As a Hokkaido tourism expert with over 15 years of experience exploring the region, I have written over 1,000 travel articles for magazines and websites and have stayed at hundreds of hotels and inns across the region, with dozens of those stays concentrated in Sapporo alone.

An apartment hotel offers a unique lodging experience akin to staying in a fully-furnished apartment or condo, complete with furniture, a kitchen, and appliances, all in your own room. These accommodations have recently gained popularity amongst travelers seeking extended stays due to their affordability and convenience, typically requiring travelers to bring nothing more than their clothes. Many have also adopted contactless check-in and check-out procedures, foregoing the need for on-site staff.

Such apartment hotels are spread all across the city of Sapporo, each varying in size and ambiance. Here are three key aspects to consider when searching for your ideal accommodation.

When looking for an apartment hotel in Sapporo, location and accessibility are crucial. Given the abundance of options available, consider that some are conveniently located within walking distance of the downtown area, while others are situated in more suburban residential spots, with some requiring nearly an hour’s commute to get there.

If you plan to stay in Sapporo for a while for shopping and dining, we recommend accommodation within walking distance of the downtown area. This goes especially for those traveling in the winter, when snowfall can cause significant delays and cancellations of train and bus services. As you can see, choosing the right location is key!

Sapporo's downtown is composed of three areas: those around Sapporo Station, Odori Park, and Susukino. These areas are near to each other, only a couple of train stops or a quick 30-minute stroll away. Opting for accommodations near these bustling areas ensures convenient access to the city's attractions, allowing visitors to make the most of their Sapporo experience.

On the other hand, some facilities in more residential areas can be as far as 10 minutes (or more!) from the nearest station, or require a transfer. And while these may be less accessible compared to their downtown counterparts, they’re often less expensive, making them perfect for those seeking more budget-friendly options and those seeking a more immersive stay in Sapporo.

Below are the nearest subway stations and streetcar stops for each area, as well as nearby attractions. During your search, you may want to consider choosing a hotel based on proximity to these stations and estimated walking distance.

The next point to consider is the size of your group, and whether the hotel's facilities can comfortably accommodate everyone.

For example, a family of four, consisting of both parents and two young children, could comfortably stay in a room with two double beds. However, this same setup might feel cramped for families with teens, making a multi-room suite more desirable. Similarly, multi-generational families may prefer accommodations with more beds and rooms.

When considering your accommodation preferences, be sure to check the number of available rooms, beds, and futons to ensure a comfortable stay for everyone!

While travel websites provide information about an accommodation's atmosphere and amenities through photos and descriptions, they may not always convey all the details. That's when word-of-mouth reviews come in handy! The firsthand experiences of previous guests can offer invaluable insights, especially in regards to the spot's vibe, cleanliness, and overall comfort.

However, it's also important to bear in mind that some reviews may not always be accurate due to potential misunderstandings from the side of the reviewer. For example, one might report not having access to certain amenities or services, while in reality they may have simply not realized how to access them.

Because of this, relying solely on word-of-mouth information carries the risk of misinformation. However, you can still assess a hotel's overall reputation by referring to multiple reviews. It's probably safe to assume that something is more likely to be accurate if a large number of reviews from various sources are saying a similar thing, whether positive or negative. Be sure to read reviews carefully when searching for a hotel that best aligns with your preferences.

Based on her own extensive experience with apartment hotels across Hokkaido, here are five apartment hotels in Sapporo that Nobuka highly recommends. These selections are heavily geared toward families with children, ensuring ease of use during their trip, all conveniently located within a few minutes' walk from subway stations and streetcar stops.

Hotel ONE'S RESIDENCE is an apartment hotel boasting convenient access to Nakajima-Koen subway station (4 minutes on foot) and Hosui-Susukino station (6 minutes on foot).

This location offers a blend of the urban and natural, with the bustling Susukino entertainment district and the lush, green Nakajima Park, with its blooming flowers and waterfront ponds, a mere 5-10 minute stroll away.

There's also the nearby Toyohira River, famous for its salmon swimming upstream, about 5 minutes away, as well as a supermarket offering a wide array of bulk food items only two minutes away, providing guests with easy access to ingredients for affordable home cooking.

This accommodation offers four distinct rooms. The Studio Apartment features two double beds and a futon, catering to families who are okay with sharing a room and want to experience sleeping on a Japanese futon. On the other hand, the Superior Apartment has two double beds side-by-side in one spacious single room, but it can be converted into separate rooms by closing the door in the center.

Rooms are generally furnished with the essentials, including a refrigerator, microwave, electric kettle, and kitchen utensils. There's also an iron and ironing board available. Guests can check-in between 3 PM and midnight, while check-out is by 11 AM.

AMS Tower is an apartment hotel with remarkably convenient transportation access, located just a short 3-minute walk from Nakajima Koen Subway Station, the Susukino entertainment district, and Nakajima Park, making this accommodation a haven of urban tranquility and natural beauty. Supermarkets and drugstores are also only a 5-minute walk away, ensuring hassle-free shopping for your daily necessities.

The hotel is a high-rise condominium-style building, offering breathtaking views from the guest rooms. With a variety of rooms available, the majority are furnished with two or three double beds and separate bedrooms. The number and arrangement of beds vary from room to room, allowing guests to select the option that best fits their needs.

Room 3207 features two bedrooms, each equipped with a double bed and two sets of futons, making it ideal for small families seeking separate sleeping spaces, and for those interested in experiencing sleeping on a Japanese-style futon.

The bedroom layout of Room 2501 is similar to that of Room 3207, and as a corner unit, allows guests to enjoy panoramic views from two directions on the balcony. This option is ideal for those who want to enjoy the scenery from the upper floors of the hotel.

Conversely, Room 2802 has a different setup with one double-bed room and another room with two double beds. This setup is well-suited for families with two or three young children who prefer to let their kids stay together in one room.

Guests can check in any time after 3 PM by completing online registration in advance (instructions provided upon booking). This is particularly convenient for those arriving at night, and those uncertain about their arrival time. Check-out time is at 11 AM.

THE BASE SAPPORO SUSUKINO is an apartment hotel conveniently located about five minutes on foot from both the Shiseikan Shogakko-mae and Higashi Honganji-mae tram stop, and about a 10-minute walk from Susukino subway station. This strategic location also places it within a short five minutes from the Susukino entertainment district and ten minutes to the Tanukikoji shopping district, making it the perfect choice for those who want to explore the shopping and nightlife on foot.

One of the available room types can comfortably accommodate up to six people. With bunk beds flanking the spacious living room, this layout is recommended for families and friends seeking to enjoy quality time together in a single room.

Check-in hours are limited to 4–8 PM, with no after-hours service available. However, staff members are available daily at the front desk from 9 AM to 8 PM to provide a warm welcome to guests, which can be particularly reassuring for first-time visitors to Sapporo. Several reviews also highlight the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. Note that check-out time is 10 AM.

UCHI Susukino 5.7 is an apartment hotel about a 3-minute walk from the Shiseikan Shogakko-mae streetcar stop, and a few minutes' walk from Susukino subway station. Directly across the street is the Susukino entertainment district, with the Tanukikoji shopping district about a 5-minute walk away. This spot is recommended for those eager to indulge in shopping and nightlife while staying in close proximity to downtown.

Amongst the various room types available, UCHI Susukino 5.7 offers three family-friendly options. Room 5 accommodates up to four persons, with two single beds and one double bed, and a spacious living room with a large sofa, perfect for winding down. There's also one bath with a bathtub and two washstands.

Room 3 at UCHI Susukino 5.7 can comfortably accommodate up to five guests, with two single beds, a double bed, and a sofa bed. There are also two washbasins and two shower rooms, ensuring that even with five occupants, guests can easily use the facilities without the long wait.

One unique room at UCHI Susukino 5.7 is Room 2, which accommodates up to four guests with two single beds and one double bed. This room is also equipped with massage chairs, a coffee mill with coffee beans, beauty appliances including a hair iron and curler, and even a record player with records!

There are also two washbasins and two shower rooms, which are equipped with Mirable Plus shower heads, said to promote beautiful skin. This room is highly recommended for those seeking a truly relaxing stay!

Check-in is from 3–11 PM, with check-out at 10 AM. The hotel operates on a fully unmanned system, with procedures conducted via a touch panel at the entrance, streamlining the process for experienced travelers.

Villa Koshido Odori is an apartment hotel conveniently located about a 6-minute walk from Nishi 11-chome Subway Station. While downtown Sapporo, including the Tanukikoji shopping district, is a 20-minute walk away, guests can easily access Tanukikoji and Susukino within minutes by tram from the nearby Nishi 15-chome stop (located four minutes from the hotel).

Guests can also enjoy a leisurely 3-minute stroll to the rose garden at the west end of Odori Park, which is perfect for family outings. There are also several convenience stores in the area, making it easy to take care of your essential shopping, as well.

Villa Koshido Odori boasts a variety of guest rooms, with each floor of the six-story building featuring spaces inspired by design aesthetics from around the globe. From those tailored for small groups to those designed for groups of 10 or more, this hotel is ideal for large families trips to Sapporo. Below are three examples of the guest rooms.

Helsinki Scandinavian Modern A features four single beds and six double beds, four of which are lofts. With a capacity of up to 14 guests, it's the perfect choice for large families seeking a comfortable stay.

Kyoto Japanese Modern B can accommodate up to eight people. Equipped with two single beds, two double loft-style beds, and two sets of futons, the furnishings are designed in a modern yet Japanese style, catering to guests seeking to immerse themselves in Japanese culture during their stay.

The New York Brooklyn Style A room sleeps 10 with one double bed, three bunk beds, and one queen-size bed, with numerous bunk beds and a layout designed to delight children.

The front desk operates 24 hours a day, with staff there to warmly welcome you upon check-in and offer luggage storage upon both arrival and departure. This service mirrors the convenience of a business hotel, offering reassurance to those unfamiliar with apartment-style hotels. Check-in is from 3 PM to midnight, with check-out at 10 AM.

Sapporo boasts a number of apartment hotels in various sizes and with various services, catering to a variety of families' needs. To streamline your search for the most ideal accommodation, you'll want to narrow down your options based on location and purpose. So take this article, and use it as a reference to help you find the perfect stay for your trip to Sapporo!

*Information in article as of March 2024. Please see official websites for the latest updates & information.

English translation by: Krys Suzuki