Start planning your trip
{{ inputValue.start }} - {{ inputValue.end }}
With:
Otaru: 5 Unique Hotels With Stylish Rooms, Hot Springs, and More
This service includes sponsored advertisements.
Otaru, a historic harbor city in Hokkaido, showcases Meiji-era charm and retro romantic streets. Just 30 minutes from Sapporo by train, a two-day, one-night itinerary is ideal for exploring this city's rich history. We introduce five stylish hotels where you can enjoy unique nights in Otaru!
Otaru Hotels: Enjoy an Unforgettable Stay
1. OMO5 Otaru by Hoshino Resorts: Stay at a Historic Building
2. Dormy Inn Premium Otaru Natural Hot Spring: All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Bowls
3. UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU: A Romantic Century-Old Building
4. Hotel Torifito Otaru Canal: Family-Friendly Stays
5. GRIDS PREMIUM Hotel Otaru: Relax and Unwind in Style
Read also
1. OMO5 Otaru by Hoshino Resorts
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Hoshino Resorts' fourth accommodation brand, the budget-friendly and high-value urban OMO hotel brand, differs from their upscale resorts like KAI and Risonare.
It offers travelers a comfortable and convenient experience in the city from a traveler's perspective.
About the OMO Hotel Brand
Image courtesy of PRTimes
The OMO hotel brand is categorized into levels 1, 3, 5, and 7, with a higher number indicating more comprehensive services and amenities. Guests can choose from the minimalist capsule hotel OMO1, the basic and relaxed OMO3, the stylish boutique hotel OMO5, or the all-service hotel OMO7, allowing them to select the hotel level that best fits their travel itinerary.
Now, let’s take a look at the highlights of the OMO5 Otaru!
Historically Recognized Buildings in Otaru
Image courtesy of PRTimes
Opened in 2022, OMO5 Otaru by Hoshino Resorts consists of two buildings: the south wing, the Former Otaru Chamber of Commerce and Industry, designated as a historical building by the city, and the north wing, a newly constructed building.
Although the north wing is modern, it features certain decorations that complement the south wing. These decorations are designed to evoke a retro and nostalgic atmosphere, allowing guests to experience a seamless vintage vibe.
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The south wing, the Former Otaru Chamber of Commerce and Industry, preserves its 100-year-old exterior and maintains some original interior features, complemented by modern design elements that refresh the entire historic building.
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The minimalist room design featuring white walls and wooden accents allows guests to unwind after a long day, immersing themselves in the retro-romantic atmosphere of the historic building.
Spanish-Style Breakfast and Exclusive Activities at OMO5 Otaru
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Guests at OMO5 Otaru can enjoy a Spanish-style buffet breakfast. Made with locally sourced ingredients, these dishes feature beautiful presentations and cater to Eastern tastes, providing a unique dining experience compared to other hotels.
The OMO hotel brand, which specializes in “urban sightseeing,” combines local culture and merchants to offer exclusive hotel-goer paid activities.
At OMO5 Otaru, you can experience the Otaru Canal Beer Cruise, Wine Cruise, Sakaimachi-dori Street Morning Walk, Morning Market Gourmet Tour, and more. You don't have to worry about your itinerary. Just stay at OMO5 Otaru, and you'll be on your way!
Read also
2. Dormy Inn Premium Otaru Natural Hot Spring
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The mid-range brand Dormy Inn Premium is one of the brands under the Dormy Inn chain in Japan. While Dormy Inn primarily caters to business travelers, Dormy Inn Premium is a business hotel that caters to small families as well.
The Dormy Inn Premium Otaru Natural Hot Spring is conveniently located across from Otaru Station, making transportation and nearby shopping very accessible.
Diverse Selection of Room Types
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
With 223 rooms offering seven different types, each is inspired by the image of Otaru city, featuring a fusion of Western and Japanese design that presents a warm and nostalgic modern space.
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
From Western-style double rooms to Japanese-style triple rooms, there are options for everyone. For backpackers or solo travelers, Dormy Inn Premium Otaru Natural Hot Spring also offers capsule-type accommodations, ensuring that every guest can find the option that suits them best.
Taisho Romantic Style Large Public Bath
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
One of the features of Dormy Inn Premium Otaru is the natural hot spring public bath "Yukinoyu," which offers an alkaline mineral spring that helps relieve fatigue, allowing for a restful night’s sleep.
Additionally, Yukinoyu includes various bathing options such as a cypress bath, rock bath, super cool cold-water bath, and sauna, providing plenty of relaxing opportunities. After soaking in the hot springs, guests can enjoy complimentary popsicles and Yakult, a probiotic milk beverage.
*Popsicles are available from 15:00 to 24:00, and Yakult is available from 5:00 to 10:00.
Popular Late-Night Ramen and All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Bowl Breakfast
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Whether or not guests have had dinner, they should not miss out on the complimentary late-night ramen, known as "Yonaki Soba," offered at Dormy Inn hotels. This simple soy sauce broth topped with dried bamboo shoots and seaweed is perfect for satisfying late-night cravings.
*Late-night ramen is available from 21:30 to 23:00.
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
In addition to the free services mentioned above, the biggest highlight of Dormy Inn PREMIUM Otaru is the opportunity to enjoy the freshest *homemade seafood bowls during the buffet breakfast. Guests can choose their favorite ingredients, such as salmon roe, tuna with green onions, salmon slices, and sweet scallops, to create a luxurious and delicious breakfast.
*Ingredients may change according to the season.
3. UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
Picture courtesy of PRTimes
Originally built in 1931, the UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU was a luxury hotel designed for overseas guests. The hotel changed hands twice during World War II and was not returned to the Japanese government until 1950. The hotel reopened in 2019, marking a new chapter in its history.
Minimalist and Stylish Rooms in Classic European Architecture
Picture courtesy of PRTimes
After its renovation, UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU features a lobby, hallways, and windows that not only preserve the decorative art of the European style of the time but also incorporate modern elements. These architectural details give the historic building a new life that is noble and elegant, making it truly unique.
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The hotel offers a total of 36 rooms, ranging from standard double rooms to spacious duplex accommodations for larger groups. The ambiance of the rooms exudes understated elegance, with a subdued atmosphere that complements the historic architecture better than bright lighting.
A Stylish Bar
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Guests staying at UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU can enjoy complimentary wine from 17:00 to 19:00 each evening. If that’s not enough, they can visit the bar area to taste local wines from Otaru and various spirits, including Nikka Whisky crafted at Yoichi Distillery. For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, the bar also offers a selection of alcohol-free drinks, creating an elegant evening atmosphere.
An Exquisite and Elegant English Breakfast
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Guests at UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU can enjoy a complimentary breakfast unlike any other hotel.
The breakfast resembles an English afternoon tea, served on a three-tiered stand, with each layer featuring delicacies made from Hokkaido ingredients. This allows each guest to savor exquisite cuisine and start their day in an elegant manor style, just like royalty.
4. Hotel Torifito Otaru Canal
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
A two-minute walk will take you to the Otaru Canal at the Torifito Hotel Otaru Canal, which opened in 2018. The red brick walls, wooden floors, and warm-colored lighting make the hotel’s interior cozier and more comfortable.
Rooms Suitable for Family Stays
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The Torifito Hotel Otaru Canal offers eight types of Western-style and Japanese-style rooms, accommodating up to four guests. Each room is themed around overseas country barn styles.
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
One room type features bunk beds, creating a secret base-like atmosphere full of childlike charm, making it highly recommended for family travelers.
Bathhouse Featuring Murals of Otaru by a Public Bathhouse Muralist
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
In the hotel’s large public bath, guests can relieve their travel fatigue and admire murals painted by Mizuki Tanaka, one of the only three remaining active public bathhouse muralists in Japan.
The delicate artwork vividly depicts the snowy Otaru Canal in winter. It provides a unique experience of enjoying the hot spring while appreciating this precious art.
Savor Various Offerings at the Self-Service Breakfast
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Breakfast offers Western and Japanese options, including cooked dishes, fresh salads, bread, beverages, and more, with a wide variety available.
The ingredients used are locally sourced, allowing guests to experience Hokkaido's local cuisine while enjoying peace of mind about the food they eat.
5. GRIDS PREMIUM Hotel Otaru
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The brand philosophy of this hotel is "The Travellers Hub – Connecting Travelers. Connecting people. Connecting hearts." The spacious and bright lobby creates a non-pressuring atmosphere. The front desk staff includes Chinese-speaking personnel, ensuring a smoother and more effortless travel experience.
Small but Complete Rooms
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Although the rooms at GRIDS PREMIUM Hotel Otaru are not large, the natural lighting and space layout are designed to create a spacious and comfortable feeling. There are a total of 12 room types, with the largest accommodating up to 4 guests. This hotel makes it easy for families with children to stay comfortably.
Local Cuisine and Creative Dishes
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The GRIDS PREMIUM Hotel Otaru offers a self-service breakfast that blends Otaru's western food culture with local cuisine, creating a unique style for the hotel.
70 dishes are available, with ingredients sourced directly from the Shiribeshi region. Guests are ensured to enjoy the freshest and most delicious dishes.
Hot Springs with Views of Otaru Ishikari Bay
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The top floor of the hotel features indoor and outdoor baths and a large bathing area with a steam sauna. On clear days, you can enjoy views of Otaru and Ishikari Bay. Additionally, if you stay in winter and encounter a snowy day, soaking in the outdoor bath while appreciating the falling snow allows you to fully experience the romantic atmosphere of a snow country.
Enjoy Your Stay in Otaru
In recent years, standard business hotels have struggled to meet travelers' needs. An increasing variety of accommodation options provides great convenience while introducing us to local culture and cuisine.
If you're unsure which hotel to stay at in Otaru, we recommend booking one of the five recommended hotels mentioned above. Feel free to save them to your personal hotel wish list!
Written by
The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.Special Features
More
