We decided on this hotel as we wanted to break the journey from Hakodate to Noboribetsu. It is difficult to rate this hotel. On one hand, all rooms have unblocked lake view which then allows you to view the fireworks from the room. The room is also very spacious especially when you consider that you're in the country of capsule hotels. Being so close to the lake, we love the stroll along the lake and were motivated finally to do some exercise.

On the other hand, the hotel is in need of refurbishment. our smoking room reeks of smoke and the hotel staff tried unsuccessfully to rid the odour. Considering how big the room is, the toilet is ridiculously small. I suspect there's a competition for the smallest toilet, as it is even smaller than the 17sq m room we stayed at Hakodate. If you're going to be having your breakfast or dinner there, I would strongly suggest you go for a late breakfast and early dinner to avoid the tour groups. On the day we were there, the Chinese tour groups infested the restaurant at about 8plus pm when we were finishing. When we went for our breakfast closer to 9am, the last of them rushed off to catch the bus. So, you need to strategise so as to maximise your meal enjoyment. The food is alright-I won't complain but neither am I crazy about it.

It is right by the lake side. Rooms and bathrooms were in need of refurbishment. Lovely onsen with wonderful views from the 8th floor for the ladies. Guys were stuck in the basement (sorry, no outdoor onsen for them). Go at 4pm before all the other guests get there, and you can enjoy the whole place to yourself! There are fireworks on the lake at 8.45pm. Small event, but nice nonetheless. No need to take the cruise out onto the lake, you can see the fireworks from any point on the lakefront because they are launched off the back of a tug boat which moves along to a few points across the lake.
If budget is no issue, get some wondrous views from the Noodle Shop on the top floor of The Windsor Hotel right at the top of the hill. We had lunch there, and was a simple but very well prepared tempura with cold soba noodles. Cost about $50 but was worth it!

Spent one night here with my spouse and another couple of friends recently.

First the good - there is a free shuttle bus that will take you to the hotel from Sapporo bus terminal at 1 pm everyday; the same shuttle bus will also take you back to Sapporo at 10 am the following day. The hotel is situated right by the lakeside, and from our room, it overlooks the entire Lake Toya. The view was beautiful. We stayed in a Japanese/western room, very spacious; the seating area is Japanese tatami, but we had Western beds. The usual green tea and Japanese sweets were awaiting us in our room upon check in. The room was in the newly renovated wing of the hotel.

Dinner was a nice affair, and served in our friends' Japanese style tatami room, banquet style. The food itself wasn't of astounding quality, but was good enough, and plentiful. After dinner, there were fireworks over the Lake, we took a short walk to the lakeside for the fireworks.

The onsen is large, and the outdoor pool affords lovely views of the lake and its surrounds. ladies onsen was on the top floor of the building, gentlemen's was in the basement, and had a large outdoor pool.

Receptionists don't speak English but are friendly and willing to help. We had a slight problem during check in, in that the hotel couldn't find our reservations, but that was quickly sorted out. Only one hotel staff spoke good English, and she was most eager to assist and address our every concern. Also gave us ideas on what to do and see around the hotel upon our check in.

And now for the bad; unfortunately, there are many - Be forewarned, this hotel caters to large tour groups, mainly from China. It's a very large complex and extremely crowded and noisy. While the onsen pools were large, and there are 2 locations within the hotel, after dinner bathing was impossible. Some hotel patrons did not observe proper onsen etiquette which was a bit of a palaver.

Despite our request for a non-smoking room, the room and bedding still smelled heavily of cigarette smoke. The toilet and shower area in the room is very small, but I suppose that's because the intention is for bathing to take place in their public baths. The toilet didn't smell as though they have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Breakfast is plentiful and spread is as per usual of a Japanese hotel. However, given the number of patrons, it will be wise to avoid the peak hour for breakfast and dine a bit later, at around 8, 8.30 am when most of the tour groups would have finished and were in the process of checking out. If you are not in a hurry to catch the free shuttle back to Sapporo, the hotel and the onsens are a lot quieter after 9 am and infinitely more enjoyable.

Overall, it was not a particularly restful or enjoyable stay. From a price point of view, I suppose there is little to complain about. We booked a couple's package, which was very affordable and extremely value of money. However, I would gladly pay more for a better and smaller establishment which is not teeming with activity and tour groups. This place is not for us, and we will not be returning here.