Hakodate Hotel Resol: Unforgettable Views & Luxury You Won't Believe!
Hakodate Hotel Resol: Views That'll Steal Ya Heart (and Possibly Your Sleep!) - A Seriously Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Hakodate Hotel Resol. Forget those overly-polished travel blogs where everyone's perpetually bathed in golden hour light. This review is the real deal. I'm talkin' warts and all, folks. And let me tell you, the Resol has some warts. But also, some seriously breathtaking beauty.
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First Impressions & That View… Oh, That View! (And a Minor Panic Attack)
The first thing that hit me wasn't the lobby, though it was pretty swanky. Nope. It was the VIEW. Seriously, I almost choked. We booked a room with a view of Hakodate Bay and Mount Hakodate, and… holy moly. It's the kind of view that makes you do a little involuntary gasp. Seriously. Even my jaded, seen-it-all travel partner, who usually just grunts at views, was speechless. It's the kind of view that makes you forget you almost missed your connecting flight in Tokyo and that you're still wrestling with jet lag. That view alone… that view… might be worth the price of admission. Actually, it probably is.
Accessibility (Did They Actually Think This Through?)
Alright, let's talk accessibility. This is crucial for me, okay? And I have to say, the Resol mostly did a good job, but with a few head-scratching moments. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available, and the elevators are spacious. The front desk staff were generally helpful, and you could tell they'd received some training. Now, the elevator, the real MVP for this whole process, was easily accessible. I loved the elevator. Seriously. That got me to every floor. Now the bathroom situation? Slightly less smooth. I'll go into it later.
Room Rundown: More Than Just a Pretty Face (and a Slightly Annoying One)
Once you're inside your room, the air conditioning works really well, which is a lifesaver in the humid Japanese summers. It's like they know a good, refreshing blast of air is exactly what you need after lugging your suitcase around for what feels like days, which helps the Daily housekeeping staff keep the rooms spotless. There’s also free Wi-Fi in every room, and it's surprisingly fast. Kudos for that. Plus, you've got all the usual suspects: bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, in-room safe box (always a plus for paranoid travelers like myself), and the holy grail – coffee/tea maker. The coffee wasn't the best, but it did the job.
But… and there's always a "but," isn't there? The bathroom situation. It's small. Like, really small. And maneuvering a wheelchair in there? Let’s just say it requires some strategic planning and maybe a contortionist certificate. The bathtub was an option, but I wouldn't even bother. Forget it. The shower was okay, though. I'm not sure if it was individual or not, but it worked.
Dining, Sipping, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk about the important stuff: food! The Resol’s got options, baby! There's an Asian breakfast, which, yes, had a delicious miso soup. There's breakfast service, and you can even get breakfast takeaway service. The Buffet in restaurant was fine. Don't expect Michelin stars, but you won't starve. The Coffee shop was okay, mostly for caffeine addicts like me. The poolside bar was a fun touch for a quick drink!
I recommend you try the restaurants. I did. There was a good mix of Asian cuisine, plus international cuisine. I mostly took advantage of that and made sure to check out the restaurant that had vegetarian cuisines. Delicious!
Ways to Relax: Spa Day? Yes, Please! (And a Minor Complaint)
This is where the Resol really shines. The spa and sauna are fantastic. I had a massage, and it was pure bliss. The foot bath was surprisingly relaxing. The pool with view is another showstopper. Seriously, imagine floating in a warm pool, gazing out at that same breathtaking view. It’s the stuff of Instagram dreams. I tried to spend a day there but failed.
My one tiny complaint? The pool can get a little crowded. And sometimes… well, sometimes you just want to soak up the view in peace without having someone splashing you. But hey, that's my first world problem, isn't it?
Cleanliness and Safety: Germaphobe Approved (Mostly)
I’m a bit of a clean freak, so I’m always looking for anti-viral cleaning products. I saw the staff taking extra precautions, with staff trained in safety protocol and the daily disinfection of common areas. There was hand sanitizer, and safe dining setup. So, yeah, I felt pretty safe.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good)
The concierge was helpful with some basic questions. They also have luggage storage! The doorman was always friendly and helpful. There's a convenience store and a gift/souvenir shop, which is great for picking up last-minute trinkets. But let me tell you about invoice provided. I needed a printout of my invoice. They tried their best but it took forever… it just didn't seem worth it.
For the Kids: Not Really My Department, But…
I don’t have kids, but from what I saw, the hotel is family/child friendly and has kids facilities.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly)
The hotel offers airport transfer which is a lifesaver, especially after a long flight. There's also car park [free of charge] and taxi service. Getting around Hakodate is pretty easy.
Quirks and Imperfections: The Real Stuff
Okay, no hotel is perfect. I mentioned the small bathroom, the slightly crowded pool, and the sometimes-slow service. And I had a slightly weird situation when I asked a staff member about how to cash withdrawal and they were confused.
The Verdict: Go, But Manage Your Expectations (and Your Wheelchair, Maybe)
Overall, the Hakodate Hotel Resol is a winner. The view alone is worth the price of admission, and the spa and pool are pure luxury. The staff are generally friendly and helpful. Just be prepared for a few minor quirks and inconsistencies.
My Emotional Rating:
- View: 10/10 (Seriously, breathtaking)
- Accessibility: 7/10 (Room for improvement in the bathrooms)
- Food: 8/10 (Decent, but not gourmet)
- Relaxation Factor: 9/10 (Spa and pool are amazing)
- Overall Experience: 8.5/10 (Highly recommended, with a few caveats)
Would I stay here again? Absolutely. Just… maybe I'd book a room with a different bathroom next time. And I’d probably bring my own coffee.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Patna's Hidden Gem, Hotel O The Casa Picolla!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your meticulously planned, color-coded travel log. This is more like… my brain, unleashed, rambling across the frozen landscape of Hakodate. We're talking Hotel Resol Hakodate, baby! Let's see if I survive…
Hakodate Hustle: A Trainwreck (and Hopefully, a Triumph)
(Day 1: Arrival - The Great Frozen Fumble)
Morning: Arrive at Hakodate Airport (HKD). Okay, the airport itself is… functional. Not exactly the Taj Mahal, but hey, it's warm inside, which is a win. My inner travel planner (the one I try to bury under a mountain of snacks) whispers about efficient transportation. Me? I'm all about embracing the chaos.
- Anecdote: Finding luggage is always a gamble. I swear, I once watched a suitcase of someone else's slowly roll off the conveyor belt, like it had a life of its own. This time, thank the travel gods, my bag arrived. Now, where the hell are my gloves?
Mid-day: Taxi to Hotel Resol Hakodate. This hotel, I've been told, is relatively central, near the Hakodate train station and the morning market. Fingers crossed! The taxi driver seemed to understand enough English, but I swear he was judging my travel bag.
Afternoon: Check-in. Ah, the sweet relief of a properly heated room! The lobby is actually pretty swanky: modern, minimalist. I'm already picturing myself sprawled on the bed, ordering some room service… maybe some ramen?
- Quirky Observation: The little "amenities" kit in the bathroom? I'm pretty sure it's smaller than my thumb. Do they expect me to brush my teeth with a thimble?
Evening: Exploring the area around the hotel. This is where things get…interesting. The sun is setting over the harbor (beautiful, but freezing!) and the evening fog is creeping in. I try to be a tourist. The first place I stumble upon is the Morning Market.
Rambling: The Morning Market is a sensory overload. The smells of fresh seafood, the buzz of haggling (I'm terrible at this!), the sheer volume of people… my God, I'm suddenly extremely hungry. I'm instantly drawn to the stalls with fresh seafood. I feel drawn to the seafood donburi. I take my time deciding, and decide to skip the donburi, for now.
Decision: Decided to walk around and find a restaurant so I can be alone. I pick at a small, local spot for a quick bite to eat near the hotel. The food is incredibly affordable, and I feel so happy and alone and at peace.
Emotional Reaction: The utter satisfaction of the first bowl of Japanese ramen in Japan? It’s pure, unadulterated joy, and it’s warm.
Imperfection Alert: The noodles are super slippery. I almost lost an eye to a flying noodle strand.
Night: Back at the hotel. Exhausted but happy. The view from my room is… adequate. Definitely not the postcard-perfect view I was hoping for, but hey, at least it’s a view. Do some journaling, maybe order a late-night snack.
- Opinionated Language: I think this hotel is a solid choice. Comfortable, clean, and conveniently located. Not the height of luxury, but hey, I'm here for the adventure, not the fluffy towels.
(Day 2: Goryokaku Fort & Mount Hakodate – The Summit Struggle!)
- Morning: Attempt to visit Goryokaku Fort.
- Anecdote: The fort is beautiful and massive. But I'm really cold! The snow is thick, and I did not bring the right boots. I slip and slide like a drunken penguin.
- Mid-day: Lunch near Goryokaku (find a small cafe, the hot cocoa is my savior!)
- Quirky Observation: The cafe is a perfect mix of things. A little local, it's got a very hipster feel. I loved it!
- Afternoon: Mount Hakodate – The main event!
- Messier Structure: Okay, so getting up the mountain is no joke. The cable car? Amazing… until you realize you’re suspended in a box above a mountain. The view from the top? Supposed to be legendary. Was it worth the hour-long queue and the fear of heights?
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: OH MY GOD, THE VIEW. Forget everything I said about the hotel view. This… this is breathtaking. The city sprawled out before me, twinkling lights and the harbour stretching out like a jewel.
- Doubling Down: I stayed on the top of Mount Hakodate for far longer than I should have. Sat on a bench. Stared at the view. Took approximately a million photos. In my memory, this single experience defines Hakodate. The cold was unbearable; my toes were numb. But I didn't care.
- Night: Stumble back down the mountain, a bit shaky but exhilarated. Dinner at some random, tiny izakaya. Sake is definitely required.
- Opinionated Language: If you come to Hakodate and SKIP Mount Hakodate? Honestly, you're doing it wrong.
(Day 3: Morning Market Redux & Departure - The Farewell Flail)
- Morning: Return to the Morning Market for an actual breakfast this time.
- Quirky Observation: This time, I'm a seasoned pro! I'm even going to try to haggle! (Emphasis on try)
- Mid-day: A final walk through the city, soaking it all in. Some last-minute souvenir shopping. Do they have postcards? I need to send postcards.
- Afternoon: Check-out. The hotel staff are incredibly polite and helpful. I feel genuinely sad to be leaving.
- Imperfection Alert: I totally forgot to leave a tip! Ugh, I'm the worst.
- Evening: Head to Hakodate Airport for my flight. The travel chaos continues.
- Rambling: Sitting at the airport, waiting. Reflecting. Hakodate really snuck up on me. I'm leaving feeling…changed. Somehow, a little bit bolder. A little bit more in touch with myself.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I want to come back. NEED to come back.
(Post-Trip Afterthought)
So, Hakodate. Not a perfect trip. I got lost. I slipped. I failed to haggle like a pro. But, I survived. It was amazing and messy and unforgettable. And if you're considering it? Do it. Just bring warm boots. And maybe an extra pair of socks. And a camera. And a sense of humor. You'll need it. Now, where’s my next adventure?
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Hakodate Hotel Resol: The Unfiltered Truth...and Views! (Plus, Some Luxury)
Okay, spill it: Is the View REALLY that good? Like, worth the hype good?
Alright, alright! Fine, I'll admit it. The *view*... the view is ridiculous. Seriously. I'm talking eye-watering, jaw-dropping, "did-I-accidentally-take-drugs?" good. I was there, right? Hakodate. Night fell, the lights from the city started twinkling like a million spilled diamonds spread across a velvet cloth... and I just... I just stood there and stared. Forgot my phone, forgot my existential dread, forgot EVERYTHING. I actually teared up. A grown man, weeping in the lobby. Don't judge! It's that good. Especially from, like, the top floors? Yes. Absolutely. Worth it. Book the view room. Do it now. Don't be a chump like me who almost missed it!
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually luxurious, or just nicely decorated?
Okay, luxury... it's a relative term, right? Like, I'm not saying they have solid gold toilet seats, but they're definitely a step up from the budget hostels I've crashed in. The beds? Cloud-like. Seriously, I sunk into that thing and didn't want to move. The *smell* of the room! Fresh, clean... not overwhelmingly perfumed, just... nice. The bathrooms are modern and well-equipped, which, after a solid day of sightseeing, is a godsend. Now, "luxury," as in, "roll your own cigars and demand a butler?" No. But comfortable, clean, and thoughtfully designed? Absolutely. Plus, the size of the room was much better than my shoebox apartment back home! I was happy.
Is the location convenient for exploring Hakodate?
Spot on! The location is GOLD. Seriously. It's pretty much slap-bang in the middle of everything. Walking distance to the morning market (oh, the seafood!), the port area, and that amazing ropeway up to Mount Hakodate. Seriously handy. I, a notorious directionally challenged individual, managed to navigate the area without getting hopelessly lost (much). It probably helped I could see the hotel from everywhere! Plus, public transport is really good in Hakodate, so even if you get a little turned around, you can always hop on a tram and find your way back.
The food! Tell me about the breakfast buffet! Is it worth waking up for?
Okay, breakfast... brace yourself. It's a *buffet* buffet. Like, the kind that makes your eyes widen and your stomach start rumbling before you’ve even had your first coffee. There's everything! Japanese breakfast options for the purists (pickled vegetables, miso soup, grilled fish), Western staples (eggs, bacon, pastries), and… and… a *chocolate fountain*. I might have embarrassed myself there. I went back for seconds (and thirds, and maybe a sneaky fourth). It was the best kind of gluttony. The breakfast alone almost made the trip worthwhile. Almost.
Is there anything I should be aware of *before* I book? Any downsides?
Okay, the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but... Okay, maybe I'm being a bit dramatic. There's a small downside. The elevators, at peek checking out times, get busy. There can be lines. Minor annoyances. The only other thing is maybe the *price*, it's at the mid-range mark. But, honestly, I'd pay it again. Hakodate itself is a truly beautiful place. And the hotel... the Hotel Resol? It was wonderful.
Okay, seriously... the view. What *floor* do I need to be on?
Ugh, that's the million dollar question! Look, I'm not going to give you some exact floor number because it depends on the room type and what's available. BUT! Aim for the highest floor you can reasonably afford. I'm pretty sure they all give a good view, but the higher you get, well, you're closer to heaven (or at least closer to just being able to see more). I think I was on the something like, 12th or 13th floor or something... and it was STUNNING. Ask when you book, see what the options are, but don't skimp on the view! Trust me. You'll regret it. I had to almost beg them for a room with a view. It took some doing.
Was there any service you didn't like?
Hmm... not really. The staff was very polite and helpful. English was not a problem; honestly, better than my Japanese, which is non-existent. There's one slight hiccup when I checked in. A bit of a queue, I was tired from travelling and got cranky, but I'm pretty sure that was my fault. They were definitely doing the best they could. Sometimes, I got the impression the staff was a bit busy. Otherwise, I have no complaints. They held my luggage while I explored on my final day. They helped me with directions. They even smiled at me. What more could you want?
Tell me a truly memorable experience.
Okay, I already told you about the view, but let me tell you about one night in particular. (I had to go back to it.) I'd spent the day exploring Hakodate, felt a little bit lost (in a good way), a little bit cold, and very hungry. Back at the hotel, I grabbed some ramen from a street vendor (the best ramen of my entire life, I swear!), and hauled my weary self back up to my room. Got into my comfy pajamas. Opened the curtains… and there it was. The view. But this time, the sky was alive. Streaks of pink and orange, turning to purple as the sun dipped behind the mountains, casting long shadows over the city. I sat there. Just... sat. Eating my ramen (a classic combo). The silence... the beauty... pure, unfiltered joy. And the entire weight of the world just melted away. Okay, okay... maybe I got emotional again. Judge me if you want. You won't. because you'll be in Hakodate too. And you'll get it.
