Art Hotel Asahikawa

This hotel is a large, conference-style property, offering a memorable experience, particularly noted for its excellent breakfast served with panoramic city views from the top floor. It is an ideal choice for families seeking spacious accommodations and diverse dining options, as well as sightseers and business travelers who appreciate a quiet location with good access to local attractions and professional service. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's cleanliness and the helpfulness of its staff. To enhance your stay, consider arriving early for breakfast to avoid crowds and be aware that while the hotel offers a spa, its use often incurs an additional fee.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities to enhance guest stays, though some come with additional costs. A spa is available in the basement, featuring a large public bath with various jacuzzi options, though some guests note it can be small and crowded, especially when tour groups are present. Access to the spa often requires an extra fee, and there is a strict no tattoo policy. A gym is also mentioned, but its opening hours are limited, and it may also require payment. Guests appreciate the convenience of ice machines and laundry facilities with cashless payment options. However, the hotel has only two elevators, which can lead to significant wait times, particularly during peak hours like breakfast.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with many appreciating their spacious nature, especially for Japanese standards. The beds are consistently described as comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. However, some reviews indicate that the rooms, including the bathrooms, appear dated or old-fashioned, with occasional mentions of musty smells or worn carpets. While some guests report issues with noise from adjacent rooms or corridors, others find the rooms to be quiet. Amenities provided include bottled water, but some guests note a lack of body towels or skincare products. The air conditioning system is sometimes problematic, with reports of rooms being too warm and windows unable to open, leading to discomfort.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel receives widespread acclaim, often highlighted as a standout feature. Served on the 15th floor, guests enjoy a wide variety of options, including both Japanese and Western dishes, with many praising the use of local ingredients and the spectacular views of the city. Popular items include soup curry, steamed vegetables, and Hokkaido milk. However, the breakfast area can become extremely crowded, especially during peak times, leading to long queues and a bustling atmosphere. The hotel also features other restaurants offering dinner buffets and à la carte options, with some guests recommending the soup curry. Room service is available but with limited hours.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient, situated near shopping districts and dining options, making it easy for guests to explore the city's culinary scene and entertainment. It is also close to Tokiwa Park, offering pleasant areas for walks. While not directly adjacent to the train station, it is within a 15 to 20-minute walk, and a bus stop is conveniently located directly in front of the hotel, providing easy access to the station and other attractions like the Asahiyama Zoo. Parking is available, but it is often off-site and incurs an additional fee, with some guests finding the information regarding parking options to be confusing or the hotel's own parking having height restrictions.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, professionalism, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend their helpfulness in arranging taxis, assisting with luggage, and addressing concerns. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient. While some guests note a language barrier with certain staff members, most appreciate the efforts made to communicate and assist international visitors. Housekeeping is also highlighted for maintaining cleanliness, though some guests mention a policy of not cleaning rooms daily, which can lead to issues with trash disposal if not managed proactively. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service contributes significantly to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain policies and features that may impact their stay. The hotel has a no tattoo policy for its spa area, which has caused disappointment for some guests. There have been instances where rooms booked as non-smoking still had a strong cigarette odor, despite staff efforts to provide deodorizers. The hotel does not offer daily room cleaning as a standard, which means guests may need to manage their own trash disposal. Furthermore, the spa facilities are not accessible in the mornings, which can be inconvenient for those wishing to use them before check-out. Some guests have also noted that the hotel's internal communication regarding services like luggage delivery or parking can be inconsistent.