Review: Hotel Nord Otaru in Japan

Otaru

Otaru is a romantic port town in Hokkaido close to Sapporo and a very popular destination among Japanese tourists. Otaru in our days is famous for its production of all kinds of glassware as well as music boxes. Another attraction here is the mount Tenguyama which you can access by ropeway as well as the many delicious sushi restaurants, some of them even with a Michelin star.

Location

The hotel is located around 500 meters downhill from Otaru station, in front of Otaru’s canal. Centrally located you have many shops and restaurants within walking distance as well as a bus stop. Mount Tenguyama is 20 minutes away by bus. You reach Sapporo in around 35 minutes by train.

Room

Although a bit dated, the room is of a normal convenient size as well as the bed and everything was very clean. The bathroom is divided into two separate rooms, one room with a sink and one whole room that can be used as a shower including a separate bathtub. A lot of comfort for a small hotel. Furthermore the toilet is also separate. A safe deposit box was available in our room as well as a lot of amenities which were great, even toothbrushes were available. Some rooms are overlooking the canal.

Food & Drinks

In the room, 2 bottles of water were provided as well as an empty fridge for personal use. They have a restaurant for breakfast and dinner which we haven’t used. A drink dispenser is available on each floor near the elevator.

Their bar on the last floor is really nice with a view overlooking the port and they serve some nice cocktails and all kind of spirits are available. However we only had a quick drink there as it was a smoking bar and the bar was missing adequate ventilation.

Staff

Staff was appropriate, nothing more and nothing less.

Other services

WiFi is available to all guests free of charge as well as umbrellas in the hotel’s reception which is a nice touch. The hotel is missing a fitness or spa, but in-room massages can be booked.

Conclusion

I would say it was a pretty solid stay. Rooms are a little bit dated but they are clean and you have everything you need in them. The location of the hotel is great so all in all we can highly recommend this hotel if you ever happen to stay in Otaru for a couple of days.