SAPPORO HOTEL by GRANBELL

The hot spring spa and sauna near the hotel’s top floors were a favorite. Hotel guests can use them at no extra charge, while non-guests may pay to enter. After long days on foot, we felt relaxed and recharged, especially after the medicinal bath. The hotel is new, clean, well maintained, and the bedding was very comfortable. We stayed four nights with family in June 2025. It’s a handy few blocks from Sapporo JR Station, though construction nearby and the sidewalk guide bricks made rolling luggage a little difficult. I’d read before booking that the staff had limited English, but they were enthusiastic and clearly tried hard to help despite the language barrier. Ms. Mu and Mr. Hashimoto deserve special thanks for helping us reserve a restaurant when we didn’t have a Japanese phone number. Ms. Mu said most staff spoke only basic English and that requests beyond their usual work could be challenging. Once she realized I might speak another language, she kindly switched to Mandarin Chinese and did all she could to assist. With Mr. Hashimoto’s help, they got the reservation done. It was outside the service they were expected to provide, and I really appreciated their extra effort and teamwork. Highly recommended.

The location is the one small drawback. It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk to Sapporo Station, and a taxi to Susukino, the downtown entertainment area, costs around 2000 yen one way. Still, I loved this hotel and would happily return, especially for the price I paid, which felt like great value. The rooms are elegantly decorated, with full-sized windows and fabulous city views. The onsen is spectacular, with several baths and expansive views across Sapporo.

The rooftop onsen was a standout, especially in the cold weather. It’s beautifully designed and such a relaxing way to unwind in the evening. My room was spotless, thoughtfully arranged, and comfortable, with a particularly good bed. Even though the hotel is central, it was quiet and well insulated, so I slept well. The style blends modern comfort with Japanese design and feels calm and welcoming after a long day out. Getting around was easy. Susukino, Odori Park, and lots of places to eat are within walking distance, along with shopping and sightseeing options. The staff were consistently polite, friendly, helpful, and efficient. Hotel Granbell Sapporo offered good value, comfort, and a pleasant atmosphere. I’d stay again and recommend it for a visit to Sapporo, whether for food, leisure, or a winter trip.

The biggest downside for me was the buffet. There were lots of options, but none felt especially good: the bread wasn’t fresh, I couldn’t finish the donburi bowl, and the vegetable dishes had little flavor without their sauces. I’ve had much better hotel buffets, so we skipped it on two of our three days. The French food at the restaurant was good, better than some omakase I’d had in Niseko, and dinner views from the 26th floor were gorgeous. I think you need a reservation. This feels like a budget hotel with a few luxuries, including an onsen, buffet, and high-end restaurant. It’s busy with lots of tourists, and check-in and checkout happen at kiosks, though staff helped ship our luggage and call cabs, so that was fine. They provide plenty of toiletries, including small DHC items and cute teas. The honey tea was amazing. In the bathroom, there’s nowhere to set makeup, and the only mirror is there or a full-length one by the door, which made getting ready hard. They try to make up for the lack of space with small baskets for carrying toiletries back and forth. It’s easy to get a cab to and from Sapporo station, or walk there in seven minutes. With luggage in snow, though, add about 10-20 minutes. Susukino, with nightlife, restaurants, and malls, is about a 30-minute walk. They clean every other day but provide fresh towels daily. I liked that for sustainability and staff workload, and because I don’t want to be disturbed on vacation. The room still felt very clean. A decent pick if you want a little luxury on a budget and don’t mind the longer walk to the city center.