HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Aspen

Location, literally a block away from the main station and pick up point for a tour we book. Rooms are big, quiet. Aircon was quick. Hot water was really hot. Very clean. Salute the cleaners.

The hotel was very close to the Sapporo JR Station and it was easy navigating to the hotel once we alighted from the train. The hotel provided on point instructions and directions which eases a lot of anxiety for us traveling into Sapporo on our own first time. We were pleasantly surprised by the 4-bedder room there - very comfortable super single beds and pillows. The room was also of very decent size by Japan hotel standards. The bathroom and toilets were separated to cater convenience to the whole family especially during "morning rush hour"! :) Breakfast first was awesome - it was good enough to cover brunch! Buffet spread was great and it was just great to dine leisurely with no rush. Hotel was also located next door to Toyota-Rent-A-Car - made it convenient for us to collect our reserved car for the rest of our journey in Hokkaido! Also very near to shopping areas and attractions.

The hotel location is close to Sapporo JR Station. From Sapporo Station to the hotel via the north underground passage and exit at exit 12. It's easy to carry suitcases from exit 12 because there is an escalator and lift. The location is also close to Lawson and the bus terminal. The room size is quite enough for Japanese standards, can accommodate 2 medium suitcases, and you still have a space to do the prayer. Sapporo masjid is 1 station away and 2 halal restaurants near the masjid. There is machine laundry, vending machine (drinks), and microwave.

Staff were professional and helpful. Special mention to Aoki-san (hope I got the name right) who assisted us with check in as well as when we had an issue with a defective toy we bought from a shop outside the hotel. He was diligent to explain the information I asked for and spoke excellent English. When we had an issue with the toy, we asked the front desk to help us call the store to ask if they could do anything, which the store did not entertain but Aoki San and his colleague were empathetic to my daughter for the defective toy. He offered her a goodie bag to make her feel better which she did. Hotel location is very near the Sapporo station making it very convenient for us to commute from/to airport and also a meetup point for Klook tours. Also a few mins away Seico Mart and Family Mart were very handy for snacks. Within Sapporo station there was Daimaru, Stellar Palace for food and shopping. Susukino, Odori was easy to get to by train or taxi. We called Uber a few times without any issue at all. Hotel cleanliness was very good, the staff strength was clearly sufficient to manage the high turnover of the guests. We could see local older ladies cleaning the rooms everyday and they are very friendly and professional. We stayed in a triple room with three beds for four of us, husband one bed, 11 year old one bed and 7 year old slept with me. Was good enough for this age. Though the bathroom and shower were in one space and not separate, it was very spacious, such that my child could use the toilet or shower and I could use the vanity counter at the same time. We enjoyed the bath tub daily at the end of our 5 days stay. Commuting in the snow is tiring! We did use the laundry room twice (400yen for one load, 30mins, dryer is 200yen for 30mins) and it was easy. Also the microwave. The shop at the lobby sold very nice merchandise for the Hokkaido specialty bird species Shima engaga and we couldn't help but stock up some as souvenirs.

Location was our utmost priority. And Sapporo Aspen didn't disappoint! Just follow the North exit 12 of the underground passageway called Chi-Ka-Ho when exiting the Sapporo Station. It's winter now, so the underground walkway is a heaven sent. Exit 12 has a lift that helped us on our 1st and last day, especially with our luggages. Then just cross at the junction to the hotel. Necessities...The hotel is surrounded by our go-to konbinis. The orange-lighted Seicomart with its melon cone ice cream and creamy cheese stick ice cream 😋 , the blue-white Lawson, and of course the Familymart with its orange-yolked creamy egg sandwich, Hokkaido produced milk and apple juice. Heaven! The malls are all within walking distance and travels by train and bus is within easy access. So your feet will thank you...hahaha. And do ask the front counter should you need your luggage be kept in-house overnight or two if you intend to stay in again after a short side trip elsewhere. The 5th floor has 3 washers and 3 dryers for our laundry. And the housekeeping ladies are doing a fine job. Its great to come back to a made up bed with complimentary night pajamas laid out on the bed daily. Overall, we will definitely stay again at Sapporo Aspen on our next Hokkaido trip!