Cross Hotel Sapporo

The Cross Hotel is a sleek and modern tower of glass panels with blocks of white and gray, which makes for a striking exterior. Inside, things maintain the dark and sexy vibe. In fact, in a city that's filled with generic mid-range and upscale hotels without much personality, there's a lot more style to this property. Yes, it's dimly lit -- the low lighting is part of what sets the mood here. It won't please everyone, but it gives the common areas a lounge-like feeling that's complemented by modern furniture in white, gray, and black. Bright modern art provides color throughout, and the hotel even hosts rotating arts events throughout the year. The Meet Lounge has a similar look to the lobby, with a black bar, metal chandeliers, and pops of red and purple, while Agora Restaurant has more subdued black-and-white decor that still plays into the funky overall vibe. The hotel sees mostly leisure travelers -- not a surprise given its boutique-like aesthetic -- among them couples and some families. 

It would be hard to find a more centrally located hotel in Sapporo, as this hotel is located almost equidistant from both Sapporo JR Station and Odori Station -- a five- to 10-minute walk to either transport hub. Given this fact, there are tons of things to see and do in any direction. Odori Station sits right by the beautiful Odori Park and is near the city's main shopping area. There are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby and it’s a 15-minute walk to Sapporo’s Ramen Alley.  The Sapporo Clock Tower is just a couple of blocks away and it’s a 20-minute metro trip or a five-minute drive to the Sapporo Beer Museum. Other attractions include the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway, which is about 40 minutes away by public transportation. The Okadama Airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel, though the New Chitose Airport is the larger option. It's an hour away by car or train.

The 181 rooms are all modern and divided in three different styles: Urban, Natural, and Hip. The Urban Style Rooms have gray-and-black decor, while the Natural Style Rooms are done beiges, creams, and light-wood paneling and furniture. Hip Style Rooms are dominated by white decor with gray accents. The look in rooms of all categories is a bit more subdued than the hotel's common areas, though still a step above much of the competition. Hip Rooms have the most flair, with tree-silhouette coat racks and clear furnishings here and there. Natural Rooms have spare black-and-white photography on the walls, making a subtle statement. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles, robes, and hairdryers. Guests in rooms on the Cross Floors (the 15th through 17th floors) receive a welcome drink of locally brewed hard cider and the rooms come with hand-grinders to freshly grind coffee beans in the morning. Bathrooms are similarly sleek, with clear sinks and vanities, and shower/tub combos with modern fixtures. The hotel’s central air-conditioning system is occasionally finicky and some guests have reported problems with getting the temperature right. 

Despite it's location in the heart of Sapporo, this hotel has a number of features that area well-liked and nice to have. The Agora restaurant serves a buffet breakfast with lots of locally grown vegetables, a buffet and pasta for lunch, and an a la carte menu for dinner. Those looking for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap should head to Meet Lounge, which serves cocktails throughout the evening as well as light dishes for lunch. There are traditional onsen baths on the top floor that are free for guests to use, and the space has nice views from large windows, along with a large shower area. A nearby lounge has vending machines, and there's a small gift area in the lobby. Additionally, the hotel hosts a rotating series of art events an installations throughout the year. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and a small parking garage is available on-site.