OMO5 Otaru by Hoshino Resorts

Where Lamps Glow and Music Breathes Our stay at OMO5 Otaru was quietly enchanting. The hotel’s romantic decor, with retro oil lamps, warm wood tones and whimsical musical boxes set a nostalgic mood that lingered. The “Otaru Oil Lamps Night Lounge” serving as both café and bar, glows with vintage charm. Each evening, staff gently wind up antique music boxes some over 100 years old for a live performance that feels like a lullaby from another era. The room was cozy and well-designed, and the staff were warm and attentive. Location-wise, it’s a gem which is just steps from Sakaimachi Street where beautifully preserved buildings and artisan shops make every stroll feel like a scene from a storybook. It was a stay that offered not just rest, but rhythm with a gentle harmony between comfort, culture and charm.

I fell in love with OMO after my first experience in Osaka, so I tend to choose it over other hotels. However, aside from the interesting architectural details of the OMO5 Otaru South Building and the largest shower room I’ve ever seen, this one was a letdown. I like Hoshino hotels, but I would definitely stay elsewhere in Otaru.||1. **No OMO Base.** They only have a restaurant and lounge located on the top floor of the South Building. It offers paid services during breakfast, afternoon hours, and at night. I was told by the front desk that during non-operational hours, guests couldn’t use it, meaning there’s no communal area to enjoy outside food. I found this disappointing, especially since a Family Mart is just around the corner.||2. **Limited relaxation space.** Other than our room, there’s really nowhere to relax in the hotel. I checked two nearby hotels, and both had public baths.||3. **Laundry.** Only two washers and two dryers are available on the premises, located on the second floor. Cash only.||4. **Elevator inefficiency.** There is only one elevator in the seven-story wing where we stayed. Considering the laundry is on the second floor, the water dispenser is on the first floor, and the microwave is on another, the elevator runs inefficiently.||5. **Water dispenser.** There’s only one water dispenser for the entire hotel. The line can get long, and the water pressure was weak. Some guests tried refilling narrow-mouthed bottles, which caused spills—understandably a user error, but unfortunately, it led to a mess on the floor both nights during our stay.

They’ve turned the old Otaru Chamber of Commerce into a super cool hotel — great views, super friendly staff, and such a comfy bed! I loved that the toilet and shower were separate, really convenient. And don’t miss the view from the window — absolutely gorgeous.

Love this boutique hotel. The building has both modern and rustic vibe. Fantastic location, walkable to canal and walking street. The room size is big and comfortable bed0

This is a clean, modern looking hotel with little frills in line with what the OMO branding is all about. It is a straight road all the way to Saikaimachi Hondori Street which is a 6mins walk away. But it is not suitable for those who drive as the hotel only has 6 lots in front and a public carpark next door with limited lots. One would also need to pay 1000 yen per day for usage of the carpark which is usually full. Furthermore, the water point is on level 1 and ice on level 4 which is not convenient for guests on other levels. Last but not least, the front desk receptionists can hardly speak English which is quite frustrating for communication especially when one wants to get out of the carpark next door. It seems, that we have to use the phone located at the gantry to inform the operator that we will pay at front desk then they will open the gantry. Very inconvenient for those who drive.

The hotel is not kids and family friendly. It only allows kids aged under 6 to stay in the same room with adults. It doesn’t make sense that a family of 4 with 2 kids aged 7 and 4 need to be separated into two rooms! When we checked in at the hotel, the staff informed us of this rule and required us to book one extra room, however, the reception told us that they cannot make the reservation for us and asked us to stay in the lobby and search online for extra room ourselves. After a while, I told her I cannot find a room in the hotel and I would book another room in a nearby hotel, the staff replied me that she can help to book a room in another hotel. It just doesn’t make sense that the hotel reception cannot make a reservation for its own hotel but could help me make a reservation for another hotel. I am deeply disappointed with the service of the hotel and its rigid rule. Will never visit again

Loved this hotel. The rooms are quite well laid out with everything you could want. (Plus you can rent sleeping clothes at the front desk and get bathroom necessities for free.) Super clean, modern look. Tons of hot water. Linens were fresh. Laundry facilities. The front desk personnel were personable and easy to communicate with. I would definitely stay here again. The included breakfast was rich and varied. The buildings are really cool — one modern and clean lines, the other older but restored lovingly. Some people complained that it's far from the JR Station, but a cab got me there in about 3 minutes. Shopping very close by and tons of restaurants. Yeah, don't hesitate. The only con is that there is only one elevator and when everyone is going out to ski or coming back, you might have to wait a few minutes.

Great location with most of the main Otaru attractions within walking distance. Stayed here for 1 night with family. Beautiful and tastefully designed rooms, if a bit on the smaller side. Bathroom was huge though, and very luxurious. Overall a nice hotel to stay in but it was challenging finding a place to open our suitcases (especially as we were on a 25 day road trip around Hokkaido)! Parking is available at the TIMES parking next door, on site parking is limited to only 3-5 cars.

First of all the staff is very friendly and helpful. Most can speak some English so that helped us out a lot. The location is excellent with a lot of restaurants within walking distance. Close to Sakaimachi street for amazing shopping. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. You will need to reserve a parking spot if driving but there are lots of other lists close by if they are full. Staying at this hotel made our family visit to Otaru so fun, relaxing and memorable!