Hotel Route-Inn Sapporo Kitayojo

This hotel is particularly noted for its large public bath, offering guests a relaxing and spacious bathing experience, a significant draw for many. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's exceptional cleanliness, the friendly and helpful staff, and the surprisingly delicious breakfast buffet. While its location is a bit removed from the city center, this contributes to a quiet atmosphere, making it a suitable choice for business travelers seeking a peaceful stay after work, budget-conscious individuals looking for good value, and families who appreciate the calm environment. For those planning a stay, it is advisable to confirm the availability and schedule of the shuttle bus to Sapporo Station, as it can be a convenient option. Additionally, guests should be aware of their room type preference, especially regarding smoking rooms, to ensure a comfortable experience.

Facilities & Amenities
A standout feature for many guests is the large public bath located in the basement, often described as a man-made radon hot spring, providing a relaxing space to unwind after a day of activities. This facility is praised for its cleanliness and accessibility, even late into the night. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, which is generally reliable, though some guests experienced occasional instability depending on location and time. For convenience, laundry facilities with washing machines and dryers are available, though guests need to purchase detergent separately from the front desk. Vending machines offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are also on-site. However, the hotel has only one elevator, which can lead to noticeable wait times, particularly during busy periods. Some guests noted issues with the effectiveness of the in-room air purifier and the inability to freeze items in the refrigerator.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently commend the hotel's commitment to cleanliness, noting that rooms are well-maintained and spotless, contributing to a pleasant stay. Feedback on bed comfort is mixed; while many found the beds comfortable, some described them as hard or having a thin mattress, which affected sleep quality. Rooms are generally considered compact but adequately sized for individual travelers, providing sufficient space for basic needs. Standard amenities are provided, though some guests wished for additional items like makeup remover or hair ties, while appreciating the availability of foam cleanser. Noise levels are typically low, offering a quiet environment, though occasional corridor noise or elevator noise was reported in adjacent rooms. Some guests experienced issues with the air conditioning, finding it slow to adjust or ineffective. A few guests assigned smoking rooms noted a persistent stale smoke smell, and there were occasional complaints about towels having a musty smell or being rough. The older key system, which is not auto-lock, was also mentioned.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as delicious and offering excellent value for a complimentary meal. The selection includes a Japanese and Western buffet, providing a satisfying array of options, though some guests noted it wasn't overly extensive. For longer stays, the daily rotation of menu items is appreciated, preventing monotony. Popular items highlighted by reviewers include the flavorful tofu, hearty miso soup, fresh croissants, and occasionally, soup curry. Guests also appreciate the availability of coffee for takeaway to their rooms. However, the breakfast venue is frequently described as narrow or small, leading to crowding and a less relaxed atmosphere, especially during peak hours. Some guests suggested improvements to the seating arrangement to enhance comfort and flow. There were also minor comments about staff conversations being audible from the back area during breakfast service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is often described as being a bit far from central Sapporo, requiring a 15-20 minute walk to Sapporo Station and a 30-40 minute walk to Susukino. This distance contributes to a quiet area away from the city's main hustle. While not directly in the city center, it is conveniently located near Soen Station and Nishi 11-chome Station, both about a 10-12 minute walk away. A bus stop directly in front of the hotel provides easy access to Sapporo Station, though bus frequency can be limited. A free shuttle bus to Sapporo Station is mentioned, but its availability can be inconsistent, and it has limited capacity, requiring advance booking. A significant advantage for many guests is the on-site parking, available for a reasonable fee, making it convenient for those traveling with a car or rental. Nearby amenities include convenience stores and a supermarket within a short walk, though dining options immediately surrounding the hotel are somewhat limited. Taxis are readily available on the main street.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, kindness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their smiling faces and willingness to assist with various requests, contributing significantly to a positive experience. The check-in process is generally smooth, though one guest reported a significant issue with a booking error that was handled unsatisfactorily, leading to disappointment. Staff members are noted for their helpfulness in accommodating room changes, such as switching from smoking to non-smoking rooms, and providing clear guidance on hotel facilities and local information. Housekeeping is efficient, ensuring rooms are kept clean and tidy. However, some guests noted that specific requests, such as freezing a plastic bottle, were denied, which was a point of frustration. Despite minor isolated incidents, the overall impression of the staff's professionalism and dedication to service is overwhelmingly positive.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of specific operational details, such as the key system for the women's public bath, which requires borrowing and returning a key at the front desk, a process some found inconvenient. Concerns were also raised about the lack of individual locks on lockers within the public bath changing room, despite a general entrance lock. The hotel utilizes an older style room key that is not auto-lock and must be inserted into a slot to activate room power. For families with children, the hotel offers thoughtful amenities like drawing sets, picture books, and access to children's TV channels. While smoking rooms are available, some guests expressed a preference for a fully non-smoking environment. The hotel is described as an older building, but it is well-maintained and clean. A welcome coffee made with Doutor beans is provided. For stays of two nights or more, guests can opt for eco-cleaning (no daily room cleaning, only towel exchange) and receive a canned beer as a thank you.