APA Hotel TKP Sapporo Eki-Kitaguchi Excellent

This hotel offers a memorable stay, particularly noted for its public bath facilities, including an outdoor onsen, which provides a relaxing escape. Its location, a short walk from Sapporo Station, makes it convenient for sightseers and business travelers alike, offering a quieter environment compared to the bustling city center. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's generally spacious rooms for a Japanese hotel and the attentive service from the staff. For solo travelers and couples seeking good value and a relaxing bath experience after a day of exploration, this hotel is a fitting choice. To ensure a comfortable stay, guests should be aware that room temperatures are centrally controlled and may feel warm, and it's advisable to confirm parking availability upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's public bath on the ninth floor is a significant draw, featuring both indoor and outdoor sections, with many guests enjoying the open-air bath for its relaxing atmosphere. While the bath area is generally clean and offers amenities like shampoo and hair irons, some guests noted that the showers in the public bath had very low water pressure, and the bathing area could become crowded at peak times. For convenience, a coin laundry is available on the same floor, though some found the cost high and noted issues with detergent vending machines. Wi-Fi is provided, but some guests experienced slow speeds. The hotel also offers vending machines and ice machines, and guests appreciate the provision of water bottles and toiletries in the rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Rooms are often described as spacious compared to typical Japanese hotels, providing ample space for luggage and movement. While many guests found the rooms clean, some reported issues such as stained carpets, yellowed wallpaper, and scratches or marks in the bathroom areas, indicating the building's age. The beds are generally considered comfortable, though some found them too soft or the pillows too flat. A recurring concern is the centralized temperature control, which often results in rooms feeling too warm, leading some guests to open windows for ventilation. Noise levels are generally low, contributing to a quiet environment, though some guests noted noise from the air conditioning unit. In-room amenities like paper cups were provided, which some guests found less convenient for reuse.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet receives positive feedback, with many guests praising its delicious and varied Japanese-style options. While the spread is consistent daily, some guests wished for more variety, such as additional fruit choices. The breakfast is available for specific hours, and some guests felt rushed if arriving close to the end of service. Beyond breakfast, the hotel also offers a curry buffet for lunch, which is highlighted for its good value and tasty selections, including a notably spicy green curry. The staff in the dining area are commended for their attentive service and for regularly replenishing food items.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a convenient location within a 5 to 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station, specifically the North Exit, making it easily accessible from the airport via JR trains. It is also close to Kitajunijo Station and Hokkaido University, appealing to those visiting the university. The surrounding area is described as quiet, with several convenience stores (Lawson, Family Mart, Seicomart) nearby, providing easy access to snacks and necessities. While the hotel is not in the main downtown entertainment district, its proximity to public transport ensures good connectivity. Parking is available on-site, though it is paid and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with some guests noting the cost.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests appreciate the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to assist with various requests, including baggage keeping before check-in. While many interactions are positive, some guests noted a language barrier, particularly with English, which occasionally required the use of translation apps for communication. Despite this, the staff are generally perceived as attentive and dedicated to providing a good experience. Specific services like room service and daily amenity restocking are also mentioned positively, contributing to a comfortable stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that housekeeping services are typically provided on request, which aligns with some hotels' eco-friendly policies. Some rooms may feature a kitchenette, which can be a unique amenity for longer stays, though not all guests found it necessary. The hotel offers free movies via its VOD system, adding to in-room entertainment options. For those with specific needs, it's worth noting that some guests reported issues with elevator operation requiring card touch, and some rooms, particularly on lower floors or near mechanical systems, might experience more noise. The hotel's "Excellent" designation in its name is sometimes debated by guests who find the building's age noticeable despite efforts to maintain cleanliness.