Sapporo Luxury: ANA Crowne Plaza's Unforgettable Stay (IHG)
Okay, buckle up buttercups! Let's dive headfirst into the frosty wonderland that is Sapporo Luxury: ANA Crowne Plaza (IHG). This isn't just a review; it's a full-blown, slightly manic, very honest account of my stay. And trust me, I'm still thawing out.
First Impressions (and the inevitable jet lag):
Landing in Sapporo? Beautiful. Jet lag? Brutal. Finding the ANA Crowne Plaza? Surprisingly easy. From the airport, it's a straightforward, well-organized taxi ride (thankfully, the airport transfer was booked – lifesaver!). The hotel itself? Towering, sleek, and immediately promising escape from a long journey.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag (but mostly good!):
Okay, let's get practical. Accessibility is crucial, and the ANA Crowne Plaza tries hard. There's an elevator (duh!), and while I didn't personally need a wheelchair-accessible room (thank God, my legs still work!), I saw specific mentions of them in the reservation details. The facilities for disabled guests seemed well-thought-out, though I can't vouch for personal experience. The exterior corridor situation isn't relevant for main areas so it's fine for those who require. Check-in/out [express] and check-in/out [private] options are a godsend when you're exhausted.
The Room - My Cozy Sanctuary (with a minor existential crisis):
My room… swoon. Well, not entirely. Let's be real, sometimes hotel rooms feel… sterile. Not quite here. It felt more like a posh, zen retreat. The air conditioning was a blessed relief after the Sapporo summer heat. The blackout curtains? Absolute genius. I could have slept for a week. And did, at times. The extra long bed was a godsend for my gangly frame.
But here's the thing: when you're alone in a hotel room with free Wi-Fi (yessss! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!), a coffee/tea maker, and complimentary water, you’re either going to get a lot of writing done or a lot of thinking done. I got both. I spent hours staring out the window that opens at the city, sipping coffee, contemplating the meaning of life, and realizing I'd forgotten to pack a decent pair of socks. The slippers were a welcome touch. The bathroom with a separate shower/bathtub was great for long, hot baths (needed after trekking around the city). The in-room safe box gave me some peace of mind (although I basically only used it for my passport and an extra pair of socks). The alarm clock woke me up every morning and the wake-up service if I forgot to make the alarm clock go off.
Internet - Because We Need It (duh!):
The Internet [LAN] and Internet access – wireless worked flawlessly. I mean, the free Wi-Fi was a solid reason to return. I had to hop onto those websites; those emails; those social media accounts.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Gastronomic Adventure (and the occasional regret):
Alright, food. This is where things get exciting. The restaurants are plentiful. The breakfast buffet was a classic. I'm a sucker for Western breakfast, complete with bacon, eggs, and a general feeling of overindulgence. There was also Asian breakfast, for those who are so inclined, and the Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant are both high quality. The room service [24-hour] practically saved my life at 3 AM when I was hit with a craving for instant noodles (yes, I am classy), and the coffee shop was perfect for a quick caffeine fix. The desserts in restaurant were a delicious and a welcome surprise. The poolside bar looked tempting, but I was too busy exploring the city's food scene (and regretting my decision later, given the Sapporo weather). During the happy hour, I enjoyed a beer at a bar. The Snack bar was easy to access.
My Absolute Favorite: Sauna Time (and the existential benefits of sweating):
Now, let's talk about the spa/sauna. Oh. My. God. The sauna itself was a haven. Seriously. After a day of walking around, the heat burrowed into my muscles, unlocking all that stress from the trip. It was a life reset. I may or may not have spent two hours in there one day, emerging only when I thought I might actually melt. There were steamrooms and a foot bath inside. It all came down to the pool with the view The whole experience… it was sublime.
Ways to Relax and Things to Do - Beyond the Sauna (but mostly the sauna):
Okay, so beyond the sauna (I told you I was keen), there's a ton to do. Fitness center, Gym/fitness (I skipped that). Massage (highly recommended!). There were a swimming pool [outdoor]. I was too busy with the city (again, regret).
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Safe (and slightly paranoid):
This is a big one, especially in these times. The ANA Crowne Plaza is obsessed with cleanliness, and in a good way! The anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas were reassuring. The rooms sanitized between stays gave me peace of mind, along with that wonderful room sanitization opt-out available to reduce waste. Every place had hand sanitizer and the staff trained in safety protocol were very comforting to see. The hygiene certification also eased my mind. It’s the little things. The safe dining setup made me feel comfortable while I ate. The professional-grade sanitizing services was great. The CCTV in common areas, security and the fire extinguisher made me feel safe
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter (and the slightly insane):
The concierge was brilliant. They helped me with everything from booking tours (which I promptly canceled to go back to the sauna) to finding the best ramen spot in town (thank God for that!). The daily housekeeping was impeccable (I'm messy, they put up with me). The dry cleaning and laundry service were easy to access as well. The doorman was always polite. The gift/souvenir shop was great for last-minute presents (for myself). There was also a convenience store nearby for when I ran out of chocolate (inevitable). The cash withdrawal service was useful.
For the Kids - Family Friendly (but not my circus):
Sorry, no comment. I don't have kids!. (Though, I did see a babysitting service advertised… if you're into that.)
Getting Around - Easy Peasy (mostly):
The car park [free of charge] was a bonus, but I primarily used taxis. The taxi service was efficient. Airport transfer was smooth.
Business Facilities - Work Hard, Play Hard (even in a steam room):
There are business facilities which I needed such as meeting/banquet facilities, audio-visual equipment for special events, and Wi-Fi for special events, and meetings, which I did not use at all.
Things I Loved So Much, I Could Cry (almost):
- The Sauna! I cannot stress this enough. It was my mental health sanctuary.
- The free Wi-Fi. Gotta have it.
- The views from my room. The city lights at night… magical.
- The staff was well trained in safety protocol
Things That Could Be Better (nitpicking, I know):
- I wish the Poolside bar was open earlier.
The Verdict - Should You Stay? (yes, and here's why!)
Absolutely. Sapporo Luxury: ANA Crowne Plaza is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a luxurious, comfortable, and convenient stay in Sapporo. The location is perfect for exploring the city, the amenities are top-notch, and the staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. It's worth it for the sauna alone!
Now, let's get you booked!
- Headline: Escape the City: Indulge in Luxury at Sapporo Luxury: ANA Crowne Plaza (IHG) - Your Ultimate Retreat!
- Body: Tired of the everyday grind? Craving a getaway that rejuvenates your body and soul? Then treat yourself to an unforgettable experience at Sapporo Luxury: ANA Crowne Plaza (IHG)! Nestled in the heart of Sapporo, this modern hotel offers the perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and tranquility. Imagine yourself sinking into a plush bed, the world fading away as you lose yourself in the city lights. Pamper yourself with world-class dining options, including Asian and International flavors, and start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet. But the real magic? The spa! Soothe your muscles in the sauna, steam room, and
ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo: My (Un)Organized Adventure (Warning: May Contain Excessive Enthusiasm & Occasional Griping)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly-curated travel blog. This is real life, people! My trip to Sapporo, base-camped at the ANA Crowne Plaza, should've been all zen and cultural immersion. Instead, it's turned into a rollercoaster of delicious food, questionable map-reading, and a whole lot of "oops, did I really do that?"
Day 1: Arrival, Ramen Runs, and Room-Service Regret (Maybe?)
Morning (7:00 AM): Departed Narita Airport, jet-lag kicking in before I even hit the damn plane. I swore I'd sleep, but the kid behind me was practicing his piccolo. The ENTIRE FLIGHT. I am not a morning person.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Sapporo! Sweet, icy Sapporo! Found the ANA Crowne Plaza. First impressions? Pretty swanky. Lobby is all gleaming marble and hushed tones. Slightly intimidating after the piccolo symphony. Check-in was smooth as silk, which was a welcome change.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): Okay, room! Decent view… if you like concrete. Still, the bed looked inviting, and my weary soul needed a lie-down. This is where it all went downhill in the best way possible. I ordered room service, a gorgeous looking Sapporo Crab and Avocado salad and a spicy Ramen bowl. The salad? Exquisite, worth every penny. The Ramen? So. Damn. Good. I wanted to weep with happiness.
Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Ramen coma. Spent an embarrassing amount of time staring at the ceiling, contemplating the meaning of life and the proper level of soy sauce in ramen. Then, fueled by newfound energy, I decided to be a cultured traveler. Wandered aimlessly into the Susukino district… and promptly got lost. Ended up in a tiny alleyway filled with karaoke bars and a smell of grilled yakitori that was pure siren song. So… I ended up singing Karaoke. More than once. My Japanese is non-existent, but my enthusiasm is legendary, apparently. (This might be a problem later).
Evening (8:00 PM onwards): Back in the hotel. I should be writing, reflecting, journaling. Instead, I'm staring at a map, convinced I can find my way around Sapporo with nothing but sheer willpower and a questionable sense of direction. Decided to "chill out" on a balcony and enjoy the view of the city light… until I remember I haven't even got the password to the Wifi, how to I even use the thing?
Day 2: Market Mayhem, the Clock Tower's Charm, and a Beer Hall Binge
Morning (8:00 AM): Woke up way too early. Damn jet lag strikes again! Breakfast buffet at the hotel. OMG. Okay, I'm a sucker for a good breakfast buffet and this one did not disappoint. Unlimited pastries? Okay, deal. Japanese breakfast options? Even better. I think I ate enough to sustain me for a week… or at least until lunchtime.
Morning (9:30 AM): Sapporo Central Wholesale Market (場外市場). This place is sensory overload in the best way possible. Fishmongers yelling prices, the smell of fresh seafood, the sheer vibrancy of it all. Tried fresh Uni (sea urchin). It was… surprisingly delicious. Texture was weird, a bit like ocean-flavored custard, but I was converted. Bought WAY too much. I mean, how does one transport raw seafood back to the hotel? A challenge presented itself.
Lunch (12:00 PM): Managed to find a tiny, hole-in-the-wall ramen shop outside the wholesale market, not entirely sure how. This time, I requested "the best one." It was, indeed, the best one. Thick broth, tender pork, noodles that somehow managed to defy gravity. I think I might have cried.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): Sapporo TV Tower and Clock Tower. Both very pretty, and I'll be honest, a bit underwhelming. The Clock Tower is tiny! But cute. Took some pictures. Fulfilled my tourist duty. Then, promptly got lost again, discovering another delightful backstreet full of tempting snack stalls.
Afternoon (4:00 PM): Sapporo Beer Garden & Museum, where the real fun began. Okay, I'm not even a massive beer drinker, but the atmosphere in the beer hall… electric! Giant tanks of, well, beer. Endless platters of grilled lamb (Jingisukan). Laughter and good cheer all around. Spent hours, maybe too many, sampling the local brews. My Japanese improved greatly, but my navigational skills plummeted to an all-time low.
Evening (8:00 PM onwards): Woke up in my room, feeling VERY full and slightly fuzzy. Remembered the Uni… Decided to attempt to eat it. Managed. Survived. Vowed to learn to cook.
Day 3: Chocolate Dreams, Snow Festival Wishes, and a (Possible) Geisha Encounter? (Maybe…)
Morning (9:00 AM): Jet lag finally relenting. Needed caffeine. Hotel's coffee was, let's be polite, "adequate." Found a little cafe down the street with the most incredible, rich espresso. Life-changing.
Morning (10:30 AM): Shiroi Koibito Park. Okay, this is an experience. It's a chocolate factory and theme park rolled into one, but it's so gloriously, wonderfully silly. I went straight to the cookie making class, which involved wearing a tiny white chef hat, which I loved. I'm a sucker for theme parks, no apologies. The cookies were delicious, but the sheer joy of the place really made me smile. Made someone wear the hat as well so I could take an adorable photo. Just a little thing, but it helped set the tone for the rest of the day
Lunch (1:00 PM): Back to the hotel… after a quick detour to get something to eat, some ramen, maybe some tempura.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): A stroll to the Sapporo Snow Festival site (since it's still not technically the season). I know it's not what it's supposed to be, but I'm getting excited.
Evening (6:00 PM onwards): I swear, after my little tour in the Susukino district on day 1, I could've sworn I saw the side of a Geisha walking from a restaurant. Either she ran away from me, or it was a hallucination from the beer and Ramen.
Day 4: Departure… and a Vow to Return
Morning (8:00 AM): Last breakfast buffet. Savored every single bite. Stocked up on pastries. This time, I checked out and prepared for my flight back home.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): At the airport (finally!). I had the time of my life and I promise I'm coming back. The ANA Crowne Plaza, with its slightly formal vibe, was the perfect launchpad for my chaotic, delicious, utterly unforgettable Sapporo adventure.
Lessons learned:
- Always bring a universal adapter.
- Learn to say "delicious" in Japanese.
- Navigation apps are your friend.
- Embrace the chaos.
Sapporo, you glorious, food-filled, slightly-bewildering city, I’ll be back. Soon. And next time, I will find that Geisha.
Moscow's Hidden Gem: Uncover Moskovskiy 1's Secrets!
Sapporo Luxury: ANA Crowne Plaza - Your Unfiltered Questions (and my totally biased answers!)
Okay, spill the tea! Is this place *really* worth the hype? Like, does it actually feel luxurious, or is it just overpriced disappointment?
Alright, *deep breath*. Worth the hype? Depends on *you*. Here's the thing: I went in SUPER skeptical. Luxury hotels? They usually promise the moon and deliver a crumpled, slightly moist piece of star-shaped tin foil. But...the ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo? Okay, *okay*. It wasn't perfect. (More on that later, trust me.) But the lobby? That initial *wow* factor? It hit me. Hard. Think sleek, modern, with enough shimmer to make a magpie squeal with delight. And, you know, the *smell*? Not the cloying, fake perfume some hotels pump out. This was subtle, clean, like a spa that actually delivers on its promises. So, yeah, a good start. But then, the room...
Speaking of rooms, what are they *actually* like? I've seen the pictures, but they always lie!
Oh, the pictures! They're pretty accurate, I'll give them that. But pictures can't capture the feeling of sinking into that bed. My God, that bed. I swear, I haven't slept that well since I was a kid. It was like being hugged by a cloud made of marshmallows and pure bliss. The room itself? Spacious. Clean. The *view*... Okay, I paid extra for a city view, and it was worth every single yen. Sapporo at night? Magical. Like a shimmering jewel box spread out below. However, the coffee machine was a bit temperamental. One morning, I swear it spat molten sadness. But hey, coffee shops were just a hop away. So, you know, small price to pay for the overall fabulousness.
The food! Tell me *everything* about the food. Was it worthy of the "luxury" label?
Okay, the food. This is where the ANA Crowne Plaza *really* shines. Breakfast buffet? Forget about it. Game over. Best. Breakfast. Ever. Seriously. Everything beautifully presented. Fresh. Local ingredients. I may or may not have eaten my weight in Hokkaido cheese and freshly baked bread. The omelet station? Perfection. (Okay, maybe a tiny bit rushed during the morning rush, but the cook was *trying*!) Dinner at the hotel restaurant was equally impressive. I splurged on the seasonal tasting menu, and... *sigh*... It was an absolute masterpiece. Each course a work of art. The wine pairings were spot on. And the service? Impeccable. They were attentive without being intrusive. I felt like a princess. A very well-fed, slightly wine-buzzed princess.
What about the location? Is it convenient to explore Sapporo?
YES! Seriously, the location is *genius*. Right in the heart of Sapporo. Walking distance to the Sapporo TV Tower, Odori Park, and the Susukino entertainment district. The Sapporo Station, with access to trains and subways, is also nearby. Basically, you can easily explore everything Sapporo has to offer without spending a fortune on taxis. I walked everywhere! (Okay, maybe I took a taxi *once* when I was feeling particularly lazy after a sake tasting, but still...) It made the whole experience so much easier and more enjoyable. Plus, I had a sneaky peek at the crowds from some other hotels, and I was so happy to be there where I was!
Okay, okay, it sounds great so far. But there has to be a catch, right? What were the downsides? The *faults*?
Alright, here's the honest truth. No place is perfect. And the ANA Crowne Plaza, while magnificent, wasn't *flawless*. First, it. Got. Crowded. That breakfast buffet, a culinary dream? Sometimes it was a bit of a scrum. Think elbows and the desperate scramble for the last croissant. The elevators were another issue. They're decent, but I got some serious waiting. Never an excessively long time, but noticeable, especially when you're impatient to get back to the room and enjoy the luxurious solitude! And, and, and... the pillows, they're *so* fluffy, but it might not work for folks who require a harder pillow! Yeah, I woke up a couple of mornings with my neck feeling a bit… *unbalanced*. And the Internet took a bit to set up. But I am complaining. I’m definitely complaining. Seriously, minor quibbles. Overall, though, the experience *massively* outweighed the minor annoyances.
Would you recommend this hotel overall? Be brutally honest!
BRUTALLY honest? Absolutely. Yes, I'd *absolutely* recommend the ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo. Even despite my slight neck discomfort! It's not just a hotel; it's an experience. A luxurious, comfortable, and utterly delightful experience. If you're looking for a place to splurge, to treat yourself, and to be pampered, this is it. Yeah, it's pricey. But sometimes, you *need* to splurge. Sometimes you *deserve* to be treated like royalty. And, honestly? After all the walking, the sightseeing, the delicious Hokkaido food... I deserved it. Book it. Just do it. And tell them I sent you... (kidding, they don't care). You'll thank me later. Or, you know, blame me if you *hate* it. But I truly believe you won't. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to start planning my return trip.
Is there a gym or a spa? Does either one suck?
YES! There is a gym and a spa. The Gym is functional, not spectacular. The spa...now that's a different story. I didn't use it. I’m a sucker for sightseeing and eating. Though I really wished I had. I heard from another guest that it was… *fantastic*. I'm talking heavenly massages, and all that. So, yeah. If I had to go back, I'd definitely change my priorities. I could've used a good massage!
How was the service? Were the staff generally helpful? Like, not just in a forced customer-servicey way?
Okay, so this is where the ANA Crowne Plaza *really* shines. The staff? Not just helpful—*genuinely* friendly and eagerLocal Hotel Tips
