Hotel Emisia Sapporo

This high-rise hotel, a prominent landmark, is celebrated for its panoramic views and direct access to the Shin-Sapporo transportation hub, making it a convenient base for exploring the region. Its spacious rooms and consistently praised breakfast buffet are frequently highlighted by guests. The hotel caters well to diverse travelers, including sightseers looking to explore Hokkaido, families appreciating the room size and nearby amenities, and business travelers seeking a comfortable and quiet environment for work. Couples can enjoy romantic cityscapes, while long-term visitors benefit from the flexible parking policy. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for the best views, and be aware of the non-daily housekeeping policy, which offers towel and trash exchange upon request.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a notable spa located in the basement, often described as clean, comfortable, and relaxing, offering both sauna and mist sauna options. Guests appreciate the convenience of a spa lounge where they can relax with food and drinks after their bath. However, it is important to note that access to the spa incurs an additional fee for hotel guests, a point some reviewers found disappointing. While most guests found the spa experience positive, some with tattoos reported issues with entry, indicating a varied policy. The hotel also provides a well-equipped coin laundry facility in the basement, which has been recently upgraded, and offers reliable Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, often noting their spacious nature compared to typical Japanese hotel accommodations. The comfortable beds and quality linens contribute to a restful stay. However, a recurring concern is the dim lighting in the rooms and the centralized air conditioning system, which can lead to warm rooms, especially during cooler seasons, as individual temperature control is not available and windows cannot be opened. Some guests reported musty odors in their initial rooms, though staff were often able to provide alternatives. While the bathroom fixtures may appear somewhat dated, they are typically clean and functional, often featuring separate bathing areas. High-floor rooms consistently offer impressive city views.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet, served on a high floor, consistently receives high praise, with many guests calling it "excellent" and a highlight of their stay. The panoramic views from the restaurant enhance the dining experience. The buffet offers a wide and rich variety of options, including fresh seafood bowls with ingredients like salmon and shrimp, allowing guests to customize their meals. Local specialties such as soup curry and regional dishes are also available. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared omelets made to order, along with a selection of Western and Japanese dishes, breads, and desserts. The hotel also hosts a Chinese restaurant on an upper floor, which is noted for its quality food and scenic views.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, situated just a short walk from Shin-Sapporo station, which provides access to both the JR line and subway. This makes it highly convenient for travel, including direct access to New Chitose Airport and easy connections to central Sapporo, though the city center is about a 20-30 minute train ride away. The surrounding area is quieter than downtown Sapporo but offers ample amenities, including several shopping malls and various restaurants within walking distance. Parking is available on-site, with a reasonable flat fee for the entire stay, including re-entry, which is particularly beneficial for guests traveling by car.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff are widely commended for their friendly and helpful demeanor, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many guests highlight the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, such as early check-in or room upgrades. The attentive service extends to the restaurant staff, who are praised for their professionalism and efficiency, and the parking staff, who are frequently singled out for their exceptional kindness and helpfulness. While some guests noted that English proficiency among staff varied, assistance was generally available, and many appreciated the efforts made to communicate effectively.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's non-daily housekeeping policy, where full room cleaning is typically performed every three or four days, though fresh towels and trash removal can be requested daily by leaving items outside the room. The spa access fee for hotel guests is a point of frequent discussion, as some expect complimentary use. The hotel's tattoo policy for spa entry is mixed, with some guests reporting issues depending on the size and visibility of their tattoos. While the hotel has an older aesthetic, it is generally well-maintained, reflecting its history as a former Sheraton property.