For those looking for a traditional Japanese hotel, this hotel is obviously not for those individuals. Nor do I think the hotel tries to market itself as traditional. The hotel is a modernized western influenced hotel that still comes with great service when compared to service in the United States. Japanese hotels and inns always pride themselves on customer service and this hotel is no exception.

What do I mean by non-traditional? For example, traditional Japanese hotels have guest often in japanese bathrobes (yukata) walking to the public bath (onsen) freely. However, at Chateraise Gateaux Kingdom, there was many times I would see older Japanese guests in bathrobes only to be told by hotel workers they were not allowed to walk to the public bath in them. Issues like this where there is a direct contradiction to traditional customs in Japanese hotels lead to confusion and, unfortunately, a loss of sense of being in Japan.

With that said, we were upgraded to a suite, which is large for a hotel room in Japanese. The service was great in that you did not even need to request baggage to be sent to your room. Unlike the United States, tip is not required. I would even go as far as saying it is not expected and accepted in Japan. The rooms are clean as you would find in a five star United States hotel. The suites do have a separate bath, so if you are a bit uncomfortable using the public bath, you do have that option.

However, I do recommend highly using the public bath. The bath area is huge and very relaxing. You hardly feel crowded and the public bath has everything from the cold bath, warm bath, hot bath to bath where you walk and have little bumps massage the bottom of your foot while you walk.

Also, the breakfast buffet is quite good. The vegetables are fresh and they do attempt to change the menu everyday. Again, you do have the rice and miso soup, but many of the dishes are Westernized breakfast items, such eggs, Japanese sausage, etc.

With that said, Chateraise Gateaux Kingdom is a clean and modern hotel that has identity issues. While it tries in some aspects to be Japanese, it diverts in many areas and tries to be Western. As a result, it seems to be its own little world of customs that guests would not be familiar with unless they have stayed there before. Westerners who wish to go to Japan but still have that Western feeling may enjoy this hotel. However, for those looking for the full Japanese experience, I would recommend staying at an inn (ryokan) that is family owned. The public baths may be smaller and rooms not as modern, but these types of places are the full Japanese experience where the mother usually cooks the meals and it is brought to your room.

I realize that the reaction to this hotel will be different for foreigners who are here for a Japanese feel. But for residents of Japan who want a weekend getaway, this is a fine place. Rooms can be had for as little as Y11500 per night. The facilities date from the Bubble 1980s so while it may look out of place, it severs the hotel well today. It has a large selection of restaurants but the food is a tad expensive. The best amenity may well be the free use of the extensive onsen (spa). It is large, easy to use and comes with a spacy eating area you can use while being inside. There is a free hourly shuttle from Sapporo Station. There is free cable connection for internet in the rooms.

This place tries to give you a Western feeling. If you are a foreigner in Japan, you probably do not want such an experience. The whole place is a resort with little authenticity. Just go somewhere else to get much more for the same price at a more beautiful environment.