Tokyu Stay Hakodate Asaichi Akarinoyu

This hotel offers a memorable stay, distinguished by its rooftop onsen with breathtaking views, making it a true highlight for guests. Its prime location near the train station and morning market also stands out, providing unparalleled convenience for sightseers and long-term travelers alike. The hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic getaway with scenic vistas and relaxing amenities, and for families who appreciate the practical in-room facilities and easy access to local attractions. Guests consistently praise the hotel's modern design, cleanliness, and the unique convenience of in-room laundry facilities. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for superior views, and be prepared for potential waits at the elevators during peak times.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the exceptional rooftop onsen, which offers both indoor and outdoor bathing options with stunning panoramic views of the city, harbor, and even snowfall in winter. While some note the onsen can feel a bit small or crowded at times, its cleanliness and the unique experience of soaking with a view are widely appreciated. The 17th-floor lounge is another popular feature, providing a quiet and comfortable space with equally impressive vistas, complemented by free coffee and hot drinks. A significant convenience for many travelers is the in-room washer/dryer, complete with complimentary detergent, allowing for easy laundry during longer stays. Additionally, many rooms are equipped with a microwave and kitchenette, adding to the self-sufficiency. However, some guests have experienced slow Wi-Fi and occasional long waits for the elevators, as there are only two serving multiple floors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high marks for its cleanliness and modern aesthetic, with rooms described as tidy and well-maintained. Most guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. While some rooms are noted as compact, especially when accommodating large luggage, others, particularly corner rooms or those with triple beds, are praised for being spacious. The bathrooms are often compartmentalized, offering separate areas for the shower and toilet, and some include a deep bathtub. Many rooms boast excellent views of the port, city, or surrounding landscape. In-room amenities like a kettle, coffee maker, and shoe dryer are appreciated. However, a few guests reported issues with a persistent mildew smell in some bathrooms, and some found the air conditioning ineffective, leading to overly warm rooms without the ability to cool them down.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel distinguishes itself by not having a traditional in-house restaurant for breakfast, instead offering a unique and highly praised system of breakfast vouchers redeemable at numerous local establishments within the adjacent morning market. This allows guests to immerse themselves in the local culinary scene, choosing from a wide variety of fresh seafood options, including sashimi and seafood bowls. While this approach is celebrated for its authenticity and diverse choices, some guests found the portions to be on the smaller side, and those who prefer non-seafood or Western breakfast options noted limited alternatives. A few also found it inconvenient to venture out for breakfast, especially during inclement weather. The hotel's lounge bar offers a selection of drinks and some light snacks, including ice cream.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage. It is conveniently situated just a short walk, typically within five minutes, from the JR station, making arrivals and departures seamless. Its immediate proximity to the morning market is a significant draw, allowing guests easy access to fresh produce and local eateries. Many popular attractions, including the Red Brick Warehouses, shopping areas, and tram lines, are within comfortable walking distance. For those traveling by car, parking is available on-site for a fee, though some guests noted that the lot can occasionally be full. While the location is ideal for exploring on foot, some visitors mentioned that navigating with luggage can be challenging during snowy or icy conditions.

Staff & Service
Most guests commend the hotel staff for their friendliness, politeness, and overall helpfulness. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as smooth and efficient. Staff members are often praised for their attentiveness and willingness to assist with requests, such as arranging taxis. However, some guests encountered a language barrier, noting that not all staff are fluent in English, which occasionally led to difficulties with specific inquiries or requests. A recurring point of feedback concerns the limited housekeeping service; full room cleaning is typically an extra charge or only provided for extended stays, with daily service usually limited to towel replacement and trash removal upon request. Amenities like toothbrushes and shower caps are self-service, collected by guests near the elevators.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's housekeeping policy, where full room cleaning is not standard for shorter stays and incurs an additional fee, with daily service typically limited to towel and trash collection. The hotel's room keys are card-type and are required to activate the elevators to specific floors, enhancing security. While rooms are generally well-soundproofed, ensuring a quiet stay, some guests noted that the in-room washing machine can be quite loud during operation. The hotel provides USB chargers in the rooms, but international wall plugs are not available. The televisions in the rooms primarily offer local channels, with no dedicated English-language options. The hotel's rewards program benefits were mentioned by a few guests, though not as a widespread theme.