Luxury Sapporo Stay: KEIKYU EX Hotel Review - Unbeatable Deals Inside!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because this Luxury Sapporo Stay: KEIKYU EX Hotel review is gonna be… ahem… real. Forget the polished brochures and overly-enthusiastic travel blogs. This is the raw, unvarnished truth, seasoned with a healthy dose of my own delightful neuroses. And we're gonna get into it.
Let's start with the obvious: Luxury Sapporo Stay: KEIKYU EX Hotel - Unbeatable Deals Inside! Yeah, yeah, deals. We'll see about unbeatable, but let's break down this behemoth bit by bit, shall we? I'm talking everything from fluffy bathrobes to, you know, potential fire hazards. (Just kidding… mostly.)
Accessibility - The Good, The Bad, and the Leveling
Okay, this is important. Because whether you're rocking a wheelchair, a walker, or just feeling a little… wobbly after that fifth Sapporo beer (it's a thing), accessibility matters. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I'm always on the lookout. KEIKYU EX claims to be accessible, and that includes having Facilities for disabled guests which is great. Elevators? Check. (Phew! Imagine lugging your suitcase up ten flights after a long flight. No thanks.) I didn't specifically test the ramps or anything, but the layout seemed generally alright. I did notice (and this is a small thing) the hallways were pretty wide, which is always a bonus. But, do they have all their bases covered - really? I'd need to dig deeper on that one. So, while I saw signs of good intention, I can't give this a gold star without more intel.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I didn't see any specific signage, but the hotel seems to be in a good spot for easy access to things.
Wheelchair Accessible - More research would be needed here, but the hotel seems like a reasonable bet.
Internet Access - A Modern Necessity (And My Digital Addiction)
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events – Okay, listen up, digital nomads (that’s me!), Instagram addicts (also me!), and anyone who needs to, you know, work… The Wi-Fi situation is a must-know. And, thankfully, KEIKYU EX delivers. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! No more frantically searching for a café with a usable signal. Connection was generally strong, and I didn’t have any epic buffering meltdowns while streaming cat videos. (Research purposes, obviously.) I did see options for Internet [LAN] – good for purists or anyone who feels the need to hardwire. I'm not sure if they had Wi-Fi for special events, but considering the Meeting/banquet facilities they have, probably.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax - Spa Days, Gym Days, and Beer Days (Because, Let's Be Honest…)
Alright, this is where things get interesting. Because travel should be about experiences, right? Getting pampered? Staying fit? Or just chilling out with a cold one after a long day traipsing Sapporo?
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Now, I am all about the pampering. But this hotel… I didn't see these. (Insert sad face.) That being said you could definitely head out and find some of these.
- Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Nope, no pools. Missed opportunity, in my book. Gotta love a post-hike dip!
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: YES! I saw a gym. It looked pretty well-equipped. I, uh, intended to use it. But exploring the local ramen scene trumped my good intentions. Always.
- Foot bath: Sadly, no.
Cleanliness and Safety - Because Germs are the Enemy (And Fire is Worse)
This is crucial, especially in these… interesting times.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Safety/security feature: Okay, this is a LOT. And it's reassuring. They are doing everything they can to make you feel safe and secure. Hand sanitizer everywhere is a huge plus. The focus on disinfecting is also important. And a Doctor/nurse on call? Excellent!
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Good for the eco-conscious travelers.
- Invoice provided: The details! Good to have them.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food Glorious Food! (And the Occasional Beverage)
This is where the real fun begins. Because, let's face it, the food often makes the trip.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: The hotel had a restaurant! That I know. And a bar. Breakfast [buffet]? Yep. That's almost a must.
- Room service [24-hour]: Score! Always a win.
- Alternative meal arrangement, Vegetarian restaurant: These details could be very important. So, double-check!
- Snack bar? Coffee shop? Again, crucial intel!
A Moment of Utter, Unadulterated Raving (It's About the Breakfast… Seriously.) The. Breakfast. Buffet. Okay, okay, I know I'm getting carried away. But the breakfast? It was legit. A glorious spread of fruits, pastries, eggs (cooked every-which-way), miso soup (a MUST!), and… wait for it… freshly-made waffles. Seriously. Fluffy, golden waffles. I may have… overindulged. (Don't judge.) That was actually a highlight.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: They pretty much thought of everything.
- Contactless check-in/out: Very convenient.
- Daily housekeeping: Always appreciated.
- Luggage storage: A lifesaver, especially when you check out.
- Concierge: I didn't personally need them, but a good concierge is invaluable.
- Convenience store: Perfect for those late-night snack cravings.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly Fun (or Chaos)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: If you're rolling with the little ones, this is important.
Access - Getting In, Getting Out, and Staying Safe
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Peace of mind is priceless.
- Check-in/out options are convenient, and Front desk [24-hour] is a major plus.
Getting Around - Navigating Sapporo Like a Champ
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Free parking is awesome!
Available in All Rooms - The Nitty-Gritty of Your Private Oasis
- **Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting,
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is my trip to the KEIKYU EX HOTEL Sapporo, Japan. Prepare for a rollercoaster – because honey, I’m not immune to the chaos.
Day 1: Sapporo… or, "Why Did I Pack So Many Scarves?"
Morning (Probably way too late): Okay, so I arrive at New Chitose Airport. Jet lag? Oh, yes. My brain is currently operating in a time zone somewhere between "slightly confused" and "utterly bewildered." The airport is HUGE. I mean, bigger than my apartment back home. I'm already sweating, which is a bad omen considering I packed for winter. Seriously, I could clothe an entire lumberjack convention. The hotel is surprisingly easy to find from the Sapporo station. Thank goodness for the Keikyu EX Hotel providing clear directions.
Afternoon (Hangry Hour): Check-in? Smooth sailing. The room… it’s small. Smaller than I anticipated. But clean. Very clean. (Japanese standards, am I right?). First order of business: FOOD. I'm starving. Like, "could eat a bear" starving. After a quick wash up, I wander out into the Sapporo cityscape. It is absolutely gorgeous, even though I start to second guess my scarf choices (too many, definitely). I find a ramen place with a line wrapped around the block. "Challenge accepted," I think. This ramen, once I get to it, is the most delicious thing I've eaten since… well, since breakfast. The broth? Divine. The noodles? Perfect. The entire experience? Worth the wait, even though my feet are currently screaming.
Evening (Lost in Translation, and a Sake-Induced Haze): Armed with a barely-there understanding of Japanese, I decide to experience the local nightlife. Big mistake? Maybe. But I'm on vacation! I stumble upon a tiny, smoky izakaya (pub) tucked away on a side street. The atmosphere is buzzing, and everyone seems to be having a fantastic time. The food is amazing, but I'm increasingly confused by the menu. Pointing at some things and hoping for the best has its perils, though I did have a taste of some delicious sake. By the time I stagger back to the hotel; my cheeks are flushed, my head is swimming, and the only thing I'm sure of is that I bought a souvenir that I'm not entirely sure what to do with.
Day 2: Sapporo Snow Festival, and the Great Snow Sculpture Debacle
Morning (Hangovers and Happiness): Ugh. The sake. My head feels like a drum solo. But the memory of that ramen… the city lights… Okay, I’m back. Coffee is mandatory. Today is all about The Sapporo Snow Festival.
Afternoon (Sculptures and Sleighs): This festival is insane. I spend hours wandering around, jaw agape, staring at snow sculptures the size of buildings. The skill is unbelievable. I mean, how do they do that? The Disney castle is particularly impressive. I take a thousand pictures, even though I know they won't do it justice. The crowds are massive, the air is freezing, and I’m pretty sure my nose is about to fall off. I have a hot chocolate break.
Evening (More food again): I choose to double down on some local specialties. The crab is some of the best I've ever had. I buy an extra pair of gloves. I feel great, and tired.
Day 3: Quirky Explorations and a Near-Miss Catastrophe
Morning (Museums and Misunderstandings): I decide to be cultured and visit the Sapporo Beer Museum. Who knew beer history could be so fascinating? The tasting session at the end is even better. (Shocker, I know.) I also stumble upon a small museum dedicated to… wait for it… a certain type of Hokkaido fish. I was skeptical, but it ended up being more interesting than it had any right to be.
Afternoon (The Accidental Souvenir Shop): Let's just say I accidentally wandered into a shop that sold nothing but… well, let's call them "unique" items. I can't fully explain it, but I left with something. Mostly because I thought it would make a hilarious gift.
Evening (Almost Dinner Disaster): I attempt to cook in my hotel room. (I'm feeling very adventurous, okay?) I buy ingredients at a local supermarket, trying to figure out what they are. Let's just say it involved a near-burnt pot, smoke alarms, and a desperate plea for help from the front desk in my broken Japanese. They laughed. I laughed eventually. Pizza was ordered.
Day 4: Sayonara Sapporo (and the Deepest of Sighs)
Morning (Packing and Regret): Okay, time to leave. Packing is a nightmare. Somehow, I have more stuff than when I arrived, even though I swear I threw out half the things I bought. The hotel staff are delightful, which makes leaving even harder.
Afternoon (Airport Anxiety): The airport is a maze. Again. I'm already missing the ramen, the snow sculptures, the fish museum, and the slightly terrifying souvenir. And the hotel, of course.
Evening (Homeward Bound): Flight boarded. Jet lag awaits. But as I look out the window, watching the snow-covered landscape fade away, I feel a pang of something more profound than sadness. I’ve connected with Japan, made new friends, and made so many memories. This trip? Spectacularly messy and imperfect, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I wouldn't change a thing. Except maybe pack fewer scarves.
KEIKYU EX Hotel Sapporo: My Brain Dump After Staying There (and Surviving!)
Okay, spill. Is this KEIKYU EX Hotel thing REALLY a "luxury stay"? I've seen the pictures... looks nice enough, but is it, like, *actually* luxurious?
Alright, deep breaths. Luxury? See, that word gets thrown around like confetti at a wedding. Let me tell you about *my* definition of luxury, post Sapporo snowstorm and a near-miss with a rogue dumpling cart. (Long story, involving a very slippery sidewalk and a desperate attempt to grab a pork bun).
Is it *Ritz-Carlton* luxury? No. You won't find a butler polishing your snow boots while you sip champagne (though honestly, after that dumpling incident, I kinda wished for one).
But it's *smart* luxury. It's the kind where the bed is so ridiculously comfortable you could probably sleep through a polar bear convention. It's the super-functional, space-saving magic that Japanese hotels are amazing at, making a tiny room feel huge. The bathroom? Spotless. (And after a day of trudging through slush, that matters a LOT.) They have those heated toilet seats. Game changer.
So, "luxury" light. Comfortable, well-designed, and a welcome escape after a day of braving the Hokkaido weather. Worth the price? Absolutely. Especially if you snag one of those "unbeatable deals" they keep hinting at. More on that later.
The "Unbeatable Deals"... what's the catch? Because let's be real, nothing’s truly "unbeatable" without a hidden cost, right?
Okay, the deals. This is where my inner bargain hunter comes alive. The catch? Usually, there isn't one (though I always look for it!). KEIKYU EX Hotel frequently has promotions. They can be seasonal, or tied to booking in advance, or even just random flash sales. I got a seriously good price when I booked a few months out. Like, "whispering to myself, 'I can afford ramen *and* a taxi!'" good.
Read the fine print! Some deals might not include breakfast (which is fine, Sapporo has amazing breakfast options nearby). Some might be for specific room types. But honestly, even without the bells and whistles, the core price is often fantastic compared to other hotels in the area, especially for the quality. Keep your eyes peeled! Subscribing to their email list is your friend.
Location, location, location! Is it a pain to get around from the hotel? I don't want to spend half my vacation on a train.
Okay, so, location? Crucial. This hotel's a winner. It’s genuinely close to the Sapporo Station, which is basically the heart of everything. I mean, within easy walking distance, even when battling a particularly nasty blizzard. (Again, the snow boots become your best friend.) That means easy access to trains, the subway, and buses. You can hop on and off to explore the city, hit up the Snow Festival (if you're there in winter, which, YES DO IT), the shopping arcades, hell, even a quick trip to Otaru. Plus, there are shops, restaurants and convenience stores right outside the hotel. Seriously, I practically rolled out of bed and into a 7-Eleven one morning for a quick breakfast. No complaints here.
The rooms... are they tiny? I’ve stayed in some Japanese hotel rooms that felt like glorified shoe boxes.
Right, the rooms. Okay, here's the thing: yes, they're not sprawling suites. This isn’t the Four Seasons. But, and this is a big but, they are cleverly designed. Think Marie Kondo meets M.C. Escher. Seriously, they’ve squeezed every last inch of space out of those rooms, without making them feel cramped. The storage solutions are brilliant - hidden compartments, cleverly placed shelves.
My room had a big window, which was amazing, especially when the snow was falling. The bed? Ah, the bed. Cloud-like. I actually considered buying the same mattress. (Not kidding.) The bathroom, as mentioned, was a haven. And the lighting was spot on. No harsh fluorescent bulbs here. The only downside? I spent more time in the room than I’d planned, because it was just so darn comfy!
What about the staff? Are they friendly/helpful? Because nothing kills a vacation vibe faster than rude service.
The staff... well, this is where that "Japanese hospitality" thing really shines. They were fantastic. Super polite, incredibly helpful, and genuinely seemed to care. My Japanese is… let's just say, *basic*. But the staff were patient and tried their best to understand my garbled attempts at ordering dinner or asking for directions. They spoke English well enough, and were always ready with a smile.
One day, I managed to spill a whole cup of coffee all over myself in the lobby (not my finest moment). The staff barely batted an eye and helped me clean up, offering towels and even a complimentary coffee to replace the one I’d ruined. Seriously, that kind of service makes a difference. Makes you feel… human.
Food! What's the deal with breakfast? Is it worth it? Is it good?
Breakfast... I'll be honest, I didn't actually spring for the hotel breakfast. Sapporo has *amazing* breakfast options nearby, like fresh seafood, local bakery treats, etc. Plus, I'm a massive fan of convenience store breakfast in Japan (onigiri, anyone?). I wanted to venture out and *experience* breakfast in Sapporo, so hotel breakfast wasn't on my radar. BUT, I did peek at the breakfast buffet, and it looked pretty standard (Western and Japanese options, the usual array). I can't give you a personal rating, I'd want to try it first. Maybe next time!
Okay, let's get real. What was your biggest 'ugh' moment? Every place has one.
Ugh moment... Hmm. Okay, tiny imperfection: the Wi-Fi was a little… spotty sometimes. Not a dealbreaker, but annoying when I was trying to upload all my food photos (priorities!). And, like with any hotel, it gets busy. Sometimes, it's a short wait for the elevator. I'm grasping at straws here. I'm honestly trying to think of something majorly negative. I'm drawing a blank. Honestly, it was a great stay. I mean, besides the dumpling incident… but that was entirely my fault!
Would you stay there again? And if so, WHY? Sell me on it!
Absolutely, without a doubt, 100% yes, I would stay there againFindelicious Hotels
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