Sapporo's BEST Hotel? Route Inn Chitose Ekimae Review!

Hotel Route Inn Chitose Ekimae Sapporo Japan

Sapporo's BEST Hotel? Route Inn Chitose Ekimae Review!

Sapporo's BEST Hotel? Route Inn Chitose Ekimae: A Rambling Review (Because Honestly, Hotels are Weird)

Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your polished travel blog – this is real talk about the Route Inn Chitose Ekimae hotel in Sapporo, Japan. I just got back, and let me tell you, the experience… well, it’s a mixed bag, just like life itself. And honestly, figuring out a hotel is even more complicated than trying to understand Japanese train schedules (which, by the way, are a feat of engineering AND a source of immense existential dread at 6 am).

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Keywords: Route Inn Chitose Ekimae Review, Sapporo Hotel Review, Japan Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible Hotel, Free Wi-Fi, On-site Restaurant, Cleanliness, Safety, Airport Transfer, Japanese Hotel, Budget Hotel, Chitose, 北海道, Accessible Accommodation, Breakfast Buffet, Sauna, Spa, [Your Travel Dates (e.g., October 2024)]

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• Title: Route Inn Chitose Ekimae Review: Sapporo's Budget-Friendly Gem (Or Not?)
• Description: Honest and unfiltered review of the Route Inn Chitose Ekimae hotel near Sapporo, Japan. Covering everything from accessibility and Wi-Fi to breakfast buffets and the all-important sauna.
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(Back to the Hotel Chaos)

Let's dive in, shall we?

Getting Around & Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (but mostly good!)

First things first: Accessibility. Yes, the hotel claims to be accessible, and for the most part, it delivers. The elevator is a lifesaver (seriously, bless elevators), and the entrance is manageable. I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I saw a few guests navigating around easily. The hallways seemed wide enough, and that's important. However, I didn't see any super specific accessible rooms, so it might be worth checking with the hotel directly for a truly in-depth assessment of that aspect. Car park [free of charge] is a massive win if you're renting a car, like I was. Free parking in Japan? Hallelujah! Airport transfer is available, which is super convenient. Taxi service is also another viable option.

Now, for a little rant: navigating the train station with luggage is a level of hell I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Seriously.

Cleanliness and Safety: A Comforting Consistency

Honestly, this is where Route Inn shines. Cleanliness is a religion in Japan and this hotel is no exception. My room was spotless. I mean, gleaming. The anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas (as claimed) made me breathe a sigh of relief in our current world situation. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. Hygiene certification? Probably, but I’m not certified in hotel certification, so I can only assume based on observation. The rooms are sanitized between stays, which is a fantastic peace of mind. The staff were constantly cleaning, scrubbing, and generally making the place sparkle. Staff trained in safety protocol, I could tell. They were polite, efficient, and clearly understood the importance of keeping things safe. Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, CCTV in common areas and Security [24-hour] gave me at least an illusion of security.

The Room: Cosy (aka Small), but Functional

Okay, let's be real: Japanese hotel rooms are… compact. The rooms sanitized between stays so you will get a fresh feeling when you enter the room. The non-smoking rooms are a gift from heaven. My room was clean, equipped with Air conditioning, Alarm clock, a Desk, Hair dryer, Free bottled water, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, and the glorious, life-affirming Wi-Fi [free]. The usual suspects. The Japanese toilet with all the bells and whistles, however, deserves its own paragraph. I’d never used a toilet with a heated seat and a built-in bidet before. I was so fascinated, I may or may not have spent an excessive amount of time just thinking about my toilet. Just something about the soundproofing the walls, and feeling snug in all the chaos outside. And I will say, they have that blackout curtain that really helps me sleep.

Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi, Praise the Gods!

The Internet access – wireless (free!) was a lifesaver. I need my internet for everything. I'm pretty sure I'd just wither up and die without it.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Buffet Bonanza and More

The Breakfast [buffet] is where things get… interesting. For a budget hotel, the selection is decent. I mean, you have your Western breakfast staples (eggs, bacon, (iffy) sausage, toast), and the all-important Asian breakfast options. The curry was good, and I’m a sucker for a good miso soup. There is a coffee/tea in restaurant as well as a bottle of water. Nothing mind-blowing, but enough to power you through a morning of sightseeing. If you are a late riser and will miss the buffet, you can opt for the Breakfast takeaway service, just a heads up.

The hotel also has a restaurant, which has A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant. I had dinner there one night but nothing that excited me.

Things to Do/Ways to Relax: The Spa's the Star!

This is the shining star of the whole shebang: the Spa/sauna! After a long day of exploring Sapporo (or, you know, battling the train station), the sauna is pure bliss. The sauna and steamroom were clean and well-maintained, and the onsen-style bath was just what I needed. I spent way too long in there. Seriously, I'm pretty sure my skin pruned up and I was pretty much a raisin by the time I left. But it was worth it. Worth it.

Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects, Mostly

The hotel offers your basic services: Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and Luggage storage. The elevator is a must, and they have the doorman and 24-hour front desk which is always nice. Cash withdrawal available if you need to hit the ATM. I didn't use most of them but good to know they’re there. They have a Convenience store, which is a godsend for midnight snacks and, of course, Japanese Kit Kats.

The Tiny Gripes (Because No Hotel is Perfect)

• The Location: It's near the Chitose Ekimae Station, which is great for the train. But everything in the center of Sapporo is easily an hour away by train.
• The Beds: Japanese beds are often… firm. If you like a soft, cloud-like sleep, bring your own foam topper.
• The Internet (Briefly): The free Wi-Fi was usually reliable, but it did drop out a few times in the middle of the night (when I was desperately trying to stream something).

Final Verdict: Worth It, With Caveats

Would I recommend the Route Inn Chitose Ekimae? Yes, for the price, the cleanliness, and that glorious sauna. Just be prepared for a compact room and a buffet breakfast that's functional rather than phenomenal. Think budget-friendly, functional, and surprisingly relaxing (thanks, sauna!). It's a solid choice, especially if you are like me and value a clean, safe place to rest your weary head after a long day of battling the outside world.

Escape to Paradise: Fiocco di Neve Relais & SPA, Limone Piemonte

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Hotel Route Inn Chitose Ekimae Sapporo Japan

Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is the Hotel Route Inn Chitose Ekimae survival guide meets Sapporo emotional rollercoaster. Let's DO this (with a healthy dose of "what have I gotten myself into?")

Hotel Route Inn Chitose Ekimae & Sapporo: A Chaotic Love Story (and a lot of walking)

Day 1: Arrival & The Battle for Cleanliness (and Ramen)

• 14:00 - Arrival at New Chitose Airport: Okay, first impressions… the airport is HUGE. Like, "could get lost in a duty-free snow globe" huge. Found the train to Chitose pretty easy. The anticipation sets in, the excitement bubbling.
• 15:00 - Check-in at Hotel Route Inn Chitose Ekimae: Ah, sweet, sweet refuge. The lobby is… beige. Very beige. But the front desk staff are ridiculously polite and helpful. They literally bow. I, on the other hand, am already sweating from lugging my suitcase uphill (thanks, Google Maps!). The room is… compact. Okay, it's tiny. But clean. REALLY clean. Like, I’m half expecting a hazmat suit. Good start.
• 16:00 - Bathroom reconnaissance: A tiny room, but I have a view - of something that's definitely not Mt. Fuji. But WAIT, there's a toilet with…buttons? And a heated seat? I just. I'm going to need a pamphlet. I'm scared.
• 17:00 - Ramen Quest: Okay, sustenance is paramount. Hit up the ramen place down the street, "Ichiran." The aroma alone almost made me weep. The ordering system is a glorious, confusing mess. I somehow managed to order the most deliciously oily, perfect bowl of ramen I've EVER consumed. I'm officially in love with Japanese food. And possibly ramen.
• 19:00 - Exploring Chitose (or, Trying to Stay Awake): Honestly? Jet lag is hitting me like a ton of bricks. Wandered around Chitose a bit, saw some… interesting architecture. Mostly just wanted to go to bed. Made it back to the hotel and passed out.

Day 2: Sapporo Bound & The Quest for Powder

• 07:00 - Breakfast at Hotel Route Inn (Buffet of Wonders): Breakfast is included! And it’s… an experience. There's an entire wall dedicated to rice. A buffet of things I can't even pronounce. I played it safe with some scrambled eggs, toast (surprisingly good), and a tiny, adorable pot of yogurt.
• 08:00 - Train to Sapporo: The train ride is easy and scenic. I feel like I'm in a postcard.
• 09:00 - Check-in to Hotel: The hotel in Sapporo is… much less beige. Score!
• 10:00 - Sapporo Snow Festival (if it's going on): This is the biggie. The reason I booked this trip. If it’s not on, then I'm probably going to throw a literal temper tantrum in the middle of the city. (Note: I knew about dates, but time flies when you're planning!). Seriously, the giant ice sculptures are mind-blowing. The sheer artistry is incredible. I spent like, three hours just wandering around, mouth agape, mostly because I wanted to eat some ice cream, but realized it was too cold for that. My fingers were numb. But it was worth it. SO worth it.
• 13:00 - Lunch in Sapporo (Ramen Round 2): Okay, I’m officially addicted. Found a different ramen shop (can't remember the name, but the line was long!) and got another bowl of pure, unadulterated bliss. Is it possible to get tired of ramen? I hope not.
• 15:00 - Sapporo Beer Garden: This felt mandatory, the whole experience was so good. Drinking beer in a beer garden. The food was okay (basically grill-your-own-meat), but the atmosphere was electric. Lots of laughter (even though I couldn't understand a word). And beer. Lots of beer.
• 18:00 - Wandering Sapporo: I saw the Sapporo TV Tower, because, why not? It's a tower. Pretty views. And maybe I got a little lost. That's okay. Happens.
• 20:00 - Dinner and exhaustion: Found a little izakaya (pub) with some local specialties. Ate some weird things. Enjoyed some sake. Stumbled back to the hotel. Collapsed.

Day 3: Day Trip to Otaru & The Truth About Glass

• 08:00 - Breakfast (Same as yesterday): I'm starting to recognize the regulars at the breakfast buffet. We have a silent understanding.
• 09:00 - Train to Otaru: This little coastal town is supposed to be beautiful.
• 10:00 - Otaru Canal: Okay, it is beautiful. Picturesque. Quaint. Overcrowded. But still beautiful. Took a million photos. Got a little annoyed with the selfie stick brigade.
• 11:00 - Otaru Music Box Museum: Holy. Cow. This place is a sensory overload of tinkling melodies and shiny things. I almost bought a music box shaped like a cat. I resisted. Mostly.
• 12:00 - Lunch in Otaru (Sushi, of course): Sea urchin sushi. Yes, I tried it. It tasted like the ocean, in a good way. My wallet felt a bit lighter. But worth it.
• 13:00 - Glassblowing demonstration: The process is fascinating! I’m now thinking about my glass-blowing career. I'll start learning. Maybe.
• 15:00 - Walking along the streets. I kept walking and came upon a small shop filled with glass things, I just kept staring. It was amazing!
• 16:00 - Ride a sleigh!! I've never been on a sleigh before! it was actually so cool.
• 17:00 - Train back to Sapporo: Tired. Happy. Slightly broke.
• 19:00 - Dinner in Sapporo (Ramen… AGAIN?): Yup. Found a place. This time, a slightly different style of ramen. Don't judge me.
• 21:00 - Early night: I'm exhausted. I think I walked about 10 miles yesterday.

Day 4: Sapporo Farewell & The Long Journey Home

• 08:00 - Breakfast (Rice wall is calling): One last buffet hurrah. I think I’ve mastered the art of navigating it.
• 09:00 - Last minute souvenir shopping: Okay, gotta get gifts for people! Panic buying ensues. Found some cute little things. Praying they actually liked the presents.
• 11:00 - Check Out: Quick and easy. Bows are exchanged.
• 12:00 - Train to New Chitose Airport: The journey begins!
• 13:00 - Chitose Airport Departure: Duty-free shopping! I buy more snacks.
• 18:00 - Landing (Home): I'm tired, smelly, and broke. But my heart is full and my phone is filled with pictures. I can't wait to go back.

Final Thoughts:

• Things I Learned: I love ramen. Japan is amazing. I need to learn some Japanese. I should probably start saving up for my next trip.
• Things I Didn't Learn: How to use the toilet buttons.
• Overall Grade: A+. Would do it again. (Possibly even tomorrow.)
• Advice: Pack light. And bring an empty stomach. You're going to need it.
• Final Thoughts: Maybe I'll update this itinerary next time. But let's be honest, knowing me it'll be a complete mess. That's me, that's how I roll.

This is the journey.

Luxury Lagos Escape: J - Bedroom 1 Awaits at Casa do Farol!

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Route Inn Chitose Ekimae: FAQs (Because You're Gonna Have Questions)

Okay, Okay, So is this Place Actually Good? Or Just… Fine? Like, Really *Fine*?

Ugh, the million-dollar question, isn't it? Honestly? It's… complicated. Look, you're in Chitose. This isn't the Ritz-Carlton. It's… a Route Inn. Think of a reliable Honda Civic, not a Ferrari. It *gets the job done.* Does it sparkle? Nope. Does it make you weep with joy? Probably not. But did it keep me warm, fed me mediocre but passable breakfast, and give me a place to crash after a brutal 20-hour travel day from, you know, *somewhere across the planet*? Absolutely. So, "good"? Depends on your definition of "good." It's *good enough*. And sometimes, "good enough" is all you need when you're utterly wrecked.

What's the Room Actually *Like*? Tiny? Like, Japanese Tiny?

Oh, yeah, the room. Brace yourself. Yes, it's compact. Let me paint a picture: imagine a meticulously organized shoebox. Now cram a bed, a tiny desk, a TV the size of a postage stamp (but hey, with some English channels!), and a bathroom where you can practically brush your teeth *and* shower simultaneously. It's… efficient. I swear, I spent a concerning amount of time strategizing how to open my suitcase without tripping over everything. The upside? Clean. Spotlessly clean. Like, almost unsettlingly clean. You start to wonder if they've got a cleaning ninja squad working 24/7. And the bed? Surprisingly comfy. I slept like a log, which, after the aforementioned 20-hour travel day, was a small miracle.

Breakfast. The Eternal Question. What's the Deal?

Look, the breakfast...I'm going to level with you. It's included, which, score! But it's not going to win any Michelin stars. Think buffet-style, with a selection of Japanese and Western options. Rice, miso soup, some sad-looking scrambled eggs, maybe some sausages that have seen better days. There's usually a decent noodle dish, which is always a win. I will say this: the coffee *isn't* terrible. And after a night of jet lag and questionable airplane food, a warm cup of coffee and a small plate of something to fuel your travels is a gift from the gods. Don't go in expecting a culinary masterpiece, and you won't be disappointed. Actually, the little waffle maker? Absolute game-changer. Made like five. Judge me, I dare you.

Is the Location Actually Convenient? Because "Ekimae" Can Be Deceptive.

Okay, this is a big win. *Ekimae* is not lying. It's literally right outside of the Chitose train station. Like, stumble-out-of-the-station-and-you're-there close. This is HUGE if you're flying into New Chitose Airport (which, let's face it, you probably are). The train is super easy to navigate, and you can be at the airport in like, ten minutes. This is important because, well, navigating airports after traveling for eons is a special kind of hell. Getting to explore Sapporo? Super simple from here. Seriously, it saves you so much logistical headache. I once spent a glorious 30 minutes just staring out the window at people rushing onto the train. It's prime people-watching real estate, let me tell you. So, yes, the location is a HUGE selling point. Seriously, it's worth a medal.

Let's Talk Amenities: Onsen? Gym? Karaoke? Anything Fun?

Okay, the fun factor is… moderate. There's no onsen, sadly. No gym to work off all those waffles (sob!). No karaoke (whew!). It’s pretty basic. They do have coin laundry, which is a lifesaver after a week of trekking and trying to remember how to pack semi-efficiently. The vending machines are well-stocked with all sorts of beverages (including suspiciously cheap beer). Not a huge party scene, basically. Which, honestly, is fine by me. Sometimes all you want is a quiet place to recharge and not be forced into awkward small talk. I just wanna collapse in bed and watch a movie. Is that too much to ask? Apparently, the convenience store down the street sells ice cream. So, there’s that.

The Staff: Friendly? Efficient? Or Just… There?

The staff are the definition of Japanese efficiency. Polite. Helpful. Professional. Don't expect a lot of chit-chat. Which, again, is fine by me. They're not going to become your best buddies, but they'll get the job done. They speak enough English to handle the basics, and they're always ready with a bow and a smile. I had a slight mix-up with my booking (my fault, not theirs, I'm a mess, okay?). They handled it calmly and efficiently, which was a huge relief. No drama, no fuss. And that, my friends, is priceless when you're exhausted. Plus, they left one of those little origami cranes on the bed. Super sweet. Probably should have kept that.

So, Would You Stay Here Again? Be Honest!

Okay, the truth? Yes. Absolutely. Without a doubt. For the price, the convenience, and the sheer *lack* of hassle, it's a solid choice. If you're looking for luxury, go elsewhere. If you need a place to crash, recharge, and be close to the airport and Sapporo, this is a winner. It's not flashy, it's not fancy, but it's reliable. And sometimes, reliable is exactly what you need. I’d happily go back. I'd even eat those sad-looking sausages again. Maybe I'm starting to miss them already...

Any Dealbreakers? Things That Made You Want To Pull Your Hair Out?

Alright, let's get real. The soundproofing... it's not stellar. I could hear the train. I swear, every time a train went by, the vibrations felt like a gentle earthquake. It was bad enough that, at one point, I considered a desperate attempt to seal off the window with duct tape. I didn't, of course. But it did wake me up more than once. Also, and this is a personal pet peeve, the airFind Secret Hotel Deals

Hotel Route Inn Chitose Ekimae Sapporo Japan

Hotel Route Inn Chitose Ekimae Sapporo Japan

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