Jozankei View Hotel

This large hotel is a popular destination, particularly noted for its extensive hot spring facilities and a substantial indoor water park, making it a memorable choice for many. It caters exceptionally well to families with children due to its diverse recreational options, and is also suitable for groups of friends seeking a lively atmosphere. While some guests find it less ideal for couples desiring a quiet retreat, its convenient location also appeals to sightseers. To ensure a smoother experience, guests are advised to arrive early for both check-in and dining, as the hotel can become very crowded, and to book the complimentary shuttle bus from Sapporo Station well in advance due to high demand.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts impressive hot spring facilities, with many guests praising the quality and abundant volume of the spring water. There are multiple baths available, including large indoor pools, scenic outdoor baths, and a rooftop onsen offering beautiful views. Specific saunas, such as Finnish and steam options, are also highlighted, with some guests noting recent renovations to these areas. The expansive indoor water park, known as the Lagoon, is a major draw for families, featuring slides and jacuzzi areas that provide ample entertainment for children. While some areas of the hotel's facilities are described as older or dated, they generally remain functional. Additional amenities include an arcade, table tennis, a large souvenir shop, and vending machines.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is somewhat mixed. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and well-maintained, appreciating the spacious layouts, particularly in the new wing or Japanese-Western style rooms. The futons and beds are often described as comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep. Rooms typically include a refrigerator (sometimes with complimentary water) and cookies. However, some guests reported issues such as dust, stains on carpets or wallpaper, and dirty toilets with unpleasant odors. The overall condition of some rooms is noted as old or dated, with worn furniture and occasional non-functional power outlets. Noise levels from other guests or internal plumbing issues were also mentioned by a few visitors.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's buffet dining, available for both breakfast and dinner, receives extensive feedback, primarily highlighting the huge variety of dishes. Many guests praise the quality and taste of the food, with specific mentions of delicious desserts, rich soft-serve ice cream, fluffy scrambled eggs, and tasty French toast. Popular savory options include steak, ramen, and a wide selection of items for creating seafood bowls (kaisen-don) at breakfast. However, the dining areas are consistently described as very crowded, often resembling a canteen atmosphere with long queues for popular food stations. While staff work to manage the crowds, some guests found the experience overwhelming and noted occasional unhygienic behavior from other diners.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel enjoys a scenic location nestled in a mountainous area, offering beautiful views, especially from higher floors and the restaurant. It is conveniently situated near several local attractions, including the Jozankei Bridge, Jozankei Shrine, Gensen Park, and the Footbath of Friendship, many of which are within walking distance. For guests arriving by car, there is plentiful free parking available, including underground and multi-story options. The hotel also provides a free shuttle bus service from Sapporo Station, though guests are advised to book this well in advance as it is frequently full. While there are convenience stores nearby, options for dining outside the hotel are somewhat limited.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receive praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and politeness. Many guests highlight the attentive service provided by reception and restaurant staff, noting their efforts to manage crowds and ensure a smooth experience. The check-in and check-out processes can be efficient, especially if guests time their arrival or departure to avoid peak hours. However, some guests reported challenges with staff responsiveness, such as unreturned emails or a perceived lack of knowledge regarding hotel policies or local information. A few reviews also mentioned instances where staff did not intervene to address disruptive or unhygienic behavior from other guests in public areas like the onsen or dining hall.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that some rooms may lack certain amenities, such as tissue paper or a dedicated ice machine. While the hotel is generally well-equipped, some areas are undergoing renovation, particularly the saunas, which have received positive updates. The hotel's Wi-Fi may not support VPN or antivirus programs. There is a policy against tattoos in the main public baths, though some guests observed others with tattoos using the facilities. For families with infants, an unexpected infant facility fee may be applied. The hotel frequently hosts a lively bingo tournament, which many guests find to be an enjoyable evening activity.