Sapporo Clark Hotel

Pros: if you have business at Hokkaido U, the location is unbeatable. There are convenience stores and restaurants nearby. Station within walking distance. Price is reasonable. Breakfast is healthy and good. Rooms are probably slightly larger than average Japan business hotel, staff OK. Cons: outdated and molded bathroom and walls, only a small pillow on the bed, amenities are poor, no lobby or public seating at the entrance, humble furniture. I dropped one star from 4-star because of bathroom mold and lack of hotel character.

This property is located across the street from the University north of city central. There's a 7-11 across the street which is where I always got cash from the ATM. Subway stop about a 4 minute walk away--very convenient. Stayed at the hotel last week which was in the middle of February. Hokkaido as a whole is COLD AND SNOWY in the Winter! Pack Winter gear accordingly. The staff were very polite and courteous, but I found this to be true of everyone I met in Japan as a whole. The Japanese who work in service industries take great pride in their work. Breakfast is on the second floor of the hotel, and it is Japanese in style. There were a few Western dishes but not many. That said, I thought the food was good but I like to try new dishes and will eat almost anything. Our room was 608 and tended to be hot, so we actually opened the window a bit (in Winter). There were only three settings for the heat and no AC. Hotel beds in Japan (in my experience) have no box springs, but the mattresses at the Clark were the most comfortable ones I found on our trip. Room had two large twin beds which again is typical of Japanese hotels. One strange thing--hotel bathroom is modular. Had to step up nearly a foot to get into the bathroom which I think is a hazard. I would stay there again if every in Sapporo. Wi-Fi strength was very good in our room.

The hotel is nice, especially there is a microwave at every room, very helpful to cut the food budgets. 7-11 mart across the street of the hotel and vendor machine on the 2nd floor at the hotel. Not very far from Sapporo main station, around 10 minute walk. But near the hotel, maybe around one block there is a subway. Not many options of breakfast. If you want to visit Hokkaido University, the hotel is located right across the street of the hotel, so it is very good option.