The Sunroute hotel chain is a good standard line of business hotels that is ubiquitous throughout Japan. For many business travelers it’s a home away from home. For traditional Japanese service and basic, reasonably priced accommodation it’s a good option.
The Sunroute New Sapporo is located right downtown with an entrance onto the 6th block of the Tanuki Koji Shopping Arcade. It’s possible to walk through here to the underground Chikaho walkway that connects most of Sapporo’s downtown core, meaning you can get to the Odori or Susukino subway stations while staying out of the elements. It’s about a 10 minute walk to either, or about a 10 minute taxi ride to Sapporo Station. In addition, the shuttle bus directly to Chitose International Airport stops just across the street from the East exit which is very helpful, and tickets are sold at the front desk. There is also a hotline to Orix rental car located in the lobby.
The hotel itself is old and tired, but the rooms are clean and functional. The open lobby spans two floors via a spiral staircase and is adorned with gray marble, comfortable lounge chairs in red and navy, and dark wood tables. There is a Famiily Mart convenience store on the first floor as well as the reception desk. There is also a small business work station in one corner with a computer terminal, although it is at a standing only counter. The second floor has the Hong Tang Long Chinese restaurant, as well as two meeting/banquet halls for up to 300 people and one large for up to 150, together with a cloak check.
The rooms are clean and simple, with an LCD TV, LAN + Wi-Fi Internet access, and simple writing desk and chair. Amenities include body soap, shampoo and conditioner, razor, toothbrush, hair brush, clean glasses, tea cups, and complimentary green tea. Some of the rooms have views of the mountains to the West, which can be quite nice so it’s recommended to ask for these. The reception desk staff don’t speak much English, but are polite and helpful, and if you’re lucky there are a few English speakers who may be on staff. One gentleman is also studying Mandarin Chinese and can assist with basic conversation.
All-in-all this is a decent business hotel. It’s a good choice for its location, convenience and price, though newer hotels are available in the same range which should be researched first.
This post is also available in: Japanese