2-23 Kita 2 Jo Nishi, Chuo, Japan | (888) 252-1244
Chic, central hotel between the Sapporo and Odori stations
Rooms come in three modern styles -- all are attractive
Flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges in all rooms
Cross Floor rooms include hand-ground coffee and local cider
Top-floor onsen baths with great city views
Funky restaurant serves locally-grown produce
Lounge with cocktails and light lunch options
Art events and small gift shop on-site
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Lighting around the hotel is dim
Central air-conditioning can be finicky
This modern, stylish upscale hotel has one of the best locations in Sapporo, right between Sapporo and Odori stations, and within walking distance of restaurants and tourist attractions. The 181 rooms are a mix of modern styles, with crisp white duvets and large flat-screen TVs. But it's small details that make the difference, like hand grinders to make freshly ground coffee in the morning for guests in Cross Floor rooms. The hallways and other common areas are dimly lit, which gives it a sophisticated atmosphere that won't please everyone, but is sharp nonetheless. The hotel’s high-floor onsen baths have a nice view of the city and the restaurant works with locally-grown produce, though there’s an extra fee for breakfast. It’s a hip, well-priced pick for central Sapporo.
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Scene
Stylish city-center hotel with an artsy, lounge-like vibe
The Cross Hotel is a sleek and modern tower of glass panels with blocks of white and gray, which makes for a striking exterior. Inside, things maintain the dark and sexy vibe. In fact, in a city that's filled with generic mid-range and upscale hotels without much personality, there's a lot more style to this property. Yes, it's dimly lit -- the low lighting is part of what sets the mood here. It won't please everyone, but it gives the common areas a lounge-like feeling that's complemented by modern furniture in white, gray, and black. Bright modern art provides color throughout, and the hotel even hosts rotating arts events throughout the year. The Meet Lounge has a similar look to the lobby, with a black bar, metal chandeliers, and pops of red and purple, while Agora Restaurant has more subdued black-and-white decor that still plays into the funky overall vibe. The hotel sees mostly leisure travelers -- not a surprise given its boutique-like aesthetic -- among them couples and some families.
Location
Central location close to trains, shopping, and attractions
It would be hard to find a more centrally located hotel in Sapporo, as this hotel is located almost equidistant from both Sapporo JR Station and Odori Station -- a five- to 10-minute walk to either transport hub. Given this fact, there are tons of things to see and do in any direction. Odori Station sits right by the beautiful Odori Park and is near the city's main shopping area. There are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby and it’s a 15-minute walk to Sapporo’s Ramen Alley. The Sapporo Clock Tower is just a couple of blocks away and it’s a 20-minute metro trip or a five-minute drive to the Sapporo Beer Museum. Other attractions include the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway, which is about 40 minutes away by public transportation. The Okadama Airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel, though the New Chitose Airport is the larger option. It's an hour away by car or train.
Rooms
Modern and chic rooms with varied styles plus thoughtful details
The 181 rooms are all modern and divided in three different styles: Urban, Natural, and Hip. The Urban Style Rooms have gray-and-black decor, while the Natural Style Rooms are done beiges, creams, and light-wood paneling and furniture. Hip Style Rooms are dominated by white decor with gray accents. The look in rooms of all categories is a bit more subdued than the hotel's common areas, though still a step above much of the competition. Hip Rooms have the most flair, with tree-silhouette coat racks and clear furnishings here and there. Natural Rooms have spare black-and-white photography on the walls, making a subtle statement. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles, robes, and hairdryers. Guests in rooms on the Cross Floors (the 15th through 17th floors) receive a welcome drink of locally brewed hard cider and the rooms come with hand-grinders to freshly grind coffee beans in the morning. Bathrooms are similarly sleek, with clear sinks and vanities, and shower/tub combos with modern fixtures. The hotel’s central air-conditioning system is occasionally finicky and some guests have reported problems with getting the temperature right.
Features
Breakfast buffet and Italian food, plus on-site lounge serving cocktails and top-floor baths
Despite it's location in the heart of Sapporo, this hotel has a number of features that area well-liked and nice to have. The Agora restaurant serves a buffet breakfast with lots of locally grown vegetables, a buffet and pasta for lunch, and an a la carte menu for dinner. Those looking for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap should head to Meet Lounge, which serves cocktails throughout the evening as well as light dishes for lunch. There are traditional onsen baths on the top floor that are free for guests to use, and the space has nice views from large windows, along with a large shower area. A nearby lounge has vending machines, and there's a small gift area in the lobby. Additionally, the hotel hosts a rotating series of art events an installations throughout the year. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and a small parking garage is available on-site.
