Sapporo Grand Hotel

Right in the middle of bustling downtown Sapporo, the Sapporo Grand occupies three buildings that have a big and busy vibe the fits the location. The expansive lobby is modern and dramatic, filled with circular velvet banquettes, marble-clad columns, and dark-wood paneling. Dramatic columnal light fixtures hang from the ceiling, while vibrant contemporary art is tucked into various corners, adding a little extra dash of style to this historic hotel that was built in 1934. There are some more dated spaces throughout the hotel, with design elements like older blue and green carpeting, but most interiors are big and impressive, including the stylish restaurants. The Big Jug beer hall has a traditional look with hardwood floors, inlaid brick, and pendant lamps, while the Saloon 1934 is more sophisticated, with red carpeting and dark decor. This hotel sees all kinds of guests, with the majority being families and business travelers, though wedding parties frequently stay here as well. 

The hotel is located in the center of Sapporo, about a five-minute walk to the Sapporo JR station and a 10-minute walk to the Odori station. The hotel is attached to an entrance to the Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway, which provides access to both stations and is lined with shops. Odori Park is within a 15-minute walk, and it’s a seven-minute walk to the Sapporo Clock Tower. Shopper are in luck as the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. A car is helpful to reach some of Sapporo's more distant sights, and it’s an 11-minute drive to the Sapporo Beer Museum and just over 15 minutes by car to the Mount Okura lookout. Expect a 40-minute trip by public transportation to the Mount Moiwa Ropeway. Okadama Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, and an airport bus stops right in front of the property.

Guests of the hotel should know that there's a bit of a disparity in room quality here, and lower-level rooms -- like the Standard Twin Room that we visited -- are quite dated. Decor in Standard Rooms includes bright blue carpets and simple blond wood veneer furniture. Higher-category rooms look more modern, with some rooms employing a slightly vintage design sensibility, like the leather and mod furniture in Super Suite and Deluxe Rooms. Other rooms, like Japanese Rooms and Grand in Grand Rooms, have darker contemporary furniture, on-trend color schemes, and fresh wall art. Some rooms offer glimpses out on to Japanese gardens, which look particularly delightful under a fresh layer of snow.

All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. Predictably, bathroom style varies between categories as well. Standard Room bathrooms are basic, with long white vanities and small shower/tub combos. Higher-level rooms have contemporary vessel sinks, sharp fixtures, and separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs. Some rooms have whirlpool tubs, and all come with slippers and higher-end toiletries.

There are a good amount of features on offer at this large, downtown hotel. The several on-site restaurants and bars include Northern Terrace Diner, a bistro-style restaurant that serves a Japanese- and Western-style breakfast buffet, as well as lunch, afternoon drinks and snacks, and dinner. The Waraku Japanese restaurant serves set menus for breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner. There’s also a Chinese restaurant, called Kokaku, open for lunch and dinner. Big Jug beer hall serves grilled meat, fish, and vegetable dishes along with draft beer. Old Saloon 1934, which charges a cover, serves cocktails and hosts live jazz performances. There’s also an on-site coffee shop and bakery and room service is available. A stylish Club Lounge is available for certain guests in higher-category rooms. Unfortunately, breakfast is not included with most bookings and can be expensive.

The hotel spa offers massage and aromatherapy treatments, and there’s a small mirrored gym with various cardio and weight machines. The Grand Arcade includes several boutiques, along with a barber shop and hair salon. There's an on-site gallery that has changing exhibits of modern and traditional artwork, and a library with books and displays on Hokkaido and Sapporo history. Wedding facilities are extensive here, with plenty of private event space, dress rentals, and even a chapel all on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.