Andy F.
Yelp
Aloha Yelpers! Yelping in Japan doesn't seem to be the best option for up to date reviews, but let's try!
Searching for hotels is a difficult task because you want to find the absolute best option that has the best location on the places you want to go, while having the best price, good amenities, and decent reviews.
That is how I found Cross Hotel Sapporo! The location was excellent--a few blocks from the main rail station, easy access to the underground subway, near bus stops, multiple convenience stores, and walkable distances to places of interest.
The style of this hotel eclectic with interesting artwork in their rooms and throughout the hotel. The check in and check out process was quick and easy. You just use the machine! Enter your reservation number, scan your passports, answer some questions, and a couple of keycards come out. Easy peasy!
The room was cozy, small for me, but I was able to make it a lot more spacious with some rearranging of furniture :). Make sure you read the menu/handbook! There are a lot of details and extra amenities available to you--mostly for free--such as a towel warmer, towel rack, iron&board, and etc. Also, the bathroom amenities are actually located in the lobby (which I only found out about because I didn't read anything till the next day! And we bought toothpaste and brush!).
There's no laundry room, but they have laundry service that's outsourced, and they did a good job on my hoodies and shirts. Looked like brand new!
Breakfast buffet is available, but seems pricey, and you're in Sapporo! Go out! Though, breakfast isn't as popular here lol, and option are limited.
The top floor is the Daiyokujou (public bath). I tried it for the experience, and it was...refreshing? The facilities are nice and well kept. Nice panoramic views of the city, and there's an outdoor one as well. Warm water with the cool breeze was nice.
The entire staff from the front desk to housekeeping are excellent. Pleasant and accommodating, and do their best in communicating in English.
A big plus here is the security and the sense of safety, but you generally feel safe anyway. You need a key where ever you go, and the elevator will always stop at the lobby level for security purposes.
Overall, this was a solid, no frills, straightforward hotel with a decent amount of amenities, a breakfast buffet, and a public bath at the top level. I'm sure there are better hotels around, but this was more than acceptable for the value. The location was excellent. Convenient to everywhere, which was the main goal. Wouldn't mind staying here again.