Lestel Maru - Hostel

The basic things I want from a stay are a decent wash and a good night's sleep, and I can't wait to leave so I can get both. The place is clean and well maintained, and it takes 15 minutes by metro to reach either the ski lift or downtown in the opposite direction. But I asked for a fresh towel during my week here and was told I'd have to pay. The showers run cold for five minutes, then give only a few minutes of warm, not hot, water. The sink taps do get hot, so it isn't a lack of hot water. It doesn't save water if you have to run it cold while waiting for warmth. People heading out to ski woke me around 5 or 6 every morning, even with earplugs in, and others packing at night kept me awake. A quiet-hours sign for 11pm to 7am would help.

Maruyama Park, Hokkaido Jingu and Maruyama Zoo are all within walking distance, and Hokkaido Jingu is especially beautiful in winter. The hotel is also well placed for getting around: about 400m from Maruyama Koen Station, which connects directly to Odori Station, around three stops away. Being near the center matters in winter when walking on frozen snow can be difficult, and Lestel Maru worked well for that. The place was spotless, comfortable and well equipped, almost like an Airbnb but with hotel standards. Self check-in was smooth, though it might be hard for older guests to manage alone. We met a few staff members by the laundry facilities, and they were all welcoming and friendly, even though the hotel is mostly self-service. The value was outstanding. It made my four-night Sapporo stay even better, and it's one of the best three-star hotels I've stayed in. Compared with typical three-star hotels back in Indonesia, they don't come close.

We spent six nights at lestel maru and had a really pleasant stay. The nearby supermarket and easy subway access were handy. The room was spacious, with a big bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. Everything was perfect, and I definitely recommend the place. I'd come back.

There’s plenty of room for a family of seven, and the place felt very homey. It was also very clean. The subway and bus stations are close, convenience stores are a few minutes away on foot, and there’s a grocery store just behind the property. Attractions are nearby too. Highly recommended.