Sapporo's Secret Hot Spring Escape: Dormy Inn Annex Luxury Awaits!
Sapporo's Secret Hot Spring Escape: Dormy Inn Annex – My Honest, Slightly Messy, But Ultimately Lovable Review
Okay, so picture this: freezing Sapporo air, the promise of fluffy snow, and… a hot spring? Dormy Inn Annex, you had me at "hot spring." But this isn't just some run-of-the-mill hotel review. I’m gonna give you the real deal, warts and all. Consider this your pre-trip briefing, from a travel-worn soul who craves comfort and maybe, just maybe, a little indulgence.
Accessibility: Navigating the Snow Maze (and Beyond)
First off, Sapporo in winter? Prepare for snow. Lots of it. Dormy Inn Annex scores major points because it feels accessible. The entrance isn't a treacherous ice rink, and though I didn't personally need a wheelchair, I saw ramps and elevators galore. They've clearly considered accessibility, which is a huge sigh of relief for anyone with mobility concerns, which is a huge plus for Facilities for disabled guests. I did appreciate having a Elevator (because, stairs and luggage… no, thanks!).
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe (and Sneeze-Free!)
Look, the world is a bit… germaphobic these days. Dormy Inn Annex gets it. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays? Check, check, and check. I even saw them using Professional-grade sanitizing services; I felt I could sneeze without fearing judgment. They also had Hand sanitizer everywhere, and they trained their Staff trained in safety protocol. Seriously, I'm a nervous traveler, and I felt genuinely safe here. They even let you Room sanitization opt-out available.
The All-Important Hot Springs and Relaxation: Pure Bliss (and maybe a little Redness)
Alright, let's talk about the real reason to come here: the onsens. Seriously, the Spa is a must. Multiple Sauna options, a Steamroom, and yes – the glorious Hot spring. I spent a solid hour in the outdoor onsen, staring up at the snowflakes falling on my face, feeling my muscles melt like butter. It's pure, unadulterated bliss. And if you enjoy, that is the Spa/sauna. I was slightly embarrassed at first, being not exactly a local, but everyone's so relaxed, it's all good!!
I didn't get around to the Body scrub or Body wrap, partly because my inner sloth took over, but they're there if you're feeling fancy. The indoor Swimming pool, with its view, was a nice touch, though I went with the more traditional route and spent more time in the onsen. The Pool with view and the Foot bath are real treats.
I did check out the Fitness center. Let's just say I wasn't there for long. The gym is fine; I’m more of a "relax and eat" traveler.
Food, Glorious Food! (And Maybe a Little Too Much of It)
Okay, confession time. I ate. A lot. And the food at Dormy Inn Annex is good. They have a killer Breakfast [buffet]. Seriously, it's a spread of Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and everything in between. Think fresh bread, miso soup, a mountain of tiny, delicious Japanese side dishes… I might have gained a few pounds, but it was worth it.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant are all available
- Coffee/tea in restaurant
- Desserts in restaurant are available
The Restaurants, and the Coffee shop are conveniently available with A la carte in restaurant, or Alternative meal arrangement.
The Snack bar is perfect for late-night cravings and the Poolside bar is great too!
Rooms: Cozy Comfort, with a Few Glitches
The rooms are… cozy. They efficiently fit all the necessary things. The Air conditioning worked perfectly, and the Blackout curtains were a lifesaver (jet lag is a beast). Wake-up service? Check. My room included: Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Bathroom phone, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, and Wi-Fi [free] and Window that opens.
There was a slight issue with the TV remote (minor, easily fixed), but the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a godsend because I needed to google "How to say 'I'm terrible at using remotes' in Japanese."
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
They've thought of pretty much everything. Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and Dry cleaning make travel life easier. The Concierge was incredibly helpful, and the Front desk [24-hour] meant I could stumble in at any hour, exhausted from my adventures. There's a Convenience store on-site for those midnight snack emergencies.
Things to Do:
- For the kids: Not many kids, but I did see a lot of couples.
- Couple's room: Perfect!
- Proposal spot: I'm single.
- Shrine: The area has many shrines.
The Downsides (Because I Have to Be Honest)
- Room Size: The rooms are on the smaller side, which is standard for Japan, but still, someone used to American spaciousness like me might get a bit claustrophobic.
- Not much to see: The location near the station is great, but the Hotel isn't really close to much.
The Quirky Details (That Made Me Smile)
- The slippers provided in the room? Like, hotel-specific, branded slippers. Amazing.
- The little post-bath area in the onsen. You get to wrap up in this robe and sip something cool. So good.
- The staff. Seriously, they're super friendly and helpful, even when you’re fumbling with your chopsticks at breakfast.
The Verdict: Book It! (But Lower Your Expectations a Tiny Bit)
Look, Dormy Inn Annex isn't perfect. It's not a five-star luxury palace. But it's clean, comfortable, and, most importantly, it has an amazing onsen. It's a great base for exploring Sapporo and a fantastic place to unwind after a long day in the snow.
Here's my offer for you:
Escape the Ordinary: Secure Your Secret Sapporo Sanctuary!
Forget the frozen fingers and frantic planning. Book your stay at Dormy Inn Annex today and experience the ultimate Sapporo escape.
What you get:
- Unwind in the luxurious onsen: Soak your stress away in the rejuvenating waters.
- Fuel your adventures: Start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet.
- Stay connected: Free Wi-Fi, internet, and more.
- Peace of mind: Clean, safe, and accessible facilities.
- Get Ready to be pampered: Spa and sauna, foot baths, massages, everything you need to feel relaxed.
- Flexible Dates: Availability is opening for this winter.
- Save Time: Convenient on-site restaurants, shops, and services.
Book now (link!) and get a complimentary bottle of Sapporo beer upon arrival!
You deserve this. You really, really do.
Port Dickson Paradise: Stunning Seaview Condo (3 Guests Max)!
Alright, strap yourselves in, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the gloriously messy reality of a trip to the Dormy Inn Sapporo Annex Hot Spring. Forget picture-perfect Instagram feeds. THIS is the real deal, folks.
Dormy Inn Sapporo Annex: A Love Story (Mostly) in 7 Chaotic Days
Day 1: Sapporo, Here We Come! (And Immediately I'm Lost)
- Morning (or what passes for it after a red-eye): Landed in New Chitose Airport. Glorious. Except, the train ticket machine fought me. Seriously, I'm pretty sure it was laughing at my inability to understand Japanese. (Okay, maybe it wasn't, but it felt like it.) Finally, triumph! Found the Limited Express Lavender, which, by the way, smelled suspiciously like… well, lavender. Hope it works!
- Afternoon: Checked into the Dormy Inn. The lobby looked welcoming, all clean lines and that distinctly Japanese sense of calm. BUT. The room? Tiny. Like, "can barely swing a cat" tiny. (Though, let's be honest, I'm not sure I want to swing a cat anywhere.) The bed, thankfully, was comfy. Oh, and I wrestled with the vending machine, of course. Got a delicious Calpis soda. Victory!
- Evening: Wandered around Sapporo Station, overwhelmed. So. Many. People. So. Many. Restaurants. Found a ramen place. The line was long, but the ramen? Worth it. I devoured it like I hadn't eaten in a week. Then, a little walk around the Susukino entertainment district… and I briefly considered becoming a karaoke legend. Thank goodness for self-control (and the nagging feeling of jet lag).
Day 2: Snow, Sculptures, and the Sauna Struggle
- Morning: The Sapporo Snow Festival! Brilliant. Absolutely breathtaking. Snow sculptures of all shapes and sizes. I took hundreds of photos. Got my mittens soaked. Nearly slipped on the ice. Thought I’d break my neck, but then I remembered: I have hot springs to look forward to.
- Afternoon: Back at the hotel. Officially exhausted, but the allure of the onsen (hot spring) was too strong. Found the bath area (after a minor panic attack involving Japanese signage). The ritual. The nakedness. Okay, deep breaths. It was… amazing. Floating in that steaming water, looking out at the snow-covered rooftops. Pure bliss. (Though, I did feel a little self-conscious about my… ahem… pale complexion compared to some of the locals.)
- Evening: Sauna time! This is where the wheels started to fall off. I'm a sauna newbie. Sat there way too long. Felt like my brain was slowly melting. (The sauna gods were not happy.) Ran out, took a freezing cold shower, and nearly passed out. Learned Lesson #1: Sauna time is a marathon, not a sprint. Dinner at the hotel's restaurant. Pretty good, but I swear I saw a few people staring at me as I slurped my miso soup. Guess I was still flushed.
Day 3: Beer, Bears, and a Brush with Boredom
- Morning: The Sapporo Beer Garden. A must-do, everyone says. And it was good. The beer flowed freely, the food was hearty… but I’m not sure if I remember exactly what food I ate. The beer did its job. And I may or may not have accidentally convinced myself that I should bring a beer can back with me.
- Afternoon: Planning to see the Sapporo Beer Museum. Nope. Slept in and couldn't make the museum (the beer's after effects -.-)
- Evening: Back at the hotel. More onsen and sauna rounds. Slowly getting the hang of it.. or am I?
Day 4: Otaru’s Charm (and My Mild Disaster)
- Morning: Train to Otaru! Supposedly, it's a magical little port city. The canals are beautiful, they say. Arrived. Wonderful. Wandered along the canals, oohing and aahing. Found an adorable music box museum. Spent an hour in there, wishing I could afford even one tiny music box. Decided to focus on eating
- Afternoon: Seafood market time! Oh. My. God. Freshness overload. Oysters, crab legs, sea urchin. I went a little crazy. Ate far too much. My stomach revolted a little. (Lesson #2: Don't overdo the sea urchin, no matter how good it looks.)
- Evening: Back to the hotel. Onsen recovery. Thank goodness. Ordered a plate of soba noodles as a consolation prize.
Day 5: The Ramen Revival
- Morning: Felt like a new person after the onsen! Breakfast at the hotel was a buffet extravaganza. I loaded up on everything, from miso soup to mini pancakes.
- Afternoon: A mission: find the perfect ramen shop. Spent hours wandering Sapporo looking.
- Evening: Ramen achieved. (After a lot of wandering and a few wrong turns.) Victory! The broth was rich, the noodles were perfect, and I devoured it. I felt like the ramen god had blessed me.
Day 6: The Sapporo Dome (and an Unexpected Existential Crisis)
- Morning: Thought about going to the Sapporo Dome. Realized I don’t care about baseball. Slept in.
- Afternoon: Wandered around the city, feeling a strange sense of… restlessness. The trip was winding down. The realization that I had to go home hit me like a ton of bricks. Sat in a park, watching the snow fall, and felt a sudden urge to learn Japanese and move here.
- Evening: Onsen, of course. Needed it. Contemplated my life choices while soaking in the hot water. Came to the conclusion that I needed more travel in my life. Bookmarked a few destinations at booking.com.
Day 7: Farewell, Hokkaido (and the Dormy Inn)
- Morning: One last onsen. Savoring every moment. Breakfast: one final buffet binge.
- Afternoon: Packing. That tiny hotel room felt even tinier. Said goodbye to my temporary home and made a promise to return.
- Evening: New Chitose Airport. Boarding the plane. Looking out the window at the snow-covered landscape. Feeling both sad and happy. This trip was far from perfect. I was lost, confused, occasionally overwhelmed, and definitely overate. But I wouldn't trade it for anything.
- Final Thought: Dormy Inn Sapporo Annex, you were a haven. Messy, imperfect, and totally unforgettable. Japan, you’ve stolen my heart (and probably my wallet). Until next time!
Sapporo's Secret Hot Spring Escape: Dormy Inn Annex - Seriously... Is This Place Real Life?! (FAQs That Don't Suck)
Okay, so... Dormy Inn Annex. Luxury *Awaits*. But is it just hype? I'm skeptical, folks. Hit me with something real.
Alright, alright, settle down, Mr. Cynic. Look, I went in expecting *something*. You know, the usual: overpriced, vaguely disappointing hotel room with a questionable view. What I *wasn't* expecting? To actually, genuinely, *melt into a puddle of relaxed goo* the moment I stepped inside. Okay, so the *luxury* part is… well, it’s Dormy Inn luxury. Not the Four Seasons, alright? But the level of detail… it’s impressive. Free ramen at night? Yes, please! And the *onsen*. The public bath. Oh, the *onsen*. I'm still having dreams about that outdoor bath, snowflakes tickling my nose while the water warmed me to the core. Speaking seriously, the best thing is the consistent quality.
The *onsen* specifically. Let's talk about the onsen. I'm… a little on the self-conscious side, if you catch my drift. Naked in front of people? *Shudder*.
I hear you, friend. I'm right there with you. The first time, I was practically hyperventilating. But honestly? Everyone there is just… chilling. Literally, *chilling* in the hot water. It’s less about ogling and more about Zen. Plus, the water itself is so good! It’s that slightly sulfurous scent that makes you want to immediately fall asleep and you realize your worries just *dissolve*. By the second soak, you'll be wondering why you *ever* worried. Seriously, after a tough day of trekking through the city, or, you know, just *existing* in the modern world, those baths are pure heaven. I actually got lost in a fugue state a few times. Best nap I've ever had.
Ramen at night... tell me more. Is it just a sad little packet situation? Because I hate those.
Oh honey, no. No sad little packets here! It's called "Yukimi Ramen" (snow viewing ramen), and it's actually pretty decent. Now, it's not Michelin-star quality or anything, but after a long day (or a late night of, you know, *other* things), it hits the spot. Think a rich, flavorful broth, nice noodles, and some tasty toppings. It's a freebie, remember? You're there. You've earned it. I may or may not have gone back for seconds… or even thirds… on several occasions. Nobody is judging. Okay, maybe *I* was judging myself a little, but hey – the ramen was delicious! Plus, it's a great social thing! You meet the other guests, and, sometimes, great friendships are made, all over a shared bowl of hot soup.
Food in general. What's the breakfast buffet like? I'm a breakfast person. A *very* serious breakfast person.
Okay, breakfast is a big deal here. And listen to me, it's GOOD. Not just good, *great*. Japanese breakfast is a thing of beauty, you hear? You've got your miso soup, your grilled fish, your rice, pickled vegetables… and then, boom, a whole buffet. I am weak! Now, they do have western options too: eggs, bacon, sausages, and toast. But honestly? Go for the Japanese stuff. *Embrace the experience*. I was skeptical at first, but I ended up eating things I'd never touch back home. You know, like natto (fermented soybeans). Okay, I'm still not a fan of natto, but the rest? Glorious. And the presentation? The Japanese, in general, pay so much attention to detail and the food is no different. You'll feel like you're eating works of art every morning. This is where I'm getting serious again: it's a huge part of the experience.
The "Annex" part… what does that even mean? Does it mean it's separate from the main hotel? Is it difficult to get to?
Ah, the Annex question! Honestly, the "Annex" confused me at first too. You think you've gotten all of your stuff, but, *no*. It usually refers to a separate building or a wing, but in this case, it's practically part of the main Dormy Inn. Close enough that you can seamlessly move between the two. The building is nice though! Clean, well-maintained (which pretty much sums up anywhere in Japan). And super easy to get to from the train station. I think the entire Annex thing is just a branding thing. No stress. Just relax!
Okay, spill the tea on the rooms. Are they tiny, like some Japanese hotel rooms? Do I need to pack light?
Yes, Japanese hotels, in general, can be snug. But Dormy Inn Annex is actually pretty decent in room size. They're not sprawling mansions, by any means, but you won't be tripping over your suitcase. The rooms are cleverly designed to maximize space and feel more comfortable than you'd expect. I actually got a little upgrade one time (score!), and it was perfect. Enough room to spread out, a comfy bed, and all the amenities you could want. Plus, the bathroom… always clean, always stocked, and usually with a smart toilet. If you're a Western visitor, I'd suggest taking the opportunity to check out what that's like!
Anything I *didn't* like? Be honest. Because I need the whole picture.
Okay, here's the honesty: the hotel can sometimes feel a little… crowded. Especially during peak season, the onsen can be packed. And the elevators can be a bit slow during rush hour. That's my only real gripe. It's a popular place, people love it (for good reason!), so you have to roll with it. Oh, and, the coffee at breakfast wasn't the best. But I could overlook that. And as I'm getting older, I find I'm more forgiving about little things. Overall, it's a tiny price to pay for such a fantastic experience.
Okay, final verdict. Would you recommend it? And would you go back? (Because, really, that’s what matters.)
Absolutely, 100% YES. I'm already plotting my return. Seriously, the Dormy Inn Annex is a total gem. It's that perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and authentic Japanese experience. Yes, you'll be sharing the onsen with strangers, you might overeat at breakfast, you might even accidentally fall asleep in the sauna. But honestly? It's the perfect kindYour Stay Hub
