Luxury Otaru Getaway: 4-Person Apartment in the Heart of Ota Building!
Luxury Otaru Getaway: 4-Person Apartment in the Heart of Ota Building!
Luxury Otaru Getaway: 4-Person Apartment in the Heart of Ota Building! - My Honest (and Slightly Rambling) Review.
Okay, so I’m just back from the Luxury Otaru Getaway: 4-Person Apartment in the Heart of Ota Building! and, well, let’s just say my Otaru experience got real interesting. Forget those perfect, bland travel blogs – I’m here to give you the real lowdown, the good, the bad, and the slightly-tipsy-from-the-happy-hour-cocktails truth. Buckle up, buttercups. This is gonna be a messy ride.
First Impressions: The Building and the Buzz (and the Slightly Confusing Elevator)
Finding the Ota Building itself was easy peasy, thankfully. Right in the heart of Otaru, close to everything. Location, location, location, right? The building itself felt kind of… grand? Like it had seen some stuff. The exterior? Solid. Definitely not falling apart. The elevator, though? Let's just say it had a personality of its own. Sometimes it went straight up (a miracle!), sometimes it took a detour through the basement (happened twice, and I’m not sure why). But hey, it worked, eventually. And at least the elevator was accessible, which is a HUGE plus for those with any mobility issues.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Really
Okay, let’s get real about Accessibility. The apartment itself? Spacious enough, but I didn't need any assistance thankfully! And I saw the Facilities for disabled guests are available, so that's good. The elevators I mentioned, were a bit of a "challenge" but at least were in-building. The walk from the building front door to the apartment itself…pretty standard. Not too many stairs. Check-in was actually contactless, which was reassuring. I’ll give them points for effort here.
The Apartment Itself: Luxury? Mostly! (But Let's Talk About the Pillows…)
The 4-Person Apartment… was nice. Really nice. The decorations were tasteful. It was definitely non-smoking, which is a MUST for me. And the soundproofing? Amazing. I could barely hear the outside world (which was great after a late night at the bar – more on that later!). The air conditioning worked perfectly, necessary for those rare hot Otaru days. The blackout curtains helped me sleep until noon and I think their bed was, or at least one of them, an extra long bed. You can get around easily and the seating area was comfortable. And the amount of towels you get is insane.
But let’s get down to brass tacks. The pillows. My nemesis. I swear, they were filled with rocks. Like, actual tiny rocks. I’m not a princess, but dear god, my neck hurt. I'm not sure if the place is full of ghosts and you'd require smoke alarms or not but again, I'm not complaining.
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitized, Sanitized, Sanitized! (Good, but a Little Overkill?)
Alright, in this post-pandemic world, cleanliness and safety are paramount. And this place delivered. The room sanitization opt-out available seemed a little odd to me. The place was super-clean in the first place. The apartment felt spotless. They really went the extra mile. The staff trained in safety protocol. I saw the staff cleaning the common areas with vigour and the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property gave me some peace of mind. However, I did feel like I was living in a sterile lab at times. So many hand sanitizers everywhere. So many signs about physical distancing (at least 1 meter). I guess I'm not complaining, but I just want to enjoy myself.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (and Maybe Over-Relax!)
This is where things got interesting. The advertised fitness center and massage sounded appealing, but if I had to chose between a gym, or heading out into Otaru, I chose Otaru. They have a spa, but not my thing. They also have a sauna and steamroom but no pool with view which is a missed opportunity.
But about all the other stuff:
- The Food:
- Restaurants: Plenty! The Asian cuisine in restaurant was delicious. I couldn't find the vegetarian restaurant, but options.
- Drinks: The bar had a killer happy hour. I might have indulged in a few too many cocktails, but hey, it is a vacation, right? They even have bottle of water, and they provide coffee/tea in restaurant…
- Breakfast: They have Asian breakfast! I opted for that everyday.
- I didn't have time for a body scrub or a body wrap, but maybe next time.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly!)
The restaurants within walking distance were amazing. The Asian cuisine was phenomenal. They also had a coffee shop, perfect for a quick caffeine fix before hitting the streets. I also enjoyed the desserts in restaurant. The alternative meal arrangement was great for the kid's meals.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks and the Quirks
They had a concierge, very handy, even though I didn’t need them. They have daily housekeeping, but they don't offer dry cleaning and ironing service. The facilities for disabled guests seem well thought out. Luggage storage was a lifesaver. Parking was a breeze, with both a car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site]. They even had car power charging station!
For the Kids and Couples:
- I didn’t have kids with me, but they seemed super family/child friendly. There were definitely some kids facilities.
- If I was on a proposal trip, I think this location would've been perfect. Not sure about the couple's room situation.
- However, I saw that they have babysitting service and that says it all.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Available! I didn't take it, but good to know.
- Car park [free of charge] & Car park [on-site]: Easy and convenient.
- Taxi service: Readily available.
Internet Access & Wi-Fi (Because, You Know, We Need It)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the internet gods! The Wi-Fi [free] worked like a charm. Needed to catch up on emails after my "night out?" No problem. And you can, of course, find internet access – wireless, internet access – LAN. They also have Wi-Fi for special events if you want to host one.
The Verdict: Go (Just Pack Your Own Pillow!)
Look, despite the pillow situation (seriously, pack your own!), the Luxury Otaru Getaway apartment was fantastic. The location is unbeatable, the apartment is spacious and (mostly) luxurious, and the staff tried so hard, and the cleaning standards are top-notch. It's a great base for exploring Otaru. My score: 4 out of 5 stars.
BUT…
If you:
- Value a central location
- Are big on cleanliness
- Enjoy a good happy hour
Then BOOK THIS PLACE NOW!
P.S. Don't forget to visit the music box museum (a total trip!) and maybe, just maybe, try to find a pillow that doesn't feel like a collection of rocks. And remember to enjoy! This city is all about fun!
Unbelievable! This Kota Bharu Gem (OYO 90915 Ilham Villa) Will Blow Your Mind!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously color-coded travel itinerary. This is Otaru, Japan, unfiltered. We're talking Floor Rental Room 302 in the Minpaku Ota Building 3, a place that sounds… well, kind of like a shoebox, honestly. But hey, that's the fun of it, right? Let's dive in.
Day 1: Arrival, Shoebox Appreciation (Maybe), and Fishy Business
- Morning (Whenever We Actually Wake Up, Jet Lag Be Damned): Arrive at New Chitose Airport (CTS). Seriously, getting through customs is a nightmare. Always. The lines, the tired faces, the guy ahead of you who insists on arguing about his declaration form. Sigh. Finally, FINALLY, we're free! Take the JR train to Otaru. The scenery? Gorgeous! The train? Probably packed. Hope we snag a window seat. Fingers crossed
- Afternoon: Operation Shoebox Unpack and Reconnaissance: Find the Minpaku Ota Building 3. Pray it’s not too far from the station. Okay, the “floor rental room” – I'm picturing a tiny, very, very basic room. Embrace the minimalism! (Or, you know, slowly descend into existential dread about how cramped it is). Unpack. Survey the damage (or the charm, depending on my mood). The most important item to unpack? Snacks. Never underestimate the power of a good biscuit when things go south (and in travel, things always go south at least once).
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The Otaru Canal… with a Caveat: Okay, everyone raves about the Otaru Canal. It’s beautiful, I'll admit. But prepare for crowds. And the smell. Not a bad smell, mind you, just… a distinct fishy smell. It's the price you pay, I guess. Walk along the canal, take the obligatory photos. Maybe even brave the touristy shops (avoid the ones that feel aggressively pushy.)
- Evening: Dinner and My First Fish Disaster: Aim for a fresh seafood dinner. Sushi is a must. I, however, am a bit of a klutz. And so it was. My first bite of sushi - oh, glorious salmon - sent a rogue piece of ginger flying across the table, landing squarely (and dramatically) in the face of a nearby Japanese woman. I nearly died of embarrassment. She, bless her, just giggled. Thank goodness she was nice. Consider this a warning: watch your sushi, people!
- Night: Collapse in the shoebox. Marvel (or despair) at how much stuff we crammed into that tiny space. Maybe start a travel journal (procrastinate for hours).
Day 2: Glass, Ghosts (Maybe), and the Sweet, Sweet Taste of Ice Cream
- Morning: Glass Blowin' and Existential Reflection: Otaru is famous for glass blowing. Find a workshop and try it! Even if you’re as clumsy as I am, it's strangely meditative. The heat, the shaping… the (inevitable) fear of messing it up and wasting expensive molten glass. I'm not sure which is more therapeutic, though — the glass blowing or the existential crisis about not knowing what I'll do with my new, misshapen glass bowl.
- Mid-Morning: The Otaru Music Box Museum… and Its Haunted History? Okay, this is where things get weird. The Music Box Museum is lovely, all tinkling melodies and intricate designs. But rumor has it, the building is haunted. (I'm a sucker for a good ghost story.) Spend way too much time trying to find a spectral presence in this place. Maybe I'll make friends with the resident ghost.
- Lunch: Okonomiyaki at a local shop. (I ate some last week). See if I can find that place again. It was so good.
- Afternoon: Sweet Tooth Adventures! Otaru is ice cream heaven. Seriously. Try different flavors, find the best shop. And make sure you take enough pictures. The more the better. (Or, if you are me, try the soft-serve that dripped down your hand and onto your pants. Lovely.)
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The Otaru Snow Light Path… (If We’re Lucky): Hopefully, it's winter, and hopefully, there's snow. If so, the Otaru Snow Light Path is magical. Imagine the canal, lit up with candles and snow. This isn't guaranteed (weather in Japan is notoriously capricious), but if it happens, it’s absolutely worth it.
- Evening: Another attempt at a decent dinner. This time, I'm staying away from anything that remotely resembles a piece of raw fish.
Day 3: Farewell, Shoebox, Farewell Otaru (And Probably, A Lot of Shopping)
- Morning: One Last Breakfast (Before Departure): Head back to a really nice cafe we might have found the day before.
- Afternoon: Last-Minute Souvenir Frenzy: Hit the shops! Buy a music box, buy some glass, buy a box of those weird but delicious Japanese snacks. I bet I’ll buy something completely impractical that I don’t need. No regrets!
- Late Afternoon: Journey Back to the Airport: Catch the train back to New Chitose Airport.
- Evening: Bye Bye, Japan! Hopefully, I Haven’t Offended Anyone Too Badly… Fly home, exhausted but elated. Start planning the next trip the second the plane takes off. Because, honestly, traveling is the best. Even when the shoebox apartment is a bit too shoebox-y.
Important Notes (or, How to Survive This Mess):
- Currency: Get Yen. Lots of it. And don’t forget the ATM fees (they’ll get you every time).
- Transportation: The JR train is your friend. Learn to read the schedules (or at least, point and smile).
- Language: Learn a few basic Japanese phrases. Even a "konnichiwa" and "arigato" go a long way. And try to avoid yelling in a language I do not know.
- Food: Be adventurous! Try everything! (Except maybe the fugu. Unless you’re feeling particularly daring.)
- Patience: Things will go wrong. Flights will be delayed. You'll get lost. Embrace the chaos.
- And Most Importantly…: Forget the perfect itinerary. This is your adventure. Make it your own. And if I can survive this, anyone can. Now go get lost, have fun, and try not to embarrass yourself too badly!
Otaru Getaway: Your "Luxury" 4-Person Apartment (Or Maybe, Just... Clean?) - FAQ!
Alright, alright, alright... So, what *exactly* is this "Luxury" you're selling? Are we talking gold-plated toilets? Because my standards are low, but I need to know!
Okay, *deep breath*. "Luxury" is... in the eye of the beholder, right? Let's just say the apartment is... *nicer* than a hostel. It's clean. (Praise the Lord!) It has decent furniture. (No mismatched plastic chairs!) It's in a *prime* location, smack dab in the heart of Otaru's action. You can practically smell the fresh seafood from the balcony. (That's a good thing, mostly.) Think... elevated AirBnB, not full-blown "splurge on a private yacht" level luxury. My expectations were... a bit higher, honestly. You know how pictures always lie? Yeah.
Location, location, location! Is this truly as central as you claim? I'm a sucker for convenience... and short walks.
Central? Honey, if Otaru had a belly button, this apartment would tickle it. Seriously. You're *right there*. The Otaru Canal? Five-minute stroll. Sushi restaurants? Pick your poison, they're ALL nearby. The music box museum? Practically next door! Look, I'd been planning to take photos next to the canal. Did that. I walked... everywhere. My legs were tired, but I felt amazing. You trip over charm here. It's perfect. My lazy travel partner actually *enjoyed* walking, which is a miracle... probably because he could grab a beer every 15 minutes. It's a win. A HUGE win. Just remember... it might be *noisy* at night. More on that later...
Okay, four people. Is this apartment *actually* big enough for four adults, or are we going to be playing Tetris with our luggage?
Okay, here's the deal - it's not a palace. But it's *spacious enough*. There's a living area with a sofa (thank goodness for that), a kitchen, and (thankfully!) a separate bedroom with two double beds, or something similar. We managed. Mostly. One of my friends is a bit of a "stuff hoarder" (no names!), and even *he* wasn't completely overwhelmed. The bathroom is a decent size, which is a massive plus. Shower pressure? Excellent. That's a big deal after a long day of exploring glaciers! Honestly, it depends on your group. If you're expecting sprawling rooms, this isn't it. But for the price and location, it's more than acceptable. No more bunk beds. No more communal showers! Yay!
Kitchen! Can we actually cook something, or is it just for show? Do they supply coffee (I'm a caffeine addict)?
The kitchen *is* functional, but don't get any crazy ideas. It's got the basics – a fridge, a stovetop, a microwave, and some utensils. But it's not a chef's paradise. If you're planning a multi-course feast, pack your own stuff. However, we did the breakfast thing (oatmeal, toast, the usual). Coffee? Thank goodness – YES! There's a coffee machine, and they usually provide those little single-serve coffee pods. Praise be! Now, the real test: one morning, I tried making proper bacon using the pots! And... well, the smoke alarm went off. Twice. Turns out, the ventilation wasn't *that* great. Oops. Sorry, neighbors! Point is, yes, you can cook *somewhat*. But stick to simpler stuff, okay?
Noise levels? I'm a light sleeper. Will I spend the entire trip tossing and turning?
This is the one area where I need to issue a *massive* caveat. Remember how I said it was central? That means you're right in the middle of everything, and unfortunately, everything means... *everything*. Nightlife *is* lively around here. And by lively, I mean drunk karaoke, loud chatter, and the occasional motorcycle engine revving to the heavens at 3 AM. (Seriously!) Earplugs are your *absolute* best friend. I’m a deep sleeper, usually, and even *I* woke up a few times. One of my friends? She barely slept at all. So, pack earplugs, a white noise machine, or whatever you need to survive. Otherwise, you'll be grumpy and miserable. It's a trade-off you make for the convenience. Worth it? Ugh... depends.
Bathrooms and amenities: what do we get in the way of towels, toiletries, and general comfort?
Okay, the bathroom situation. Standard stuff. Decent towels, not luxury-hotel-plush, but functional. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are usually provided, in those little dispenser thingies that are either super convenient or completely impossible to use, depending on your luck. I'm being honest here: One tiny bottle of shampoo and conditioner and... you're done! Consider bringing your own, especially if you have specific hair needs or you are trying to look fabulous at midnight. The water pressure is great, as I mentioned before. The biggest shock? A heated toilet seat! Luxury, yes, but you gotta be ready for that. It warms your bum. It's a thing. I loved it. The rest is pretty standard. So, pack what you need. Don't assume they'll have everything. I made that mistake with my moisturizer, and Otaru's winter wind does *things* to your skin.
Is there parking? Traveling with a car makes things easier... or harder!
Parking in Otaru is... well, it's a *thing*. Not impossible, but not always easy. The apartment *usually* doesn't have dedicated parking, which can be a pain. There are public parking garages nearby, but expect to pay. Check with the property before you book if parking is a must-have. We got lucky and found a spot fairly close, but the next day, we circled the block for a *while*. If you're driving... be prepared to hunt. Or, embrace the freedom of public transport. It's your call. I'm leaning towards public next time, but I'm not ready to give up all that freedom. Sigh.
What about the check-in/check-out process? Is it smooth, or fraught with drama?
Check-in was... fine. Standard stuff. You usually get a code for the lockbox with the key. Clear instructions, they send details and often you have a contact person. The process worked as expected. Check-out? Even easier. Leave the key, lock the door, and walk away. The entire experience was smooth.Hotel Bliss Search
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