Lonely Planet Review

This beautiful hotel is convenient for anyone wanting to sightsee downtown or visit the Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival) in February - and is relatively affordable for the luxury. The magnificent lobby and attentive staff make checking in a pleasure. The rooms are well appointed; both Japanese and Western styles are available.

At the right time of year or with advance Internet reservations, the Garden Palace can actually fall into the midrange slot, so it pays (literally) to check ahead if you're going to stay here. Even the regular rates are reasonable, considering its primo location and easy access to almost all of Sapporo's sights, as well as the posh splendour of the hotel itself. Most rooms are large and well-lit, with minimal, muted decor. Both of the on-site restaurants (one of them Chinese) serve great food, and rate plans give you the option of having meals included. It's a popular choice for parties and weddings, so you may find the lobby and reception areas are swarming; at other times, it's library quiet.