Otaru Asari Classe Hotel

The hotel offers a serene retreat, with its signature feature being the rejuvenating onsen experience, including both public and private outdoor baths that provide a tranquil escape amidst nature. It is an ideal destination for skiers due to its direct proximity to the slopes, and equally suited for couples seeking a quiet, relaxing getaway with private onsen options. Families will appreciate the spacious rooms and various recreational facilities, making it easy to enjoy a comfortable stay with children. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's generally well-maintained, albeit older, facilities, the quality of its dining, and the attentive service from the staff. For those planning to explore the region, the hotel serves as a convenient base for visiting Otaru and Sapporo. To enhance your stay, consider utilizing the hotel's shuttle service for convenient access to Otaru, and be aware that dining options immediately outside the hotel are limited, making the in-house restaurants a primary choice for meals.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities designed for relaxation and recreation. The onsen is a major draw, featuring both spacious indoor baths and scenic outdoor hot springs, with some rooms offering private outdoor onsen for an exclusive experience. Guests can also enjoy a sauna and a hot tub within the public bath areas. For active guests, there is a fitness center and tennis courts, though some note the gym equipment is older. An indoor heated pool is available, though it incurs an additional fee and some guests found the changing rooms to be dated. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi, ski lockers with locks for convenience, and a gift shop, though its selection is noted as limited. The spacious lobby with comfortable seating and a nightly piano performance adds to the relaxing atmosphere.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Rooms at the hotel are generally described as spacious, providing ample room for guests to relax. While the hotel building is older, many guests find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained. However, some reviews mention issues such as dust, hair, or mold in certain areas, and occasional unpleasant smells like sulfur, sewage, or residual cigarette odor, despite the hotel being non-smoking in most areas. Feedback on beds is mixed, with some finding them comfortable while others describe them as too soft or too firm. Room amenities include a television, and some rooms offer pleasant views of the surrounding ski slopes or forest. Guests have noted challenges with temperature control, with rooms sometimes being too warm, and a lack of humidifiers in winter. The bathroom condition also receives varied comments, with some reporting old fixtures, weak water pressure, or persistent odors.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining at the hotel receives varied but often positive feedback. The breakfast buffet is widely praised for its deliciousness and wide variety, featuring numerous Japanese options, fresh seafood like grilled scallops, and local specialties. Many guests appreciate the quality and selection, though some wish for more Western choices or daily menu changes. Dinner, often served as a course meal, is frequently highlighted for its quality, deliciousness, and use of local ingredients, with some guests calling it a creative and satisfying kaiseki experience. However, a few guests found dinner portions to be small or the taste not entirely to their liking, and some noted a lack of staff or disarray in the restaurant area. The restaurant atmosphere is generally pleasant, offering views of the ski area.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant factor for guests, particularly its direct proximity to the ski resort, making it exceptionally convenient for winter sports enthusiasts. While it is situated a bit far from Otaru city center (approximately a 10-15 minute drive), this distance contributes to a quiet and serene environment, ideal for relaxation. A bus stop is conveniently located right in front of the hotel, providing public transport access. The hotel also offers a shuttle bus service to Otaru station, though this service is limited in frequency and typically one-way, requiring reservations. Parking is available and generally ample, though some guests noted issues with snow removal during winter. Nearby amenities are limited, with few restaurants within walking distance, but a large 24-hour supermarket is a short drive away.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend their professionalism and willingness to accommodate requests, such as assisting with printing documents, arranging transportation, or handling special occasions like birthday surprises. The check-in process is generally smooth, and staff are noted for their polite and welcoming demeanor. Housekeeping is often described as efficient, ensuring rooms are clean and well-maintained. However, some guests have reported challenges with communication due to limited English proficiency among certain staff members, and a few instances where staff were perceived as unwilling to assist with external reservations. Despite these isolated issues, the overall sentiment regarding staff service is overwhelmingly positive, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a compulsory onsen tax of 150 yen per person per day, which is applied regardless of whether the hot springs are used. The hotel features a unique and appreciated live piano performance in the lobby during the evenings, creating a relaxing ambiance that many guests enjoy after dinner. For those seeking additional relaxation, a foot pressure massage service is available on-site and has been highly recommended by some visitors for its effectiveness. While the hotel is generally well-maintained, some areas show their age, and minor repairs are occasionally noted. The indoor pool is available for use but incurs an additional fee, which some guests found unexpected. Check-out time is at 10 AM, which some guests find to be earlier than ideal. The hotel attracts a diverse clientele, including many international visitors and school groups, contributing to a lively atmosphere at times.