Sapporo Princess Hotel: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits in Japan!
Sapporo Princess Hotel: My Love Letter (and a Few Grumbles) to Japanese Luxury. (SEO-Friendly, but REALLY Real.)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your average, sterile hotel review. This is me, spilling my guts (and hopefully, helping you decide if Sapporo Princess is the right place for your Sapporo adventure). And yes, I’ll be weaving in the SEO keywords because, well, I want you to find this gem. So, here we go… (deep breath).
First Impressions: The Gilded Cage (But a REALLY Comfortable One)
Right off the bat, the Sapporo Princess Hotel screams “luxury.” Think gleaming surfaces, immaculately dressed staff (they bow a lot – which, honestly, I found a bit much at first, but you get used to it), and a lobby that could double as a small, very opulent art gallery. Luxury is the name of the game, and the Princess definitely delivers. And, blessedly, accessibility is clearly considered. The elevator system is smooth and plentiful, which is a HUGE plus. There’s ramps accessible to me. I mean, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I’ve been with people who are, and you can tell they've put in the effort.
Rooms: A Sanctuary (Mostly)
Alright, let's be real. The rooms are where it REALLY matters. And the Sapporo Princess… well, they're pretty damn good. We're talking seriously comfy beds with extra long beds if you're a giant like me, plump pillows, and those glorious blackout curtains that are an absolute godsend after a long flight (or a particularly enthusiastic night exploring Sapporo's amazing nightlife). The bathrobes and slippers? Essential. The free Wi-Fi? Thank you, sweet baby Jesus. And, praise be, there's free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (I’ve stayed in places where that’s not a given, and it's a nightmare). You also get a coffee/tea maker, which is crucial for a caffeine addict like myself. And for the safety conscious travelers, it's great to see a smoke detector, fire extinguisher, and in-room safe box.
But, and there's always a "but," it wasn't PERFECT. My room was a bit… sterile, if I'm honest. A touch more personality wouldn't go amiss. You know, a quirky print, a splash of color… something to say, "Hey, we're not just a hotel room, we're a vibe!" And getting the room service [24-hour] right away seemed a little slow. But hey, minor quibbles.
It's important to note that they had non-smoking rooms (crucial for this smoky-sensitive writer) and soundproof rooms, which is a godsend considering Sapporo's busy streets. And the daily housekeeping was impeccable!
Food, Glorious Food! (And Some Hiccups)
The Sapporo Princess knows how to feed you. Seriously. Let's start with the breakfast [buffet]. I’m not a buffet person in principle, but this one… wow. A glorious spread of Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and everything in between. Freshly baked pastries, mountains of fruit, and omelets made to order. There are restaurants available in the hotel - Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant. It's a feast. And for those who are feeling the urge to eat in their pajamas, the breakfast in room option, along with room service [24-hour], is a lifesaver!
But the restaurants… that was a mixed bag. The Japanese restaurant was sublime – the sushi was melt-in-your-mouth amazing. But the more "international" options were… well, they tried. The coffee in restaurant was great! The desserts in restaurant are worth it. My advice? Stick to what they're good at: authentic Japanese.
And here's a bit of a rant: I absolutely hated, hated how expensive a simple bottle of water was! Every hotel does it, I know, but it felt exploitative. Seriously, one more thing: the coffee shop was a lifesaver!
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, and Sweet Surrender (Mostly)
Okay, this is where the Sapporo Princess really shines. The spa is a haven. I indulged in a massage (because, self-care, am I right?), and it was pure bliss. The sauna and steamroom were also top-notch, perfect for easing those weary muscles after a day of exploring (and eating). The pool with a view? Stunning. And there is a swimming pool [outdoor] which is nice. I mean, what more could you want?
Accessibility: A Quick Note
As mentioned earlier, the Sapporo Princess seems genuinely committed to accessibility. The elevator is easy to use, and the staff are very helpful (even if the bowing gets a bit old). I didn't personally use the facilities for disabled guests, but the set-up looked very promising.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Breath of Fresh Air (Literally)
In a world that often feels a little bit… gross, the Sapporo Princess takes cleanliness seriously. They’re all over the cleanliness and safety. I'm not sure what they're using, but everything sparkled. They had staff trained in safety protocol, hand sanitizer everywhere, and, during my stay, they were especially vigilant. They use anti-viral cleaning products and are providing individually-wrapped food options at the buffet. And for those with medical concerns there’s a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit. I felt safe and secure, which is a huge weight off your mind when you're in a new country. The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property also give a sense of security.
Services and Conveniences: Smooth Operators
The hotel offers plenty of services and conveniences. The concierge was fantastic, helping me organize day trips and even snagging me a last-minute reservation at a highly coveted restaurant. The currency exchange service was handy (although, as always, I recommend getting your yen before you go). They offer daily housekeeping and luggage storage. Laundry service and dry cleaning are also available. The facilities for disabled guests were well-thought-out. And if you need to work, there are business facilities, including a Xerox/fax in business center.
Things to Do and Getting Around
The Sapporo Princess is well-located to allow you to easily get getting around. You can use the taxi service. And you have airport transfer available. The hotel also offers car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site]. The location is pretty good for getting around, and the concierge can help you arrange almost anything. Sapporo's public transport is excellent, too!
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
I didn’t have any kids with me, but the Princess seems family-friendly. They offer babysitting service, and there were clearly kids facilities (I saw a playroom).
The Verdict: Book It (With a Few Caveats)
Would I stay at the Sapporo Princess again? Absolutely, yes. It's a luxurious, comfortable, and generally delightful experience. But – and there's always a "but" – be prepared for the price tag. This isn’t a budget option. Also, be mindful of your dining choices. Stick to Japanese, and you'll be golden.
Now, for the Sales Pitch (Because I'm Supposed To):
Unforgettable Luxury Awaits: Your Sapporo Escape at the Sapporo Princess Hotel!
Are you dreaming of a luxurious escape to the breathtaking beauty of Sapporo? Do you crave a sanctuary where you can truly unwind, be pampered, and create unforgettable memories? Then look no further! The Sapporo Princess Hotel offers a truly unparalleled experience, blending exquisite elegance with impeccable service.
Here's why you should book your stay NOW:
- Unrivaled Comfort: Sink into plush, non-smoking rooms with air conditioning and daily housekeeping, featuring the coziest beds (complete with those essential blackout curtains!). Each room is styled with carpet and a seating area.
- Indulge Your Senses: From the rejuvenating spa with its inviting sauna and steamroom to the delicious offerings at our restaurants, we have something for everyone. Plus there is a pool with view.
- Effortless Travel: We make your trip seamless with airport transfer, a helpful concierge, and convenient facilities like car park [free of charge], and on-site options
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly curated travel itinerary. This is Sapporo Princess Hotel, unfiltered and raw, the way it actually goes down when you're jet-lagged, slightly delusional, and fueled by questionable vending machine coffee.
Sapporo Princess Hotel: My Sapporo Symphony of Slightly Unhinged Adventures
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Ramen Reconnaissance (Spoiler: I failed)
- 14:00: Touchdown at New Chitose Airport. Okay, first obstacle: navigating the airport. I swear, every sign is in a language I vaguely recognize from that one late-night anime phase. Managed to stumble onto the train to Sapporo. Victory! (Mostly).
- 15:30: Check-in at Sapporo Princess Hotel. The lobby is… pink. Very, very pink. Like a cotton candy explosion. Honestly, after the plane, pink is a welcome distraction. Staff is impeccably polite, bowing like they expect me to be royalty (I'm not. I wear sweatpants on planes). Room is small, as expected, but clean and the bed looks fluffy enough to disappear into.
- 16:00-17:00: Attempt to unpack. Fail miserably. End up with a pile of clothes on the bed that I'll probably just live out of for the next week. Jet lag is kicking in. I'm pretty sure I’m currently in a parallel universe where I can’t even fold a t-shirt.
- 17:00-19:00: Ramen Time! Goal: Find the BEST Sapporo ramen. Armed with a Google Maps list and a healthy dose of optimism. First attempt: a place recommended by a food blogger who clearly doesn’t understand the meaning of "local." It was okay, but it lacked the soul-crushing deliciousness I crave. The chili oil was so intense I thought my sinuses would evacuate my skull.
- 19:00-20:30: Walking around Sapporo street, in a daze from the jet lag, I am also surprised by how safe this city feels. I ended up in a 7 Eleven and ate some Onigiri, which I was pretty sure I was allergic to but I ate them anyway.
- 21:00: Collapsed into bed. Pretty sure I'll be awake at 3 AM, pondering the meaning of life and the ramen-related failures of the day.
Day 2: Snow Festival Fiasco & The Curse of the Convenience Store (and its amazing coffee)
- 03:00: Awake. Wide awake. Thinking about ramen. Wondering if I should sneak down to the lobby for a free cup of tea, and then I realize I’m wearing nothing but a bathrobe.
- 09:00: Finally dragged myself out of bed. Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet is a delightful chaos of Japanese and Western options. The eggs are suspicious, but the miso soup is perfect.
- 10:00-14:00: Okay, the Snow Festival! Or, at least, part of it. The sculptures are incredible, genuinely breathtaking. I spent a good hour gawking at this massive ice sculpture of a castle. I even saw a performance of some folk music and I feel like a little kid again. I did get stuck in what felt like a human sardine can, but that was the only slight minor of my day. My camera battery died JUST as I was about to capture the perfect shot. Cue dramatic sigh.
- 14:00: Back to the hotel to charge my camera. Then I'm going to brave the convenience store again for that glorious, life-affirming coffee.
- 14:30: Damn it, camera still won’t turn on.
- 15:30: Lunch at a nearby restaurant. It's supposed to be known for Sapporo beer and delicious food but it’s just okay. Maybe I’m just really not cut out for high culinary standards, but, meh.
- 16:00-19:00: More aimless wandering. Sapporo is beautiful, but my sense of direction is non-existent. Ended up completely lost, which led me to a hidden alley with the actual BEST curry I’ve ever tasted. It was a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place, run by a grumpy old woman who clearly hated tourists. But the curry…the curry was a religious experience. I'm still thinking about it.
- 19:00: Back to the hotel, with a belly full of curry and a heart overflowing with joy. Finally found a charging adaptor. Success!
- 20:00: Shower.
- 20:30: Camera works!! Finally! I did not know the memory card can fail at any time.
- 21:00: Writing this, already half-asleep. The curse of Japanese vending machines lingers. I’ll never be able to stop buying everything I see. Never.
Day 3: (To be Written…)
(Because honestly, I'm not sure what tomorrow holds. Likely more ramen-related pursuits, accidental adventures, and the continued struggle to navigate the complex world of Japanese vending machines. But that's the beauty of it, isn’t it? The glorious, messy, unpredictable chaos of travel. And the coffee. Oh, that perfect convenience store coffee…)
Unbelievable Vietnam Luxury: Wyndham Sky Lake Resort & Villas Awaits!
Sapporo Princess Hotel: Unforgettable Luxury (Maybe. Let's See!)
Okay, so, is this place REALLY as fancy as it sounds? "Unforgettable Luxury"? Seriously?
Alright, let's be real. "Unforgettable Luxury" is pretty much marketing speak, isn't it? I mean, Sapporo is amazing, but "luxury"? Okay, here's the deal. The lobby? Gorgeous. Think… clean lines, maybe a bit *too* clean, almost sterile. But the *potential* for luxury is there. That giant chandelier? Yeah, that's doing some heavy lifting in the "wow" department.
But the room… ah, that's where it gets interesting. My first room? Surprisingly compact. Like, I could touch both walls without fully extending my arms. Not exactly palatial. But the bed? God, the bed. Cloud-like. Seriously, I almost slept the first night in my clothes just to avoid the whole getting-undressed process. It was that good. So, "unforgettable"? The bed, yes. The overall space? Debatable.
What's the food situation like? Because travel food can be... hit or miss.
Okay, the food. This is important. Because starving in a potentially luxurious hotel...not ideal. First, the breakfast buffet. This is where things get… *intense*. There's definitely a sushi station, which is a good start. But the crowds! It’s like a feeding frenzy at times. People are elbowing each other for the last piece of… well, anything. One morning, I swear I saw a woman practically *dive* for a pancake. (I wanted a pancake, too, lady!)
The *quality* is decent. Good coffee. Fresh fruit. Plenty of options. But if you're looking for a serene, peaceful breakfast experience, you might be better off grabbing something at a nearby cafe. Trust me. My blood pressure was a little elevated some mornings.
Dinner? Didn't eat at the hotel. I mean, Sapporo! You have to eat out! Ramen, crab, the works. Hotel restaurant seemed… kind of pricey, and I prefer to wander and find the *real* Sapporo.
Is the location convenient? I hate wasting time on transportation.
Location, location, location, right? It’s… pretty good. Not *perfect* but definitely convenient. Close to the train station, which is a huge plus. Easy to get around the city. You can walk to some of the main attractions, although, depending on your stamina (mine is… variable) you might want to hop on a tram or a taxi.
My one (minor) complaint is that the immediate area around the hotel isn't exactly a vibrant hub of activity. It's more… business-y. You'll find some convenience stores and a few restaurants, but it's not like you step out the door and BAM! Instant Sapporo experience. But hey, the train station is a short walk, so that's the key. Overall, a solid location for a tourist, I'd say.
What about the staff? Are they, you know, helpful?
The staff... ah, the staff. They're… Japanese. So, *very* polite. Meticulously polite. I swear, every time I walked past a staff member in the hallway, they bowed. BOWED! I felt like royalty, honestly. A slightly bewildered, slightly overdressed royalty, but royalty nonetheless.
They were incredibly helpful with any questions, even when I had to resort to frantic pointing at my phrasebook. One time, I needed help figuring out how to operate the… uh… futuristic Japanese toilet. (Let's just say it involved a lot of buttons. And a lot of… water. Don't ask). The gentleman who came to my rescue was incredibly patient and understanding. So, yeah, helpful? Absolutely. Almost to a fault. They're really, *really* good at what they do.
Let's talk about the "Princess" part. Is it… girly? Over-the-top?
The "Princess" thing… yeah, it's a *little* much. I'm not exactly the target demographic, you know? No tiaras, no puffy sleeves. Think more… elegant, modern, but with some subtle touches. The color scheme is soft, lots of pastels, but not in a sickly-sweet way. There were flowers everywhere, which was nice.
Honestly, it's not like you're walking into a Disney movie. It's just a *hint* of princess-y-ness. Maybe a little… dainty? My husband, bless him, thought it was a bit much, but he's a practical guy. I found it charming enough, even if I wouldn't describe myself as "princess material". It's more a vibe than a theme. Okay, maybe I'm splitting hairs. There *is* a lot of pink, I’ll concede that, but overall, it wasn't offensively girly.
Are there any hidden fees or costs I should be aware of? Because those things always get me.
Ah, the hidden fees. The bane of every traveler's existence. Okay, so, as far as I recall, there weren't any *outrageous* hidden fees. But always, always double-check your bill. I do remember the mini-bar being… well, I didn't touch it. I'm not paying five bucks for a can of Coke. Never.
The Wi-Fi was free, which is a huge win. And I *think* they didn't charge for using the gym, but I may be misremembering that, mostly because I did not go anywhere near the gym. I was busy eating pancakes! Check your bill carefully, especially for things like laundry service, which can get expensive fast. Otherwise, *relatively* transparent, compared to some hotels I've been to. But read the fine print, you know? Just in case.
Okay, the best thing about the hotel? And the worst?
Alright, the best thing? That bed. Seriously. I dream about that bed. I'd go back *just* for the bed. I can't emphasize it enough. It’s like sleeping on a cloud of pure comfort. That is the real deal.
The worst thing? Probably the breakfast buffet chaos, but honestly? It's forgivable. The most frustrating thing? The sheer *number* of buttons on everything. The TV remote. The toilet. The elevator. It's Japan, bless its high-tech soul, and figuring out all those features can be a little overwhelming, especially after a long day of sightseeing and too much sake. I almost brokeStay Mapped
