Hotel WBF Grande Asahikawa

This hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional onsen facilities, offering a wide variety of baths and amenities that provide a deeply relaxing experience. Its convenient location near the station makes it an excellent choice for sightseers and families looking to explore the city, while skiers and snowboarders appreciate the dedicated facilities for their gear. The hotel also caters well to couples seeking a comfortable and enjoyable getaway. Guests consistently praise the hotel's value, comfortable accommodations, and the attentive service provided by most staff members. To enhance your stay, consider arriving early for breakfast to enjoy the full selection, and be aware that room temperature control can be an issue, as some rooms tend to be warm.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's standout feature is its extensive onsen (hot spring) facilities, which are a major draw for guests. These include a large public bath with various types of baths, such as carbonated, electric massage, and bubble baths, along with a sauna and stone bath. Guests appreciate the complimentary drinks, ice pops, and hot soup available after using the onsen. A lounge area offers free coffee, sake tasting, and wine, providing a pleasant space to relax. For convenience, there are coin-operated laundry machines, though some guests have noted issues with their cleanliness and the effectiveness of the dryers. On-site parking is available for a fee, but slots are not always guaranteed, especially during peak times, sometimes requiring guests to wait or use alternative parking. Wi-Fi is provided, though some guests have reported slow internet speeds, particularly during busy periods.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed. Many guests find the rooms to be clean and comfortable, with spacious bathrooms where the toilet and shower/bath are often separate, which is a popular feature. The beds are generally described as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, some guests have reported issues such as dirty carpets, scuffed walls, and a lingering cigarette smell in non-smoking rooms. There have also been isolated complaints about pubic hairs in bathrooms, dust under furniture, and a sewage odor from the shower. A recurring concern is the room temperature, with many guests finding their rooms too warm and lacking individual air conditioning control, often necessitating opening windows, which can lead to noise from outside.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise for its quality and variety. Guests particularly enjoy the extensive buffet, which features a wide array of options, including local Hokkaido specialties such as a build-your-own seafood bowl (kaisendon), soup curry, and shinkoyaki. The food is generally described as delicious, fresh, and plentiful, with many appreciating the complimentary coffee available for takeaway. However, some guests have noted that the breakfast area can become very crowded, especially during peak hours, and food items may run out if arriving late, though staff usually work to replenish them. While the seafood bowl is popular, some guests have mentioned that the salmon roe (ikura) is no longer offered. The hotel does not appear to offer dinner service or room service, which some guests would appreciate.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient central location, situated just a short walk from the train station, typically within three to seven minutes. This proximity makes it ideal for guests relying on public transportation. It is also well-placed for exploring the city, with easy access to the Aeon Mall, various restaurants, convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson, and the main entertainment district, all within walking distance. For those traveling by car, the hotel serves as a good base for exploring the surrounding area, though parking can be a challenge, as the on-site lot can fill up, sometimes requiring guests to wait or use off-site alternatives. Navigating the pavements around the hotel can also be difficult during snowy conditions.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive high praise for their helpfulness, friendliness, and attentive service. Many guests highlight the polite and accommodating nature of the front desk team and the breakfast staff, who are particularly noted for their efficiency in managing the dining area and assisting families with children. The check-in process is often described as quick and smooth. Guests appreciate services such as luggage being delivered directly to their rooms and the availability of wheelchairs for loan. However, there are some instances of mixed feedback, with a few guests reporting encounters with unhelpful or unprofessional staff, particularly regarding specific booking issues or during busy periods. Despite these isolated incidents, the overall sentiment towards the staff's dedication to service is positive.

Additional Information
Guests can enjoy unique complimentary offerings, including sake tasting and a selection of free drinks and ice pops available after using the onsen facilities. The hotel provides humidifiers in rooms, though some guests found them difficult to operate or noted issues with their cleanliness. It's worth noting that the onsen is also accessible to the public, which can lead to crowded conditions at certain times. The hotel offers a wax space for snow sports enthusiasts and provides umbrellas in rooms, a thoughtful touch. Some guests have reported a sulphur smell from the tap water in their rooms, which the hotel has addressed as an isolated issue. The hotel also allows guests to wear traditional Japanese samue (room wear) throughout the premises, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.