor and another on the sofa. If the pillow in your room doesn't suit you, you can swap it for another at the lobby. There are two JR Inn hotels in the same area, with the other one just across the road, so make sure you go to the right one.