Sapporo's Hidden Gem: Quintessa Hotel Susukino - Unforgettable Stay!
Quintessa Hotel Susukino: Sapporo's Secret… and My Surprisingly Wonderful Obsession
Okay, deep breaths. We're diving headfirst into Quintessa Hotel Susukino in Sapporo. Forget the pristine travel blogs, this is real talk. I'm coming at you straight from the (possibly slightly crumpled) pages of my notebook, fueled by instant ramen and the lingering scent of… well, let’s just say memories of the hotel's sauna.
The Hook: Is it REALLY a "Hidden Gem?"
Yeah, it kinda is. I’m not one for hyperbole, but this place surprised the heck outta me. Sapporo? Great city. Susukino? Wild, wild, wild – the red-light district, basically. So, you imagine, a hotel in the middle of that chaos is going to be a crapshoot, right? Wrong. Quintessa is an island of calm… a sparkly, modern island of calm.
SEO & Accessibility Stuff (I guess we have to):
First things first, accessibility: They do try. Elevator? Yes! Facilities for disabled guests? Check. Now, am I a wheelchair user? No. So, I can't give you that deep dive on the practicalities, but they have the basics covered. Remember to call ahead and confirm all the specifics if you have specific needs!
Internet and Techie Stuff (Yawn)
Okay, quickly… Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Thank you, universe!) Internet [LAN] is also available if you’re feeling old-school, but who uses a LAN cable in 2024, honestly? Internet Services in general were solid – needed to FaceTime my cat back home (don't judge!), and it worked perfectly. Wi-Fi in public areas too, of course. And, the Air conditioning in public area was a LIFESAVER during a particularly humid Sapporo August!
Rooms: My Little Sanctuary
My room? Loved it. It wasn't just a room; it was a… nest. (Okay, maybe a slightly sterile, Japanese-minimalist nest, but a nest nonetheless.) I'm a sucker for the small details, and Quintessa gets that right. Blackout curtains? Glorious. Air conditioning? Essential. Coffee/tea maker? Bless you, hotel gods! They even had slippers! (Important for navigating a room with this much delicious, plush carpeting). The extra long bed was amazing, also. I'm not particularly tall, but there's something luxurious about not having your feet hanging off the end.
The "Unforgettable" Part: Hello, Sauna!
Okay, this is where it really got good. The Spa/sauna situation? Seriously, I might move in. The sauna itself was… Wow. Just, wow. Hot, steamy, and the perfect escape from the Susukino buzz outside. After a long day of exploring, the heat was heavenly! The Foot bath, was a great way to relax. That's just me. No, I don't use the Fitness center (I walked a LOT, thanks!), But they did have one, and a pool with a view. Spa/sauna and steamroom were also available.
Eating, Drinking, and General Bliss (and Ramblings)
The breakfast situation? Breakfast [buffet] - yes! Asian breakfast, Western breakfast – you get both! It was a decent spread, with everything from real croissants to miso soup that actually tasted like something. There were a few restaurants in the hotel itself, from a Coffee shop to a proper bar. I could grab a bottle of water whenever I liked. Okay, I'm getting hungry again… I got desserts in restaurant. There’s also room service [24-hour]. Perfect for late-night cravings (and, let's be real, post-sauna exhaustion). They also had a Snack bar and Poolside bar
The Not-So-Perfect (but Still Fine) Moments:
Okay, real talk: Nothing's perfect, right? And I'm all about keeping it real.
Check-in/out [express] or Check-in/out [private] I’ll be honest- I did not pay attention.
The elevators can get a tiny bit crowded during peak times. Nothing egregious, but just be patient.
Pets allowed unavailable. Bummer for the furry friends, but I get it.
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID-Era Checklist
They took COVID seriously, which I appreciated. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They've got the basics covered. Rooms sanitized between stays, and Physical distancing of at least 1 meter were in place, too. I felt safe.
Services and Conveniences: The Details That Matter
This is where Quintessa shines. Seriously, the little things made a difference. Daily housekeeping was flawless. They had a Concierge who went above and beyond. There was a convenience store literally downstairs – perfect for grabbing a midnight snack. Laundry service? Yep. Ironing service? You betcha (I might have wrinkles like a prune, but at least my clothes were smooth). Luggage storage was handy. They don’t have pets allowed, but they have babysitting service!
For the kids
They are family/child-friendly, they even had Kids facilities and a Kids meal!
Beyond the Basics: Hidden Gems Within the Gem
- The terrace. Seriously, go there. It's a little outdoor oasis in the heart of Susukino. Perfect for a quiet drink.
- The staff. Seriously, the staff were amazing. Friendly, helpful, and always ready with a smile, even when I was clearly asking a dumb question.
The Ultimate Wrap-Up (and My Obsessive Recommendation)
Okay, here's the deal. Quintessa Hotel Susukino is more than just a place to sleep. It's an experience. It's a perfect balance of modern comfort, thoughtful design, and a surprisingly serene atmosphere, all smack-dab in the middle of Sapporo's wildest district. And the sauna… swoon.
But the best part?
It’s a great value. You get so much for your money.
So, here’s my offer to YOU:
Stop scrolling. Seriously. Book it. Now.
It’s not just a hotel. It's a mini-vacation within your vacation.
And if you see me in the sauna? Just smile and nod. We both know what we’re there for.
This is the real deal. Book Quintessa Hotel Susukino.
Foshan's Hidden Gem: Sanshui Kangle Road's BEST Comfort Inn!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Sapporo adventure at the Quintessa Hotel Susukino. Forget those pristine, sanitized itineraries. This is going to be a glorious, messy, and potentially hangover-induced ride.
Day 1: Arrival & Ramen Rhapsody (and a Slight Panic Attack)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at New Chitose Airport (CTS). Okay, first impressions: bloody freezing. Seriously, layers, people, layers! My carefully curated packing list clearly failed me. Thank god for those vending machines selling hot coffee, because I’m already shivering. I fumble with the JR train tickets – why are these machines so complicated?! The first one I tried ate my money. Cue internal freakout. Eventually, I managed to shove a wad of yen into a working one, and BAM! Tickets. Relief sweats, anyone?
- 2:30 PM: Train to Sapporo Station. Smooth sailing, surprisingly. The landscapes are beautiful. I swear I saw a glimpse of Mount Yotei, or maybe I was just hoping I did.
- 3:00 PM: Check-in at Quintessa Hotel Susukino. The hotel is… well, it’s exactly what I pictured. Smallish room, but clean, and the most important thing: a decent shower. The view? Let's just say it's a good reminder of where I am. The kind of view that makes you think, "Yup, I'm in Japan." And immediately, I think, "Okay, now I'm hungry".
- 4:00 PM: Ramen Quest Begins. The internet told me Ichiryuan is THE spot. So, naturally I went there. The line was insane, like, wrapping around the block. And I am NOT a patient person. After fifteen minutes, a nice Japanese woman, who spoke broken English, told me it was worth the wait, despite my gloomy attitude. Okay, deal. Finally, after what felt like an hour, and more near-freezing conditions, I had it. The ramen, people, the ramen! Tears actually welled up in my eyes. The broth, the noodles, the chashu pork… pure, unadulterated heaven. I literally inhaled it. Ate some, then ordered a second bowl, just to be sure. No regrets.
- 6:00 PM: Susukino Exploration (and the Karaoke Conspiracy). Okay, this area is wild! Neon lights everywhere, the promise of… well, adventures. I wandered around, got lost amidst the crowds, and ended up in a karaoke bar. I AM NOT a karaoke person. But! The group of salarymen next to me, took me in, despite my horrendous singing. Turns out, I CAN do karaoke - when I'm a few Sapporo beers deep, and surrounded by Japanese people who are also terrible singers. The memories are hazy, but I think I may have attempted a Queen song. I apologize to anyone who witnessed that.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime? Ha! Ended up chatting with a group of locals over beers in an izakaya. The stories they told me of Hokkaido's history were captivating. I felt more like I was part of the city. They were so thrilled I was experiencing their city. It took me a while to realize I was the only tourist there. The night turned into some sort of crazy, hilarious, and entirely un-planlike experience.
Day 2: Snow, Soup, and (Maybe) Regret?
- 9:00 AM: Wake up (eventually). Oh dear God, the implications of Day 1 (or, more specifically, night 1) flood back. Headache. Dry mouth. Did I actually say "yes" to a round of that sake? Never again. Seriously. Never. Again.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast (desperate measure). The hotel breakfast buffet is a lifesaver. Simple, but effective. Bacon! Bread! Coffee! The basics.
- 11:00 AM: Odori Park & Sapporo Snow Festival (sort of). The snow festival is over. I knew this, but I figured there'd still be some remnants. Okay, there's some snow. A lot of it. But not quite the Ice Sculpture Extravaganza the pictures promised. That's fine. It was still serene. I saw a few locals playing in the snow. It was lovely.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch: Soup Curry! Oh, my. The internet gods, once again, directed me to a winner. Suage soup curry? Forget about it. I don’t even like curry. But… this was divine! Spicy, fragrant, a culinary adventure. I became instantly obsessed with Soup Curry. I went with the recommendation of the chef and ordered something that involved chicken and the most vegetables possible. Delicious!
- 3:00 PM: Sapporo Beer Museum & Tasting. Because, why not? Even though my head is still pounding, this is a necessary experience. I felt a little bit like I was on a history trip, but the beer was good. Of course. The free samples are a dangerous game, though. One little taste led to another…
- 5:00 PM: Back to the Hotel. I'm exhausted. The Sapporo Beer Museum. I felt slightly sick to my stomach. I realized I'm a sucker for anything with alcohol. I felt the need to go through every photo I took, reliving the memories, for the first time.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner: I am going to find the best Okonomiyaki in Sapporo, no matter what. The search began at a random restaurant that seemed promising. I went in.
- 7:00 PM: The Best Okonomiyaki in Sapporo. I ordered Okonomiyaki. It was cooked in front of me, and it tasted like heaven. This experience gave me something to look forward to.
- 9:00 PM: I crashed. I wanted to experience the nightlife again, so badly. It's what I came to do. But I didn't get the chance. I fell asleep.
Day 3: Departure (and the Lingering Taste of Ramen)
- 9:00 AM: Check out, and breakfast (again). The hotel staff is ridiculously pleasant, even when I'm clearly a hungover mess. I feel a pang of sadness leaving this place.
- 10:00 AM: Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping. Because, what is a trip without the frantic scramble for gifts? I head back down to Susukino, attempting to navigate the streets of Sapporo one last time, with a slightly clearer head.
- 11:00 AM: Train to New Chitose Airport. Farewell, Sapporo! I'm already plotting my return.
- 1:00 PM: Fly Home. Back to reality, but my heart is still in Hokkaido. I'm already craving more Ramen, more snow, and more of those absolutely unforgettable evenings.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost, I almost lost my sanity, I embarrassed myself, and I definitely overindulged. But, it was real. It was messy. And it was utterly, fantastically me. This wasn't about ticking boxes; it was about experiencing. And Sapporo, you beautiful, snowy, ramen-filled city, you gave me an experience I'll never forget. Now… where's the nearest ramen shop?
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: 7 Days at Yunfu Yu'nan's Premium Hotel!
Quintessa Hotel Susukino - Unfiltered FAQs (Because Let's Be Real, You're Curious!)
Okay, Seriously, Is This Hotel *Actually* a Hidden Gem? Or Just...Another Hotel?
Alright, look. "Hidden Gem" is overused, I know. But with the Quintessa Susukino, it genuinely *feels* like you've stumbled onto something a little...special. I'm talking a tiny bit of magic sprinkled in a very practical and slightly gritty part of Sapporo. My first thought was, "Huh, this isn't the *Four Seasons*, but..." The 'but' is the charm. The location is killer, smack-dab in the middle of Susukino's nightlife (more on that later). The staff are genuinely friendly, not that robotic-smile kind. Remember when I was trying to figure out the air conditioning, and the front desk guy – bless his heart – spent a good ten minutes with me and the Japanese menu, explaining the nuances of individual vent control. Turns out, I was just being a total idiot. But he didn't make me feel that way. That's a gem in itself.
The Location. Susukino. Is It…Too Much? I'm Not Exactly a Night Owl.
Listen, if you're terrified of neon lights and the *slight* possibility of hearing karaoke at 3 a.m. (it *might* happen – I slept through it mostly), then maybe Susukino isn't your cup of tea. But here's the thing: it's vibrant, it's alive, and it's safe. I walked around at all hours (research, people!) and I never felt uneasy. The walk to the hotel from the subway is easy enough, and even at 2 am, there's always *something* going on. It's a sensory overload at first, yes! But a *good* one. Picture it: ramen places galore, tiny bars filled with boisterous locals, and more entertainment options than you can shake a stick at. Plus, the hotel is surprisingly well-insulated from the noise. Slept like a log, usually.
One night, I ordered a late-night snack from a local convenience store. I had difficulty understanding the cashier but the clerk was very kind and patiently helped me choose some interesting local snacks and drinks. This one experience just adds another layer of character to the whole hotel stay.
The Rooms – Are They Tiny Like Every Other Japanese Hotel Room?
Okay, let's be real. They’re not *huge*, but they're cleverly laid out. I stayed in a twin room, and it wasn't claustrophobic. There was actually space to maneuver, open my suitcase (a medium-sized one), and not feel like I was trapped in a box. Everything's thoughtfully designed, with the minimal, yet practical, Japanese aesthetic. The bathroom was surprisingly roomy, and yes, they have a bathtub, which is a godsend after a long day of exploring Sapporo. Sometimes, you just need to soak in a hot tub and re-evaluate all of your life choices. Or, you know, just relax.
Breakfast? Yay or Nay? And Is It Worth the Extra Yen?
Yay! Absolutely yay! Look, hotel breakfasts can be a mixed bag, but at Quintessa, the breakfast is a *highlight*. It's a buffet, but it's a *good* buffet. Loads of options, the usual western stuff (eggs, bacon, toast), but also SO MANY amazing Japanese things! Freshly grilled fish, miso soup to die for, rice that actually tastes delicious (is it just me, or is hotel rice often…meh?), and a dizzying array of pickles and other little side dishes. Plus, they had this amazing green tea, which I was basically addicted to for the entire stay. Is it ‘worth it’? Yes, absolutely. It sets you up for a day of exploring.
I remember one morning, I was nursing a little bit of a hangover (ahem, Susukino *does* that to you), and the breakfast buffet was my savior. The miso soup was like a warm hug, and the coffee was strong enough to revive a zombie.
Okay, The Staff. You Mentioned They're Friendly, But...Are They *Helpful*? I Need Guidance!
Oh yeah, the staff are total rockstars. They speak decent English, which, let's be honest, is a HUGE relief when you're fumbling around in a foreign country. They're always happy to give directions, recommend restaurants (trust their recommendations, I did!), and even book taxis. I asked them about a particularly tricky train route, and they not only explained it in detail but also printed out a map and circled the relevant stations. Above and beyond, people. Above and beyond.
Anything…Bad? Any Annoying Quirks I Should Prepare For?
Alright, let's be brutally honest. No place is perfect.
One minor quibble: the elevators can get a bit crowded during peak hours. Like, sardine-can crowded. But hey, it's a small price to pay for being in a great location. And if you're like me and hate elevators, just take the stairs. (Well, you might need to be on the first floor, or else you might have to climb a lot of stairs). Also, while the hotel is well-insulated, you *might* hear some street noise on the lower floors, especially on a weekend night. But honestly, it never bothered me that much. I was usually too busy dreaming about my next bowl of ramen.
Would You Stay There Again? Like, Right Now, If You Could?
Absolutely! Without a doubt, 100%. In fact, I'm already mentally planning my return trip. The Quintessa Hotel Susukino isn't just a place to sleep; it's a *vibe*. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're part of the local scene, even if you're just there for a few days. The location is fantastic, the staff are amazing, the breakfast is divine, and the overall experience is just…memorable. Trust me, ditch the boring, generic hotels. Go for the Quintessa. You won't regret it.
And I mean, seriously...that miso soup. I'm still dreaming about it.
