THE GATE HOTEL SAPPORO by HULIC

Being attached directly to Sapporo Station near exit 9 was especially useful in winter, when going outside is too cold. In our Classy King room for two, there was plenty of space, it was clean, and we were happy with the amenities and features. Classy rooms also come with lounge access, where coffee, tea, and desserts are available through the day, and it's a nice place to relax or catch up on work. Breakfast was tasty, from the salmon flakes set to the buffet's wide selection of fresh food, and the service was great. We've stayed at other Sapporo hotels and are glad this new one opened. We'll be back.

Between Sapporo and Odori stations, the hotel made it easy to get around, and there are plenty of restaurants along the underground shopping street. We stayed four nights starting May 27. The station is very close, and you can reach the hotel through the underground mall, then take a lift to the hotel's elevator lobby for check-in, handy with big luggage. Most staff spoke good English and were cheerful and helpful. We enjoyed breakfast, especially the eggs Benedict and French toast, along with the other counter selections. I'd recommend it to people visiting Sapporo.

The construction between the hotel and Sapporo station was the one drawback. I could tolerate the noise, so I'd still recommend staying here, but anyone sensitive to it may feel differently. The location is the main draw: the subway is right under the building, and you can get to Odori and Susukino through the subway or at ground level. Access is from B1 in Hulic Square, with the lobby on 10F, reached from the South Exit at Sapporo station. The lobby has a pleasant aroma that I wish carried into the rooms. Our room on the 13th floor looked out over Sapporo station and the sunrise. It felt fairly new, with fresh carpet, crisp bedding, and a clean toilet. The bathtub and shower are separate from the toilet room.

Check-in was quick and easy, and reception was friendly. We had a great luxe corner room with a nice view over the Sapporo station area. The underground walkway connects to the hotel, with its own elevator going up to the 10th-floor lobby. I heard other guests mention construction noise. It wasn't irritatingly loud for me, though once backhoes started banging around midnight and kept going until about 2 a.m. The facilities were great overall. I just wish there were laundry machines and microwaves on site.