Sapporo's Hidden Gem: Route Inn Shiroishi Hotel Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Sapporo's Hidden Gem: Route Inn Shiroishi Hotel Review (You Won't Believe This!) - My Honest Take
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a brutally honest, slightly-too-enthusiastic, and possibly-a-little-disorganized review of the Route Inn Shiroishi Hotel in Sapporo. "Hidden Gem"? They say that. Were they right? Let's dive in, shall we? (And yes, I'm still buzzing from my trip!)
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- Meta Description: A raw and honest review of the Route Inn Shiroishi Hotel in Sapporo, Japan, covering accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, dining, and my slightly-unhinged personal experiences. Find out if this "hidden gem" lives up to the hype!
First Impressions: Not Love at First Sight (But It Grew On Me)
Okay, so the exterior? Let's be honest, it's…functional. Think "solid, dependable, not exactly Instagram-worthy." It's a Route Inn – you know what you're getting. Don’t expect to be blown away by architectural daring. But, and this is important, it's spotless. Spotless. And there was this weird little shrine at the entrance which I totally missed at first because I was bleary-eyed from the flight. Now, wouldn't you know it, I'm suddenly feeling a little bit more attuned to everything around me.
Accessibility: Did They Nail It? Mostly, Yeah.
I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always look for accessibility features. It's just good practice! And the Route Inn Shiroishi? They've definitely put in the effort. Elevator access is a given. Facilities for disabled guests are clearly present and well-maintained. I saw wide corridors, ramps, and helpful signage – all the things you want to see. Excellent! They also provided all the information necessary, and the hotel service was happy to point me in the right direction. This is excellent to see and experience.
The Room: Compact but Comfortable…and Wi-Fi Bliss!
The rooms? Cozy. Japanese cozy. Which means…compact. But hey, it’s not like you plan to spend your life in the room, right? Though, with that Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! situation, you could. Seriously, the Wi-Fi was lightning fast, and that was a massive win, especially after suffering through a slow death that is hotel Wi-Fi. I mean, I needed the internet. I needed it.
Also, speaking of the room, and the Wi-Fi… They also had a laptop workspace, which, along with the wifi, was a god save, allowing me to get my work done.
The bed was comfy, the blackout curtains were a lifesaver after those long days of exploring the snow. They also supplied bottled water! Ah, the small luxuries. They knew what I needed!
Room Amenities: The Essentials (and Then Some)
- Air conditioning: Obvious, but essential!
- Alarm clock: Useless for me (I’m a phone alarm kind of person).
- Bathrobes: Nice touch, especially for that post-sauna chill.
- Coffee/tea maker: HELL YES. Morning ritual saved.
- Hair dryer: Functional.
- Refrigerator: Got my beers cold. Success.
- In-room safe box: Probably useful. I didn’t use it. I’m a rebel. (Just kidding, I’m forgetful).
- Telephone
- Toiletries: Basic, but appreciated when you forget your own.
The Dining Experience: Breakfast Adventures and Ramen Rescues
Right, the highlight! Well, maybe not. Breakfast [buffet] time! It was a classic, of sorts. I'm talking Asian breakfast, with a little bit of Western breakfast thrown in for good measure. They had the standard eggs, bacon, and…wait for it… curry rice. Curry rice for breakfast. I tried it. I judged it. I secretly went back for seconds. Delicious!
They also had Coffee/tea in restaurant, and bottle of water. They served this in the Breakfast [buffet].
They had Restaurants. Not everything, however, was available if you didn't speak Japanese. But the quality was up there.
I'm a sucker for Asian cuisine in restaurant, so the Buffet in restaurant was heaven for me.
Late nights? The hotel had a Snack bar and Room service [24-hour]. I didn't eat them as I prefer ramen, and I knew where to get some.
Drinking and snacking: They had a Bar.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): Sauna & Spa-tastic!
Now, this is where things get interesting. The Sauna was the highlight for me! I mean, who doesn’t love a good sauna after a day of tromping through snow? Seriously, it was pure bliss. Steamed, sweat-glistening bliss.
Swimming pool was also available, but I didn't utilize it.
Also, they had a Fitness center but I didn't use it either.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-19 Considerations
Look, I’m still a little paranoid about hygiene. This hotel? Impressive. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. Daily disinfection in common areas. Individually-wrapped food options. They're taking things seriously. I felt pretty safe, which is a HUGE deal. The front desk [24-hour] and security [24-hour] felt good.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- 24-hour Front Desk: Necessary!
- Elevator: Always a plus.
- Concierge: I didn’t need them, but they were there!
- Daily housekeeping: Essential!
- Laundry service: Useful.
- Luggage storage: Appreciated.
Getting Around: Smooth Sailing
- Car park [free of charge]: Nice!
- Taxi service: Available.
- Airport transfer: Available too.
The "Woah" Moments (and the Slightly Less Impressive Ones)
- The Shrine: Seriously, it's there. It's so…Japanese. It made me feel like I'd wandered into a secret, local world.
- The Breakfast Curry Rice: I’m still dreaming of it.
- The Lack of English Menu Details: At times, it was a bit of a guessing game with the dinner menu. A little frustrating, but also part of the adventure.
- The Exterior: I've said it already, but the outside is just plain okay.
For the Kids:
They have Babysitting service for all, Family/child-friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
The Verdict: Is It a Hidden Gem? Yes, and I'll Explain Why
Look, the Route Inn Shiroishi isn't the fanciest hotel in Sapporo. It's not the flashiest. But it's clean, comfortable, convenient, and genuinely good. The staff were friendly and helpful. The Wi-Fi was heavenly. The sauna was magic. And the curry rice… well, that's a story for another time.
Would I go back? Absolutely. In fact, I'm already planning my next trip. If you're looking for a solid, reliable, and surprisingly delightful place to stay in Sapporo, the Route Inn Shiroishi is definitely worth a look. Just don't expect to be blown away by the exterior!
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to the Hotel Route Inn Sapporo Shiroishi, and trust me, navigating the Sapporo snow with a jet-lagged brain is a journey. Prepare for a rollercoaster of highs, lows, and the inevitable hunt for the perfect vending machine beverage.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Sapporo Snow Survival Test (aka, "Lost in Translation…and Snow")
12:00 PM (ish) - Arrive at New Chitose Airport (CTS): Okay, so the flight was fine, except for the screaming toddler behind me who seemed determined to shatter the sound barrier. Anyway, we're here! First impressions? Brrr! The snow is… generous. Seriously, is it always like this? My nose is already numb. Finding the JR train to Sapporo Station felt like a quest of epic proportions. Followed a map I’d printed (because, you know, technology), stumbled over a rogue suitcase, and finally found it, defeated but triumphant.
2:00 PM - Transfer to Hotel Route Inn Sapporo Shiroishi: Okay, so here's where the cracks in my carefully crafted itinerary begin to show. Navigating Sapporo's public transport with luggage and a complete lack of Japanese language skills is… an adventure. Google Maps saved my bacon (and my sanity) more than once, but I swear, I saw a guy in a banana suit on the train. Possibly a hallucination brought on by jet lag and the aforementioned screaming toddler. Finally, we make it to Shiroishi. The hotel is… well, it's a Hotel Route Inn. Functional. Clean. Doesn't exactly scream "romance," but hey, it's a roof.
3:00 PM - Check-in, Unpack and Regroup: The room is small. REALLY small. But hey, I’m not looking for a palace. The real test? Finding the perfect spot to dry my socks after navigating the snowy streets. And now, the battle begins. I need food. Comfort food. Preferably something warm and… not another convenience store bento box.
4:00 PM - The Convenience Store Crusade: Okay, so I need food. Desperately. Found a 7-Eleven. (Yay!). Spent an embarrassingly long time staring at the shelves, overwhelmed by choices I can’t understand. Ended up with something that looked like a fish stick coated in… something. Praying it won’t kill me. (Update: Tasted surprisingly good. Small victories, people, small victories.)
5:00 PM - Stumbling Upon a Local Gem (or, the Ramen Revelation): Okay, feeling a little braver (and less afraid of potential food poisoning). Took a walk around Shiroishi. Found a little ramen place that looked promising, complete with a slightly intimidating, yet intensely focused, chef. Ordered the miso ramen (because that's what everyone does, right?). Best. Ramen. Ever. Seriously, the broth was a symphony of flavor. The noodles were perfectly chewy. The pork… oh, the pork. Okay, I might cry. Just… wow. This alone justifies the trip. Felt a whole new level of happy here.
7:00 PM - Sunset and Sensory Overload: Walked back to the hotel, the neon lights of Sapporo reflecting in puddles of slush, and the air filled with a mix of icy wind and the mouthwatering scent of ramen. A profound sense of “I made it” washed over me
8:00 PM - Attempt at Relaxation (and Failing Spectacularly): Hot bath? Yes, please! Attempted to use the hotel's bath, a classic Japanese tub situation (small, but efficient). Burned my toes at first. Figured out the controls. It's all good. Stared out the window at the snowy roofs. Journaling. Finally, some peace. Probably eat some of that fish stick thing.
Day 2: Sapporo City Exploration and the Sweet Surrender to Chocolate (and the Occasional Melted Glove)
9:00 AM - Hotel Breakfast Survival: Okay, let's be honest, the hotel breakfast wasn't exactly haute cuisine. But free food is free food! Scrambled eggs that are… well, eggs. A mysterious sausage. And coffee that's, at least, caffeinated. Enough fuel to start the day
10:00 AM - Odori Park and the Snow Festival Buzz (or, "Lost in a Blizzard of Awesome"): Okay, finally braving the Sapporo Snow Festival! It's… insane. Ice sculptures of gargantuan proportions, lit up with vibrant colours against the snowy backdrop. The sheer scale is mind-blowing. I ended up inadvertently participating in a snowball fight with some local kids (lost, obviously). My gloves are now soaked through. I'm regretting my life choices. However, It was magical, and I would do it again.
12:00 PM - Chocolate Heaven at the Shiroi Koibito Park and the Chocolate Obsession: Okay, this is a MUST. The Shiroi Koibito Park (home of the famous chocolate cookies) is a Willy Wonka-esque wonderland. The buildings are adorable, there are chocolate rivers (okay, not really), and the cookies… are divine. Oh, and the chocolate factory tour? Pure, unadulterated joy.
2:00 PM - The Sapporo Beer Garden: Okay, needed to warm up (and, you know, sample the local brew). The Sapporo Beer Garden is a sprawling complex with a lively atmosphere. The beer is (obviously) excellent. And the Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) is a must-try. Found I quite enjoyed the people watching, and had a great conversation with a couple of locals who taught me a few phrases in Japanese, though I'm sure I butchered the pronunciation.
4:00 PM - The Clock Tower and the Stroll (Attempt, Again): The Sapporo Clock Tower is the only thing I was able to get to. It was lovely, but I was getting cold and wet. The snow was constant. I was feeling tired and weary. Maybe tomorrow?
6:00 PM - Dinner Redemption - Second Ramen Revelation: The search for the perfect meal begins. Found a place called "Ebi Soba Ichigen" (apparently famous for their shrimp ramen). Wow. Just…wow. The broth, again, was perfect. The shrimp flavor was intense, in the best way possible. Possibly even better than last night's ramen. I'm starting to become obsessed with ramen.
8:00 PM - Hotel Hangout, Reflections, and the Planning Game: Back at the hotel. Wrapped myself in a blanket. Planning, for tomorrow. More snow. More adventures. More ramen, I hope…
Day 3: Departure (and Vowing to Return - With Better Gloves)
10:00 AM - Goodbye, Sapporo. (The Final Ramen, Maybe?): One last quick bite (and a desperate search for the last ramen place) before I take the return train.
12:00 PM - Bye-Bye, Sapporo!
Overall Impression: Okay, so the Hotel Route Inn was functional. Sapporo, however? Absolutely incredible. A city that embraces the snow, offers delicious food, and is surprisingly easy (ish) to navigate, despite the language barrier. It was a beautiful disaster and I'm still smiling over it. I’ll definitely be back. With better gloves, and a better grasp of the language!
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Route Inn Shiroishi Hotel: The Unfiltered Truth (and My Sanity’s Hangin' By a Thread)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. You're about to get the real skinny on the Route Inn Shiroishi Hotel in Sapporo. Forget the perfectly curated travel blogs. This is me, raw and unfiltered, after a stay that left me… well, let's just say I have thoughts.
Is Route Inn Shiroishi actually a "hidden gem"? Or is it a slightly-less-polished rock?
Okay, "hidden gem" might be a *touch* generous. More like a… well-placed, functional pit stop. Let's be honest, the exterior screams "business hotel," not "charming oasis." But listen, hidden gems are often a little rough around the edges, right? Think of it as a diamond… that still has a lot of coal attached.
The location is pretty convenient for exploring Sapporo, especially if you're car-bound. Getting to the Sapporo Dome was a breeze! But the "gem" part? Still debatable.
Let's talk Location. Yay or Nay?
Look, the location… it's *functional*. It's in Shiroishi, which is outside the immediate downtown core, but public transport is easily accessible. I got pretty good at navigating the local trains. But one night I ended up walking back because I missed the last train, and I'm not gonna lie, it felt like a *long* walk. Probably my fault for trying to see all the sights and then staying for one last beer. Lesson learned: Plan your transport, people!
Also, there was this *one* time I was trying to find a good coffee shop in the morning... and I ended up wandering around for a good half hour! Definitely not the most happening area. Think quiet, practical.
Okay, the Rooms. What’s the Verdict, My Weary Traveler?
The rooms… they're…compact. Think "efficiently designed." My room was clean, which is HUGE for me – cleanliness is next to godliness, I say! The bed? Comfy enough. The bathroom? Tiny, but functional. I’m not sure how they managed to squeeze everything in there, but they did! But don't expect sprawling luxury. You're there to sleep, shower, and maybe do a bit of quiet contemplation (or maybe just collapse after a day of exploring). It served its purpose.
One small gripe: the air conditioning felt like it was on a timer. Some nights it was freezing, others... tropical. I swear I felt like I was in a rainforest one night! Bring an extra blanket, just in case. You have been warned.
And The Breakfast? It’s Supposed to Be Famous, Right?
The breakfast… that's where Route Inn Shiroishi gets a little… *interesting*. Let's just say it's a buffet with a healthy dose of Japanese staples. You've got your rice, your miso soup, various grilled fish options. The *bread* was a highlight. And the coffee was actually pretty good.
I have to tell you about the curry. Omg, the curry. It's not fancy, mind you. It's your typical, slightly-spicy Japanese curry. But. It. Was. *Amazing*. I went back... three times. Don't judge me! After a long day of walking, a bowl of that curry was just... pure solace. I'd go back just for the curry. Seriously.
What Else Do They Have? Any Perks?
Okay, so they have a coin-operated laundry, which is a lifesaver if you're backpacking or traveling for a while. There's a vending machine with all sorts of beverages. And, they also have a public bath... but ugh, I'm not a huge fan of public baths (personal preference, I'm a shower person).
Speaking of public baths... I did accidentally end up in the wrong one one time. I swear I thought I was in the mens, but... Anyway, it wasn't a big deal, I'm pretty sure the other people though it was hilarious. Embarrassing? Maybe a little. But if you're a bath person, then you're set. It's a nice feature.
Customer Service - Yay or Nay? Spill the Tea!
The staff were overwhelmingly polite! They were unfailingly helpful, even when I fumbled with my (terrible) Japanese. They're used to tourists, that's for sure. There was this one woman at the front desk who was just a ray of sunshine. I couldn't understand half of what she said, but she always greeted me with a smile. And she kept my luggage safely at the front desk before and after my trip.
No complaints there. Super friendly. And the Japanese culture of helpfulness extends here.
So, Would you Recommend it? Be Honest!
Okay, here’s the deal. Would I recommend Route Inn Shiroishi? If you're on a budget, if you need a *clean* and functional place to crash, and if you're not expecting luxury, then *yes*. Especially for the curry. Seriously, that curry is worth it.
It's not the sexiest hotel in Sapporo. It's not the most glamorous. But it's reliable. And sometimes, a little reliability is exactly what you need. It's a solid choice. Just maybe bring your own pillow… and be prepared to embrace the "slightly rough around the edges" charm.
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