THE KNOT SAPPORO — Hotel in Sapporo

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The service is ridiculously horrendous. On the day of our check out, we requested late check out which was not given. That is understandable as it is not owed to us. No problem with that. One staff member however claimed that the check out was at 12nn while the acting manager later said two minutes after that it was actually 11am. As we were asking for the late check out, it was 11:42am at that time. Given that, the acting manager said that we were already late to check out (if it was indeed 11am) and they were threatening to charge us for an extra night for even a minute beyond 12nn. As we rushed up to get our bags to be able to be back down by the , the keys were no longer working. Essentially, they locked us out. Upon returning back down (which obviously delayed our attempt to beat the check out deadline), she told us they had to accompany us back up to watch us get our bags. The staff member stood there in the doorway continuously glancing at her watch and sighing as we compiled all our things similar to when someone is being escorted by security out of a building. This is unacceptable service. While I understand that there are standard check out times, how could one staff member claim 12nn but the other claim 11am? This is a miscommunication unlike anything I have ever witnessed in the hospitality industry. In addition to all of this, while we were initially inquiring about the checkout, we also asked if they would kindly help guide us for airport transportation. The acting manager’s reply was that they would only do so after we checkout. Until then, no help from them. Throughout all of this, she also very stern and borderline angry at us which is not the tone or demeanor they should be projecting for a hotel at the heart of the city or any 3-star hotel anywhere in the world for that matter. I do not know the name of the acting manager but this whole ordeal was at July 18, 2024 around between 11:40am and 12:30pm and she was not very Japanese-looking.

Lastly, the housekeeping service is also very disappointing. When we checked in, the staff told us that they would only do housekeeping once throughout our 7 night stay. Fair. As I said, rules are rules. However, when they finally did do the housekeeping, all they did was provide us new slippers, change the toilet paper, and change the towels. They did not make up our beds whatsoever, remove what were clearly trash bags, nor even clean the toilet seat. That is very unacceptable.

This botique hotel is in an ideal location within Sapporo without a doubt. Apart from that however, their service is horrible and inconsiderate, and the left hand does not know what the right...

THE KNOT SAPPORO is a stylish and modern hotel with a boutique-like design that appeals to a younger, trendier crowd. The hotel is conveniently connected to an underground street filled with shops and major subway stations—a great feature, though we didn’t use it much since we drove everywhere. On the first floor, you’ll find Human Made, a popular and trendy brand shop, which adds to the hotel’s cool vibe. The lobby is located on the second floor, along with a cozy café and bar, making it a welcoming space to relax.

We opted for the suite corner room this time, as we wanted a better urban view of the tramway and needed extra space for our many suitcases. The room itself was comfortable, clean, and beautifully designed, aligning with the hotel’s overall aesthetic. We really loved the modern and thoughtful design of the hotel in general.

However, there were two significant issues that impacted our stay. First, the hotel informed us that they would not clean our room during our 4-night stay, even upon request. While I understand their intention to be environmentally friendly (which often feels like a cost-cutting measure), this policy felt unreasonable and unhygienic. A compromise, such as offering optional cleaning services, would have been more considerate.

The second and more frustrating issue was the air conditioner which never worked properly throughout our stay. Despite reporting the problem multiple times from the day we checked in, the issue remained unresolved even after four nights. The staff repeatedly told us there was nothing they could do, and we were not allowed to open the windows for air circulation. This left us stuck in a warm, stuffy room with no relief. It wasn’t until the third night that the manager finally came to explain the situation, but by then, it was too little, too late. The lack of proactive follow-up and resolution was disappointing.

While the hotel has a lot of potential with its design and location, I hope they can better understand the needs of international guests and ensure that their facilities are fully functional. A comfortable stay should include basic amenities like a working air conditioner and the option for room cleaning, especially for...

Conveniently Located Gem: The Knot at Sapporo

Overall Score: 4.2/5

The Knot at Sapporo proves to be a convenient and well-located hotel option in the heart of the city. With its prime location adjacent to Odori Park and close proximity to popular establishments like Parco, this hotel offers easy access to shopping and entertainment options. The presence of a grocery store nearby further adds to its convenience.

While the hotel lacks some typical amenities found in higher-rated hotels, such as pools and gyms, it makes up for it with its unique 2nd-floor lounge. This multi-purpose space serves as the reception area, dining hall, and transforms into a lively spot for evening happy hours with a DJ. The provision of KNOT Coins adds an interesting touch, allowing guests to enjoy the lounge and purchase beverages during happy hour.

Service at The Knot at Sapporo is friendly, though it doesn't particularly stand out. The rooms are decent, albeit a bit cramped, and lack storage space for luggage. The absence of external views and limited additional amenities are minor drawbacks. However, the comfortable beds, clean linen, and soft pillows provide a cozy sleeping experience.

Considering the price paid for a 4-night stay, which included breakfast, it might be considered a bit hefty for what is offered. The breakfast itself is a three-course set meal with limited variation, excluding rice, and primarily consisting of salad, coffee, and bread.

In summary, The Knot at Sapporo shines as a conveniently located gem, earning an overall score of 4.2/5. While it may not boast luxurious amenities, its prime location and unique lounge experience make it a favorable choice for those seeking accessibility and a lively atmosphere during their...