Unbelievable Sapporo Stays: Tokyu Stay Sapporo Review (You Won't Believe #3!)
Unbelievable Sapporo Stays: Tokyu Stay Sapporo Review (You Won't Believe #3!) Honestly, It's Pretty Damn Good. (And I'm Not Just Saying That.)
Okay, alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the Hokkaido tea on the Tokyu Stay Sapporo. This isn't your fluffy, PR-approved review. This is the REAL DEAL. I stayed there. I ate there. I maybe, definitely wore the provided slippers everywhere. And honestly? I'm still thinking about it.
The Gist: Location, Location, Location (and Don't Underestimate a Good Bed)
First things first: Accessibility. Listen, if you have mobility issues, this place is sweet. Elevators are everywhere, the access to the hotel itself is easy, and they seem genuinely dedicated to making life easier. Now, I don't have any specific needs in this area, but I noticed it immediately and appreciated the thought. (And honestly, the elevator situation is key when you're exhausted from exploring Sapporo.)
Then there's the location. BANG ON. Right in the heart of it all. Practically tripped over the subway access. Seriously, you can roll out of bed (a fantastic bed, by the way – seriously, those extra long beds are EVERYTHING) and be slurping ramen in minutes. The convenience store downstairs? My wallet took a serious hit. Bless their hearts.
Rooms: Comfy Caves and a Surprisingly Awesome Toilet
My room? (A non-smoking one, thank baby Jesus.) Pure comfort. It was like a hug, but made of furniture and air conditioning (thank you, sweet summer gods). The air conditioning was a lifesaver, because, Sapporo summers, am I right? The internet? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be. Stable, fast, and didn't make me want to throw my laptop out the window. (A HUGE win in my books.) I even had Internet access – LAN, which is a blast from the past, but I didn't touch it. Old habits die hard. The blackout curtains? Absolute game-changer for battling jet lag. And the bathroom? Ok, this is where things get weirdly exciting. The toilet. Yes, I'm talking about a toilet. With a heated seat. A HEATED SEAT, PEOPLE! And more buttons than a spaceship. I spent a good five minutes just staring at it, mesmerized. (Okay, maybe more.) It's the little things, you know? The separate shower/bathtub was also a plus. I like my space, thank you very much. And the safety/security feature was solid. Like, I didn't feel like I was sleeping in a cardboard box.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe, Not Sterile
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: Cleanliness. This is 2024, and we all wanna be safe. Tokyu Stay Sapporo gets it. I saw hand sanitizer everywhere. They've got anti-viral cleaning products going on, and the room sanitization opt-out is a nice touch. They are also have rooms sanitized between stays. I will say, they have a hygiene certification. This place is CLEAN. And not like a sterile, clinical clean. More like a "freshly laundered sheets and a subtle, pleasant scent" clean. They've got the staff trained in safety protocol and have done a good job on implementing the physical distancing of at least 1 meter. I definitely felt safe. I'm all about the daily disinfection in common areas and sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They are also using professional-grade sanitizing services. The smoke detector and fire extinguisher are also a nice touch. The CCTV in common areas also adds to the safety.
Food Glorious Food (and That Breakfast!)
Alright, food. The breakfast [buffet]. Oh, that buffet. I'm not a morning person, but I became one for that buffet. They had everything! Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, coffee/tea in restaurant, the works. I’m not even kidding when I say that [the salad in restaurant] was worth the trip alone. Fresh, crisp, and I probably ate enough to feed a small village. There's a coffee shop where you can kick back with a cup of joe. They even had alternative meal arrangement which is nice. The breakfast in room option? A lifesaver if you're nursing a hangover (or just plain lazy). I didn't get around to the restaurants (they have the ones with Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant), but the options sounded divine. The snack bar was a nice touch for those mid-afternoon munchies. There is also the Happy hour, but I missed it. The bottle of water in the room was a nice touch since I didn't have to worry about that.
Things to Do (Or Not Do, You Do You)
Look, this isn't a resort with waterslides. But what it lacks in frivolous frills, it makes up for in convenience. Things to do? Well, there's the city of Sapporo. You can explore! Meeting/banquet facilities are there for those who need them. They have the concierge for those touristy needs. But for me? It was about not doing too much. The fitness center is there if you want to torture yourself after all that ramen. I didn't. Sorry, fitness gods. I was more interested in the luggage storage because I had to keep my stuff somewhere.
Services and Conveniences: Little Things That Make a Big Difference
The front desk [24-hour]. Huge. You can check-in in and out anytime you want! Got a question at 3 AM? They're there. That's gold. Dry cleaning and laundry service are available, which is fantastic if you're travelling light-ish. The daily housekeeping. Thank you, kind soul, who cleaned my room and made my bed. I didn’t even know the ironing service existed, but it's there for those who need it. They have valet parking and car park [on-site] for those driving. They have the elevator for those lazy bums.
Now, The Quirks and Imperfections (Because, Real Life)
Here's the honest truth: no place is perfect. I can't vouch for the spa, I didn't use it. Sorry. I also didn't try to use a babysitting service. The Wi-Fi for special events seemed kinda specific. The doctor/nurse on call is a nice touch, but hopefully, you won't need them. The essential condiments thing? Yeah, they had them. I've got nothing else to say about that.
The Verdict: Should You Stay Here? ABSOLUTELY.
Look, if you want a comfortable, convenient, and clean base of operations in Sapporo, you should ABSOLUTELY stay at Tokyu Stay Sapporo. It's not pretentious. It's not over the top. It's just… good. Really, really good. The location is amazing, the rooms are comfy, the staff are friendly, and the breakfast is worth the price of admission. Seriously. Go. Book it. Before somebody else does and you miss out. I'm not saying the Tokyu Stay Sapporo is perfect. But it's pretty darn close. And honestly, a little imperfection is what makes life interesting, right?
SEO Optimization (Because, Let's Get You Booked!)
Keywords: Tokyu Stay Sapporo, Sapporo hotel review, Sapporo accommodation, Sapporo travel, hotel in Sapporo, accessible hotel Sapporo, free Wi-Fi Sapporo, breakfast buffet Sapporo, Sapporo clean hotels, best hotels Sapporo, things to do Sapporo, Sapporo city center hotel.
Headings: (Used above!)
- "Unbelievable Sapporo Stays: Tokyu Stay Sapporo Review (You Won't Believe #3!) Honestly, It's Pretty Damn Good. (And I'm Not Just Saying That.)"
- "The Gist: Location, Location, Location (and Don't Underestimate a Good Bed)"
- "Rooms: Comfy Caves and a Surprisingly Awesome Toilet"
- "Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe, Not Sterile"
- "Food Glorious Food (and That Breakfast!)"
- "Things to Do (Or Not Do, You Do You)"
- "Services and Conveniences: Little Things That Make a Big Difference"
- "Now, The Quirks and Imperfections (Because, Real Life)"
- "The Verdict: Should You Stay Here? ABSOLUTELY."
Internal Linking: (Incorporate links to other relevant pages on your website or blog – e.g., a guide to Sapporo, a review of other hotels in Sapporo,
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly-manicured travel itinerary. This is going to be a rambly, messy, and gloriously opinionated account of my time at Tokyu Stay Sapporo. Prepare for the real deal – the good, the bad, and the ramen-induced ugly.
Tokyu Stay Sapporo: Sapporo's Embrace (and Maybe Some Regret)
Day 1: Arrival, Ramen Dreams, and the Curse of the Small Hotel Room
14:00 - Arrival & Hotel Check-in… or, the "Small Room Shuffle": Okay, let's be honest, the room at Tokyu Stay? Tiny. Like, "I think the air conditioning is judging my suitcase" tiny. I squeezed in, dropped my bag, and immediately had that claustrophobic "I need air" feeling. But hey, it's Sapporo, and I'm here! The location is pretty sweet, right near the subway. I found myself mentally bargaining with the room: "Okay, room, if you let me breathe, I promise I'll bring you delicious chocolate." (I may have a problem.)
14:30 - Exploration Attempt 1: I attempted to be a responsible tourist, but jet lag hit hard (and not in a good way). A quick walk around the block revealed nothing but a conbini (Japanese convenience store) and a tempting but ultimately useless vending machine. Back to the room to hydrate, maybe?
16:00 - The Ramen Ritual at "Ebisoba Ichigen": Okay, THIS is why I'm in Sapporo. I'd heard whispers, legends, of Ebisoba Ichigen's lobster ramen. I stood in line for what felt like an eternity, battling the cold and the rising tide of my hunger. Finally! The steaming bowl arrived, and my eyes widened. The broth… oh, the broth! So rich, so decadent, so…lobster-y. It was a religious experience. I slurped so loud I'm pretty sure I annoyed the entire restaurant. But hey, when in Rome… or, in Sapporo, slurp your damn ramen! No regrets. Absolutely. Zero. Regrets.
18:00 - Post-Ramen Coma and the Existential Dread: I swear, that ramen put me in a coma. Back to the tiny room, which now felt even smaller, slightly bloated, and contemplating the meaning of life. The air conditioner was definitely judging my decision to order extra noodles. I briefly wondered if I'd peaked too early on day one. (Spoiler: I hadn't.)
20:00 - The Imperfect Nightcap: I went to the conbini and picked up a local beer and some oddly shaped snacks. I sat on the edge of the bed, feeling a very real sense of "what have I done with my life?" My snack tasted like sadness, I probably ate it all at once. I stared out the window at the city lights, quietly questioning my life choices.
Day 2: Snow, Sapporo Beer, and the Unbearable Lightness of Being Lost
09:00 - Attempted Cultural Immersion: Sapporo Snow Festival (Sort Of): Okay, hear me out. I had grand dreams. I was going to conquer these majestic ice sculptures, take breathtaking photos, and become an expert in Sapporo's snow. In reality, the snow was melting slightly, smearing the art and making everything more…muddy. I got a bit lost, the crowds were crazy, and I spent more time dodging snowballs from mischievous kids than admiring anything artistic. I went to a food stall, it tasted like snow. I was miserable. I am a failure.
12:00 - Beer and Regrets at Sapporo Beer Garden: After the snow festival disaster, I needed a pick-me-up. Sapporo Beer Garden to the rescue! The beer was cold, the food was hot, and within minutes, my spirits improved marginally. I ate something like a thousand gyoza, feeling like I'd just run a marathon, I realized that I am very full.
14:00 - Urban Exploration or "Getting Utterly Lost": I planned a leisurely stroll through the city. I ended up wandering aimlessly for two hours, unable to place where I was. I saw some gorgeous architecture; but mostly I just walked in circles. I finally had to swallow my pride and ask for directions. The nice lady gave me the correct route, as I realized that I had been heading in the opposite direction for a while.
16:00 - The Dessert Obsession: I heard stories of beautiful cakes at a department store, and I felt I needed to visit. I spent so much time looking at them, that I lost track of time - and, crucially, my wallet! After a brief panic attack, I retraced my steps, found it, and bought a cake. It was worth it.
18:00 - Dinner and Emotional Turbulence: I had planned a fancy sushi restaurant. Instead, I stumbled upon a tiny hole-in-the-wall yakitori place that smelled unbelievably good. The skewers were juicy and flavorful and for 30 minutes, there was no bad feelings!
20:00 - Room, Revisited: Back to my tiny, judgemental hotel room. I had a moment of clarity. I like the small room. I like being here. I don't need to be perfect at sightseeing. I also decided the air conditioner was my friend.
Day 3: Departure and the lingering smell of Ramen
09:00 - Last Breakfast and Sweet-Sour Goodbye I walked to the conbini for a pre-departure breakfast. The food didn't taste like sadness this time!
10:00 - Final Hotel Reflections: I left the hotel, the tiny room wasn't bad! I was sad to leave!
11:00 - See You Soon, Sapporo: I boarded a plane, my mind full of memories. I was sad to go. I had gained weight. I loved it.
Final Thoughts:
Tokyu Stay Sapporo? Yes. It's small. Maybe a little intense. But it became my home base while I was in Sapporo. Sapporo? Amazing. The food, the beer, the slightly muddy snow sculptures… I'd go back in a heartbeat, even if it means battling another tiny hotel room. This was a trip of imperfections: it was messy, funny, and gloriously, wonderfully… me. And that's what makes a trip worth remembering. Now, if you guys will excuse me, I have a plane to catch…. and a serious craving for ramen.
Escape to Rajasthan's Jewel: Unforgettable Stay at SKK The Fern
1. So, you wanna learn the ukulele, huh? Good choice! But… is it *actually* hard?
Okay, so here’s the deal. People *say* the ukulele is easy. They’re like, “Oh, it's just four strings! Anyone can do it!” And in some ways… they’re right. The chords are simpler than guitar chords, and your fingers don't need to do these insane stretches. But… *easy*? Honey, I wouldn't call it *easy*. I once tried to teach my cat, Mittens, and she just stared at me, then proceeded to bat at the strings like they were demonic fuzz-balls. Lesson learned: cats and ukuleles? Not a good combo. It takes some work. You'll have to learn chords and strumming patterns. You'll probably sound like a strangled walrus at first. But, here's the truth: it's a *fun* challenge. A fun challenge that won't make you want to throw your instrument out the window (unless your temper is as short as mine, then maybe a few times… but hey, that's life!).
2. Alright, I'm in. What kind of ukulele should I get? All these sizes are confusing! Do I *need* a fancy one?
Oh. My. Goodness. The sizes! There's the soprano (tiny!), concert (a bit bigger), tenor (getting serious), and baritone (practically a guitar). Here's my *highly* opinionated take: the soprano is adorable, but good luck if you have sausage fingers. It's like trying to type on a phone with your toes. I started with a concert Uke because it looked less like a toy (even though, let’s be honest, I still felt like I was playing a toy). And no, you don't *need* a fancy one. My first ukulele? It was a cheap, plastic-y thing from Amazon. Did it sound amazing? Nope. Did it get me started? Absolutely. The fancy ones are gorgeous, with beautiful woods and intricate details. But for starting out? A decent, affordable one will do the trick. My advice? Go to a store hold a few, the feel is really important and you can't be sure from picture. And don't be afraid of the cheap one. You're probably going to drop it at least once (I did). Consider it a baptism by wood splinter.
3. Chords! The bane of every beginner's existence... Help! How do you actually *remember* them?
Oh, chords. Remember that time I thought I remembered the C chord perfectly? Then I played it for my husband… and he just gave me *that look*. You know the one. The look that says, "Honey, that sounds like a dying seagull.” Yeah. The key is repetition, darling! Lots of it. I made these flashcards with handdrawn pictures of the frets and I stuck them to my refrigerator. Every time I went for a snack (which, let's be honest, was often), I'd practice the F chord or the G7. Another trick? Find some songs you love and look up the chords. You'll start to associate the shapes with the music, and it'll stick in your brain better. But… don't be discouraged if you’re struggling, and the same can be said for any instrument. It takes time. I still sometimes forget which finger goes where. Sometimes I just sit and make random noises. It's all part of the process, I guess.
4. Strumming! I sound like a caffeinated woodpecker. Help me!
Ah, the frantic strum. I've been there! My advice? Start slow. *Really* slow. Like, glacial pace slow. Focus on getting a consistent rhythm. Don’t worry about the "up" strokes at first. Down, down, down. Once you're comfortable with that, start adding the ups. Then, try different strumming patterns. There's the simple down-down-up-up, down-up-down-up, the classic one. And then there's a bunch of more complicated stuff that'll make your head spin (which is where the caffeinated woodpecker comes in). Don't get overwhelmed! Pick one, practice it until your hand feels like it’s going to fall off, then move on. I also found it helpful to record myself and cringe at how terrible I sounded. It's embarrassing but surprisingly helpful for improving! And don’t give up just because you sound awful at first. Everyone does, and, I mean, it’s funny once you get better.
5. I’m getting frustrated! Is it normal to want to throw my ukulele across the room?
Absolutely! Completely, utterly, 100% normal! Learning anything new is hard. There were so many points when I was convinced I was musically inept, a talentless hack, and that the ukulele was mocking me with its cheery little sound. Just last week I was bashing a D chord and it sounded particularly awful. It felt like my fingers were all thumbs; my wrist a creaky old door hinge. But I had to stop and put down the ukulele. I had been at it for hours and my hands were sore. So, I went for a walk and by the time I returned I was refreshed and ready to find the problem. I think everyone has their moments of doubt or wanting to throw the instrument in the closet and never look at it again. The frustration is probably one of the biggest things that stops people from getting better. But it's *part* of the process. Take a break, walk away. Watch some ukulele videos on YouTube (there are some *amazing* players out there!), then go back to it when you're feeling less murderous. You may find that problem you were having will magically fix itself. And if it doesn't, well, that’s where the fun begins, you get to find a new problem to work on!
6. What are some good songs to learn as a beginner? I'm tired of playing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star!"
Oh, bless your heart. "Twinkle, Twinkle" can only take you so far. The good news is, there are *tons* of songs that are easy to play on the ukulele! Look for songs with simple chord progressions (C – G – Am – F is a classic). "Riptide" by Vance Joy is a popular choice. "Hey Soul Sister" by Train is another great one. And, like, every Beatles song *ever* works well. The internet is your friend here; there are tons of websites that have ukulele chord charts. Just search for “ukulele chords [song title].” And don't be afraid to start small. Even learning a few chords to play a simple song is a huge accomplishment. It makes the frustrating hours of practice worth it! And always remember: the most important thing is to *enjoy* the music. No one is going to judge you for not sounding like Jake Shimabukuro. (Unless you're trying to *be* Jake ShimabMountain Stay
