Sapporo ALMAZ PLACE Luxury Apartment: Unbelievable Views! #201
Sapporo ALMAZ PLACE Luxury Apartment: Unbelievable Views! #201 - My Honest Take (and Why You REALLY Should Go!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I just got back from Sapporo ALMAZ PLACE Luxury Apartment #201, and I need to spill the tea. Forget those perfectly polished hotel reviews – this is the real deal, warts and all (and trust me, there’s not a lot of warts!). This place… well, it almost made me forget how much I hate unpacking. Almost.
First off, the views. The. Freaking. Views. They're not kidding about "Unbelievable Views!" You feel like you can practically reach out and pat the snow-capped mountains (and let's be honest, in Sapporo, that’s practically a given for a good chunk of the year!). Waking up to that panorama? Honestly? Chef's kiss. Forget your morning coffee; the view is the coffee. Seriously, I spent a good hour staring out the window the first morning, just… existing. Transcendental, even. Okay, maybe that's stretching it, but it was GOOD.
Accessibility Matters (and They Try):
Now, I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I always pay attention to accessibility. ALMAZ PLACE isn't perfectly built for accessibility, which has to be mentioned upfront. BUT! They genuinely try. The elevator is key, obviously. They also have "Facilities for disabled guests" listed. This is a plus in my book.
Cleanliness… and Peace of Mind (Post-Craziness):
Let's be frank: 2020 and beyond wrecked hotel vibes. I'm a bit of a germaphobe now. But I felt supremely safe here. The "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Room sanitization between stays," and all the other hygiene babble… they actually do it. I saw the staff training stuff, and honestly, it was reassuring. Especially in today's day and age.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Tiny Complaint):
Okay, the "Breakfast in room" is a win. Although I do wish they offered an option for, say, a bagel with cream cheese. A real bagel. Okay, maybe I’m being picky, but the Japanese breakfasts were excellent. I am a fan of the free bottled water. You have access to amazing cafes and restaurants. The "Coffee shop" and "Restaurants" and the pool side bar! It's a good time.
Chillaxing & Pampering (Or Trying To):
I was stoked for the "Spa" list of features! Sauna, Steamroom, Pool with view. The "Pool [outdoor]" was closed! Sigh. COVID is still a bummer. The "Fitness center," Gym/fitness" was there.
(Minor Rant Alert: I tried VERY HARD to book either a "Body wrap" or "Body scrub," but the spa services weren't running the best from the looks, but the spa staff was super friendly. That counts for a lot, right?)
Inside the Apartment: My Cozy Sanctuary (and a Note on the Bed):
The apartment itself? Gorgeous. Totally Instagrammable. I loved the "non-smoking" atmosphere (thank god), and the "Air conditioning" (essential in the summer). The "blackout curtains" are a godsend for jet lag, but the "alarm clock"? I never used it; the view wakes you up! The "bed" was… okay. It wasn't the firmest bed I've ever slept in, but the "Extra long bed" did work, more than I thought! The "bathrobes" and "slippers" put me in instant relaxation mode. The whole feel was high-end and comfortable.
Getting Around (and Avoiding the Tourist Traps):
"Airport transfer" is offered, but honestly? Take the subway. It's clean, efficient, and you'll feel like a local. The "Car park [free of charge]" is great if you're renting. I got around a lot, taking advantage of the "car park [on-site]" too.
A Few Other Things I Loved (and a Minor Grumble):
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly – the real stars of the show!
- "Wi-Fi [free]:" Worked like a charm. I was blasting Netflix at night.
- "Luggage storage:" Super convenient, especially on check-out day.
The Minor Grumble: The "Room service [24-hour]" wasn't as extensive as I'd hoped. But the staff are always super friendly.
Final Verdict and a Crazy-Good Deal:
Look, is ALMAZ PLACE perfect? No. But it's damn close. The views alone are worth the price of admission. The apartment is luxurious, the staff is amazing, and the cleanliness gave me serious peace of mind.
Here's my pitch. You know you want it:
STOP SCROLLING. BOOK NOW:
Sapporo ALMAZ PLACE Luxury Apartment #201 is waiting for you. It's a place to unwind, to recharge, to experience Sapporo in style. You'll have the best view in town, a super cozy apartment, and the peace of mind that comes with top-notch safety protocols.
But wait, there's more!
Book now and receive:
A guaranteed upgrade to the next available apartment (subject to availability, as I can't guarantee this)
A bottle of local, award-winning sake upon arrival (because, Sapporo!)
Exclusive access to my personal Sapporo "Hidden Gems" Guide: (I'll send you my list of favorite restaurants, bars, and off-the-beaten-path attractions. Think amazing ramen, and delicious coffee.)
Don't wait! These deals won't last!
Click the link below and start planning your Sapporo adventure. You deserve it.
[Link to booking website]
P.S. If you see the front desk person, tell them "the blogger with the view" sent you. They'll probably roll their eyes, but you might get a second cup of coffee. And who doesn't want that?
Escape to Paradise: Zero Davey Boutique Hotel, Australia Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is my Sapporo survival guide, complete with potential meltdowns, moments of pure joy, and enough ramen to clog a small river. My basecamp? Apartment in Sapporo ALMAZ PLACE #201. Sounds fancy, right? We'll see.
Day 1: Arrival and Ramen Realness (Plus Mild Panic)
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at New Chitose Airport (CTS). Jet lag is already a beast. Pray to the travel gods the luggage arrives with me. Also, I'm TERRIBLE at navigating airports. Wish me luck.
- 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Airport chaos. Customs. That weird customs form that I always manage to mess up. Praying I don't get flagged for "suspicious traveler" (I'm not suspicious, I swear!). Finding the JR train to Sapporo station. Hopefully, I haven't boarded the "scenic route" to nowhere.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM: Train to Sapporo Station (finally!). Deep breaths. Staring out the window. The Japanese countryside is pretty but I'm already craving a coffee and a REAL shower.
- 12:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Finding ALMAZ PLACE #201. Okay, Google Maps, don't fail me now. Praying the key situation isn't some cryptic puzzle involving a hidden doorknob and a secret passcode. The apartment better be clean. I'm basically incapable of cleaning myself.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Unpacking and assessing the damage (of both me and the apartment). Is the bed comfy? Is the Wi-Fi usable? Most importantly: is there a washing machine? I brought one pair of actual pants.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Rest up and get familiar with the neighborhood. Look for local ramen shops. I saw a place online called "Ebisoba Ichigen" that has shrimp-based ramen, which sounds utterly insane and I'm IN.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: RAMEN TIME! Ebisoba Ichigen. Okay, deep breaths. This is the moment. I'm ready to eat ramen that tastes like shrimp. I'm ready to feel ramen. I'm ready to… oh god, the line is already around the block. Okay, okay. Patience, human. While waiting, I'll try to learn some basic Japanese phrases from my phone. "Delicious!" "Thank you!" "Where's the bathroom?" (Very important). Okay, the ramen was incredible. Seriously. Like, the shrimp-broth was something I never knew I needed. It was a creamy, savory masterpiece. I almost cried. Almost. Did I make a mess of myself eating it? Absolutely. Did I care? Nope.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Wandering around the area, overwhelmed (but in a good way). Finding a convenience store to buy snacks and the necessary supplies: green tea and a pack of tissues.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Attempting to assemble a sense of composure and relax back at the apartment. Wondering what the plan for the night is. Hopefully, none of us will get too lost on our way to our next destination.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Attempting to enjoy a quiet meal back at the apartment. If I'm lucky, I'll try to watch some local television.
Day 2: Sapporo and the Sensory Overload
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Wake up (hopefully before noon). This is the first sign that I might be having a good time.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Breakfast! Maybe make some instant coffee and eat some convenience-store pastries. (I'm not a morning person, sue me).
- 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Sapporo TV Tower and Odori Park. Okay, first big tourist thing. This tower promises panoramic views. Hopefully, I won't be too terrified of heights. I'll also try to get a feel for the park, which seems like a hub for events and relaxation. I hope to find some street food, or maybe just find a nice place to sit down and relax.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch. I'd probably try to find somewhere to buy some good curry. It's Hokkaido, after all, famous for it.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Sapporo Beer Garden and Museum. Alright, beer time! This is a must, right? The museum part is a bonus. I'm mostly here for the sampling. Hopefully, they have some dark beers. I'd drink light beers, too. Honestly, I'm no beer snob. What am I saying? I'm terrible at enjoying beer.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: This is where things are already getting messy. Perhaps I'll take a walk around the neighborhood.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Maybe try another ramen place, or explore the Susukino entertainment district for some more adventurous eating, or if I'm not too full, maybe look for some sweets! I'd like to eat some cakes or pastries, if possible.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Head back to the apartment. I might have had too much beer. Maybe I'll just crash.
Day 3: Culture, Chocolate, and Existential Dread
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Coffee, contemplating the life choices that led me here.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Shiroi Koibito Park (Chocolate Factory). This is a big one. Chocolate! And whimsical buildings! And potentially crowds! I'm hoping the chocolate is good enough to offset the inevitable tour-bus chaos. I'm going to try everything.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch near the Chocolate Factory. Praying for something that isn't too sweet, or I'll be living on a sugar high for the rest of the day.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Hokkaido University. Beautiful campus, good for a relaxing walk and some culture. I might wander round the university, if I'm not feeling lazy.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Getting lost. This is inevitable.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: More wandering, a little overwhelmed, thinking about things, wishing I had a travel buddy.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Trying to be a cultural adult and go to an onsen (Japanese hot spring) or something. Or maybe just watch some TV. I'll see how I'm feeling.
- 7:00 PM - Onward: Pasta and wine back at the apartment (if I can find a grocery store). And maybe some tears? (Happy tears, hopefully).
Day 4: Day Trip to Otaru (And Probably Some Regrets)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: The usual. Regret. Coffee. Existential dread. But also, excitement for Otaru!
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Train to Otaru. Hopefully, I can actually find the train station this time. I'm not proud to admit it, but I can already feel the panic setting it.
- 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Otaru Canal and Glassblowing. Otaru is supposed to be gorgeous, like a postcard. I'll stroll along the canal, take some photos (that I'll probably look terrible in). Hopefully, I'll buy some glass souvenirs and they won't break in transit.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch in Otaru. Something fresh and local. I hope I can actually find a good restaurant. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Some form of exploration in the city, maybe I'll venture into a museum if I'm feeling it.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Getting lost again.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Head back to the train station.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Train back to Sapporo.
- 7:00 PM - Onward: Dinner at the apartment (probably
Sapporo ALMAZ PLACE Apartment #201: You *Need* to Know This! (And Maybe Some Things You *Don't*...)
Okay, Okay, Let's Get to the Point: What's the Deal With the "Unbelievable Views!" Hype?
Alright, alright, you've seen the pictures, the breathless descriptions. "Unbelievable Views!" They're not wrong, folks. Seriously, they're not. I was skeptical, I *always* am. Marketing speak, right? But... the view from #201 at ALMAZ PLACE? It's like... breathing. You walk in (and the elevator is surprisingly modern, thank god, because after a long flight I swear I could barely stand) and BAM! The Sapporo skyline just hits you. Mountains in the distance (I think – I'm terrible with geography), city lights twinkling… it's breathtaking. I actually choked up a little. Don't tell anyone. Okay, you can tell. I'm a sucker for a good view.
But Like, Is It *Really* Worth the Money? Is the View Better Than... Hotel X?
Look, luxury in Sapporo isn't cheap. And ALMAZ PLACE isn't a budget option. But think of it this way: you're not just paying for a room; you're paying for an *experience*. And this apartment? It *is* an experience. Compared to a generic hotel room? Night and day. I stayed at the Sapporo Grand Hotel last time which was... fine. But this? This is a different league. The freedom of a full apartment, the space... the view! It's a splurge, for sure. BUT if you can swing it? Do it. Seriously. And I'm a pretty cheapskate. I remember thinking, "Oh god, what have I done?" when I booked it. Then I walked in, and the fear subsided. Mostly.
Is the Apartment Actually *Nice* Aside From the View?
Yes. God, yes. It's modern, sleek, clean... all the buzzwords. I'm not a minimalist, I'm more of a "pile-things-on-every-surface" kind of guy. But even *I* appreciated the clean lines and well-thought-out design. The kitchen is fully equipped (I made instant ramen, sue me!), the furniture is comfortable, the bed is like... a cloud. Seriously, I slept like a baby. And the bathroom! Seriously, the bathroom was bigger than my first apartment. They even had heated floors, which was a lifesaver in February when I visited. (Let me tell you, February in Sapporo is COLD. Bone-chillingly cold.) It kind of made me question my life choices in not having heated floors in my *actual* apartment.
Anything *Really* Annoying? Be Honest!
Okay, okay, let's get real here. Nothing's perfect. And no, I'm not going to lie and say it was flawless. Here's what bugged me:
- The Coffee Maker Situation. The fancy coffee maker... I couldn't figure it out. I’m old, I’m allowed. I ended up going to the convenience store for my morning caffeine fix, which is fine, but I wanted that luxurious coffee from the (according to the instructions) seemingly ridiculously complicated maker.
- The Wi-Fi. Sometimes, it felt a little slow. Fine for casual browsing, not ideal for streaming (which I definitely did, don't judge). I swear, it was faster when I was tethered to my phone, but that's neither here nor there.
- The Lock. Getting into the apartment the instructions seemed a bit, well, confusing. I ended up having to call the (very helpful, I must add) support line and they walked me through it. I felt like a complete idiot but at least I got in!
Was Finding the Apartment Easy? Because I'm Horrible with Directions.
Okay, I'm with you. I get lost in my own kitchen. The instructions they give you, they’re pretty good. The map is decent. The ALMAZ PLACE website does a great job of outlining it. But honestly? If you’re hopelessly directionally challenged like me, just use a taxi. It's worth it. (And I say that as a notoriously frugal traveler!) It's a bit of a ways from the station, so save yourself the headache of dragging your suitcase around, and just hop in a cab. Trust me, I speak from experience. And did I mention the cold? I was not built for dragging luggage around in the Sapporo winter.
What About the Location? Good for Food/Things to Do?
The apartment is in a good location. It's a little more residential, so it's not *right* in the thick of the action. But it's a short walk to some great restaurants (I recommend the ramen place I found…amazing!), and you're easily accessible to everything. Sapporo Station is close by. It's a manageable walk, or a quick taxi ride. And, importantly, it’s quiet. You're not going to be kept up all night by party animals. Ah, the blissful sound of silence, except for your own thoughts!
Okay, You Mentioned the Ramen Place. Spill! Details, Please!
Oh my god, the ramen. Okay, so I can't remember the name of the place, I'm terrible with names. But it was about a 5-minute walk from the apartment. Look for the place with the line (always a good sign, am I right?). The broth was rich and flavorful, the noodles were perfect, the chashu pork was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I went there *three* times. Don't judge. It was cold outside! And the ramen was… well... it was heaven in a bowl. Seriously, I'd go back to Sapporo *just* for that ramen. And the view, of course. And the heated floors. But mostly the ramen.
Am I Going to Regret Staying Here?
Look, I can't guarantee anything. But if you appreciate a stunning view, a comfortable, modern apartment, and you don't mind spending a bit extra? Probably not. I walked out of ALMAZ PLACE feeling refreshed, relaxed... and slightly sad to leave. So yeah, you’ll probably love it. Just be prepared to spend a little time staring out the window, contemplating the universe, and maybe planning your return trip. Because trust me, you *will* want to come back.
