JR West Group Via Inn Prime Sapporo Odori — Hotel in Sapporo

I am Japanese, and I’m writing this review in English so that people from overseas can read it.

This hotel is fantastic. The hospitality of the staff and the cleanliness of the facilities were particularly impressive.

However, because this is such a great hotel, I believe it would be even better if there were more notices or guidance for international visitors.

Many foreign tourists are not familiar with traditional Japanese manners, and by providing additional information, their experience could be improved. At the same time, it would ensure that we Japanese guests can continue to enjoy the facilities without discomfort.

There are two specific areas where I think it would be helpful to clearly display rules for use:

Public Bath Where to take off slippers: It should be clearly indicated where to remove slippers. Many people walked into the dressing area wearing slippers they had used on dirty hallways, which felt unhygienic despite the clean bath environment. Tying up long hair: Guests should be asked to tie their hair before entering the bath. No one wants to bathe in water with hair floating in it. Taking towels back to the room: Guests should be reminded to take their towels back to their rooms. Several used towels were left abandoned on the floor.

Restroom in the Entrance Area Do not leave trash: A notice should remind guests not to leave trash. I saw large trash items left behind, including three empty shoe boxes and some food and drink items. The trash bin was overflowing, and the space looked unhygienic.

I stayed at the hotel for a week, and I noticed that the staff cleaned frequently and maintained the facilities very well. I fully understand that the hotel takes great care to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. However, I felt there were not enough signs encouraging guests to observe proper etiquette.

If this aspect is improved and international guests are encouraged to respect Japanese culture, this hotel will undoubtedly become even more amazing.

I will definitely stay here again! Thank you for a...

I wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation for the wonderful stay I had at your hotel. The location is truly unbeatable, situated close to everything a traveler could need. I stayed on the 11th floor, and my room was spacious and equipped with beautiful windows, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I was impressed by the thoughtful details in the room, such as the motion light sensor that turns off automatically when there is no movement—a smart feature! The separation of the toilet and bath was practical and convenient, and the bathtub was a welcome luxury after long days of exploring. Soaking my feet in warm water was a perfect way to unwind. I also appreciated the provision of shampoo, conditioner, and bath gel.

Although I did not avail myself of the breakfast, I found the nearby Family Mart extremely convenient. For dinner, the yakiniku restaurant just beside the hotel was a fantastic option, and shopping at Mega Donki and sightseeing at Sapporo TV Tower were just a short walk away. Returning to the hotel after a day of adventure always felt comforting, especially with the heater providing a warm and cozy ambiance.

Additionally, my experience at the onsen was memorable, though I noticed that it may not accommodate those with tattoos. While everything else was delightful, I believe one area for improvement would be the language barriers between staff and guests. I suggest ensuring that a translator app or similar assistance is readily available to bridge communication gaps.

Overall, my stay was excellent, and I would gladly return. Thank you for all the effort you put into making your guests feel welcome and...

I had to keep the curtains closed throughout my entire 3-night stay. The building right in front of my room was so close that I could clearly see people walking by, even through frosted glass. To maintain privacy, I had no choice but to block all natural light — it honestly felt like staying in a windowless room.

The biggest issue was the lack of transparency in the room description. The listing mentioned an "Outdoor View," but nowhere did it state that the room faced a wall just a few meters away. While I understand not all rooms are like this, guests deserve a clear notice for such units — something like "limited view due to adjacent building" would have made all the difference. As it stands, the omission feels deliberate and misleading.

Check-in is self-service, but there are staff members at the front desk. Unfortunately, a few of them were noticeably unwelcoming — standing by silently, watching guests struggle with the kiosk, only stepping in with visible irritation. I've stayed at many hotels in Japan, and this is the first time I’ve encountered such cold and dismissive behavior.

What disappointed me the most, however, was the hotel's attitude. Even after I noticed several vacant rooms, the staff flatly refused to change mine, repeatedly stating that it was "not possible." No effort was made to offer an alternative or explain the room assignment — just a hard no, which felt careless and inconsiderate.

To be fair, the location and basic facilities are decent. But unless they improve the accuracy of room listings and the quality of customer service, I cannot recommend this hotel — especially for...