APA Hotel TKP Sapporo Ekimae

This hotel is highly regarded for its excellent location, situated conveniently close to Sapporo Station and its extensive underground walkways, making it an ideal choice for sightseers and business travelers seeking easy access to the city's attractions and transport hubs. While the rooms are generally described as compact and functional, guests appreciate the overall cleanliness and the helpfulness of the staff. The hotel offers good value, especially outside of peak seasons, appealing to budget-conscious travelers. To enhance your stay, consider utilizing the underground passages for comfortable access to the station, particularly during colder months, and be prepared for the smaller room dimensions by packing efficiently.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the hotel's facilities to be practical and convenient. The free Wi-Fi is generally reliable, with some noting improved speeds. Laundry facilities are available and are considered affordable, though some guests mention a limited number of machines. A complimentary coffee service with good quality coffee is offered at the reception, which is located on the 6th floor, a detail some guests initially find confusing or slightly inconvenient as the elevators automatically stop there. Vending machines are also available, adding to the convenience for quick purchases. The traditional physical keys used for rooms, rather than key cards, are a unique feature, requiring guests to leave them at the front desk when departing.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Room comfort and cleanliness receive mixed feedback. Many guests describe the rooms as clean and well-maintained, ensuring a restful stay with comfortable beds. However, a significant number of reviews mention issues with cleanliness, including finding dust, hair, or stains in the bathroom or on carpets, leading some to question the thoroughness of housekeeping. The rooms are consistently noted as small or tiny, making it challenging to open large suitcases or move around freely, especially for two people. Noise levels from adjacent rooms or the corridor can be an issue for some, and the bathrooms are frequently described as extremely narrow, making showering or drying difficult. Some guests also report issues with air conditioning being too warm or having noisy units.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a breakfast buffet that garners varied opinions. Some guests praise the food variety and quality, highlighting local specialties such as zangi, ramen salad, and pork bowl, with occasional mentions of crab legs, which are a pleasant surprise. The coffee served at breakfast is also appreciated. Conversely, other guests find the selection limited, noting that some dishes may be cold or not replenished frequently enough. The breakfast area is located on the ground floor, providing a convenient option for guests to start their day, though some suggest the overall experience could be improved with more consistent food temperature and replenishment.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, placing guests within a short 5 to 10-minute walk of Sapporo Station and Odori Park. Its proximity to underground walkways is particularly beneficial, allowing guests to navigate the city comfortably, especially during winter. Numerous restaurants and convenience stores, including a 7-Eleven, are easily accessible nearby, providing ample dining and shopping options. The hotel also offers excellent access to public transport, including train and subway lines, and bus stops for various attractions. While parking is available, some guests find it to be expensive or located at an inconvenient distance from the hotel entrance.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, politeness, and helpfulness. Guests frequently highlight their attentiveness and willingness to assist with various requests, contributing to a positive overall experience. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and quick, with staff efficiently handling arrivals and departures. Many appreciate the staff's efforts in accommodating requests such as luggage storage before check-in or after check-out, allowing guests to explore the city unencumbered. While most interactions are positive, a few isolated comments mention instances of less helpful service, but these appear to be exceptions rather than the norm.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel utilizes traditional physical keys for rooms, which some find charming while others note the minor inconvenience of needing to leave them at the front desk when going out. The hotel provides amenities such as facial cream and soap at the reception desk for guests to pick up. There is a designated smoking floor on the 7th floor, though some non-smoking guests have reported faint odors in other areas. The hotel offers an ECO plan where daily room cleaning is optional, but fresh towels and amenities are provided in a bag on the door, a feature appreciated by those seeking minimal disturbance.