Sapporo Granbell Hotel Susukino
| Category | Details |
| Hotel Name | Sapporo Granbell Hotel Susukino |
| Room Type | Twin Room |
| Duration | 4 Days, 3 Nights |
| Location | Susukino District |
| Amenities | Elevators, microwave, electric kettle, mini-fridge, 17F public bath, vending machines, gym |
| Best Suited For | First-time visitors, family trips (traveling with parents), food-centric itineraries |
If you are planning a trip to Asia, pairing South Korea with a quick hop over to Japan is one of the best ways to experience the region. For an early summer getaway, there is no better place than Sapporo, Hokkaido. Early summer brings lush greenery, perfectly cool weather, and the beginning of the world-famous lavender season.
I recently took a 4-day, 3-night trip to Sapporo with my mother . During our stay, we realized just how crucial hotel location and amenities are for a seamless vacation. In this post, I will break down how to choose the right area to stay in Sapporo and share my detailed review of the Sapporo Granbell Hotel Susukino, featuring an incredible rooftop open-air hot spring (onsen).
1. Where to Stay in Sapporo: Neighborhood Guide
Sapporo’s subway lines are incredibly simple and easy to navigate. If you secure accommodation in the city center, your transit time will drop significantly. The center is divided into three main hubs, each catering to a different travel style:
- Sapporo Station Area: Best for travelers planning regional day trips. If you are taking the JR trains to Otaru, Biei, or Furano, staying near the main station will save you a lot of walking.
- Odori Park Area: Best for festival lovers. This area is the cultural heart of the city, hosting the Spring Lilac Festival, Summer Beer Garden, Autumn Fest, and the famous Winter Snow Festival.
- Susukino Area: Best for foodies, nightlife, and shopping. This is Hokkaido’s premier entertainment district, packed with ramen alleys, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and shopping malls.
2. Review: Sapporo Granbell Hotel Susukino (Twin Room)
Because we wanted easy access to local restaurants and local transit, we chose Sapporo Granbell Hotel Susukino. Here is a quick snapshot of our stay:
The Room Setup
Like most city hotels in Japan, the Twin Room is compact but highly functional. We brought two carry-on suitcases and were able to lay them completely flat on the floor without blocking our path.
The two beds are proper singles rather than narrow cots, meaning my mother and I both slept incredibly comfortably. The bedside setups are excellent, featuring individual reading lights and two power outlets so you can easily charge your devices overnight using your travel adapters.
The room includes a closet rack, a kettle, a safety deposit box, and a mini-fridge (note: it does not have a freezer function). They also provide soft hotel robes, which you can wear directly to the top-floor bath.
The Highlights: 17th Floor Rooftop Onsen & Gym
The undisputed crown jewel of this hotel is the 17th-floor public bath (Daiyokujo). It operates from 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM, and 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
17F Onsen
- Security & Access: Female guests receive a dedicated security keycard (separate from the room key) to access the women’s facility.
- The Facilities: Inside, you will find 6 to 8 individual sit-down washing stations, one very hot indoor bath, and an incredible outdoor open-air bath (rotenburo). There is nothing quite like soaking in a hot outdoor bath while cool summer raindrops hit your face.
- Amenities Provided: The bathhouse is fully stocked with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, cleansing oil, facial foam, body lotion, and hair dryers.
- Important Rules: You must bring your own room towels up with you. Additionally, guests with tattoos must purchase tattoo-cover stickers at the 17th-floor reception before entering.
17F gym
Next to the bathhouse is a compact gym featuring two treadmills, a stationary bike, dumbbells, and yoga mats. There are also ice machines, coin laundry units, and beverage vending machines on this floor.
Easy Self Check-Out
Checking out is entirely automated. You simply insert your room keycards and the special female bathhouse key into the lobby machines, confirm your details, and you are done in less than a minute.
3. The Pros, Cons, and Neighborhood Perks
The Pros: Unbeatable Access
This hotel is a dream for walking. You are located just a 5-minute walk from the Airport Limousine Bus Stop, a 5-minute walk from Susukino Station, and a 10-minute walk from Odori Park.
If you love Hokkaido cuisine, some of the city’s finest spots are right at your doorstep:
Suage+ (Soup Curry): A legendary local soup curry spot, just an 8-minute walk away.
Ganso Ramen Yokocho (Ramen Alley): Home to legendary spots like Higuma and Teshikaga, only a 4-minute walk away.
The photo above shows Tesikaga Ramen. Sapporo is famous for its corn butter miso ramen.
Daichi Supermarket: Located in the basement of the COCONO SUSUKINO mall (5-minute walk).
This is the best place to buy incredibly affordable fresh sushi, sashimi, and local souvenirs.
The Cons: Things to Keep in Mind
Compact Bathroom & Rooms: The en-suite bathroom is quite small and the ventilation fan system can be a bit confusing to operate. However, because the 17th-floor public bath is so spectacular, we ended up showering up there every single day anyway.
Eco-Cleaning Policy: Full room cleaning is only provided for stays of 4 nights or longer. For shorter stays, the staff hangs a fresh bag on your doorknob every morning at 9:00 AM containing fresh towels, toothbrushes, and trash bags. You simply leave your used towels and trash in the hallway for collection.
Peak Season Rates: Sapporo hotel prices fluctuate drastically based on the season. During the peak summer lavender season, rates can easily jump from 10,000 JPY (~$65 USD) to well over 20,000 JPY (~$130 USD) per night.
Traveler Booking Tip
If you are booking your stay, always compare international booking platforms. Many travel sites offer seasonal coupon packs that can drop the price significantly. Be sure to check your favorite booking apps before finalizing your reservation to secure the best rates.
Are you planning a trip to Sapporo or adding a Japanese side trip to your upcoming vacation this summer? Let me know your travel plans or ask any questions in the comments below!