Name: Hotel Nord Otaru
Address: 1-4-16 Ironai, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido, Otaru, JP

2/10

Poor

20 May 2026

Martin

The worst and most uncomfortable hotel I have ever stayed at in Japan. The carpets and curtains were extremely dirty, with visible mould on both the curtains and in the shower room. Considering the price of hotels in Japan, this hotel was not particularly cheap either, especially as breakfast was not included. I had the worst two nights of sleep during my stay here.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

05 May 2026

MACHIKO

We were surprised to not find a closet in the room but instead a coat rack with hangers. The hotel did not have a luggage rack and expected us to open our suitcases on the floor. After some discussion, they brought in a table for our cases. There was only one pillow per person on the bed which is unusual these days. The room decor felt dated and in need of a major furniture overhaul, in spite of the grandiose impression of the exterior. These were the negatives but the positives were the bright breakfast room with its hard working staff. Also, a thank you to Kamul for translating for us from English to Japanese to the other hotel staff and for his restaurant recommendations.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

01 Apr 2026

Shino

Check out time is 11am, many hotel is 12pm. If u want leave luggage in reception and drive out the car still have to come back at 11am.

8/10

Excellent

30 Mar 2026

Joon Fui

The accommodation boasts a spectacular view, with the Otaru Canal just outside the window - becoming even more mesmerising when blanketed in snow. A variety of nearby restaurants are within easy walking distance, adding to its convenience. It also offers great value, especially considering it comfortably accommodates a family of five.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

28 Mar 2026

Ally

Excellent price, location and services.

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

12 Mar 2026

William

Hotel Nord Otaru is located across the street from the canal. It has a good view of the canal, but the ocean view is far away and unimpressive. The rooms are dated. Our shower room smelled like mildew and there was some visible mold on the ceiling. The room size is larger than typical for Japan. The breakfast buffet was mediocre but convenient. The Hokkaido ramen was good. The bar upstairs had a nice ambiance but they were out of several types of alcohol and their signature cocktail. It’s about an 11 minute walk to Otaru Station and about 28 minutes to the Mount Tengu Ropeway.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2026

Monchaya

We really enjoyed our stay. The location is great, and the service is excellent.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Jan 2026

Wendi

Great breakfast, lovely views. I’d have given it 5 stars but the air conditioning was a bit

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2026

Zhu Liang Jireh

Staff was very courteous. Room was spacious and clean.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

07 Jan 2026

Josh

Clean and good breakfast

2/10

Poor

31 Dec 2025

Andrew

There is a smoking room in the lobby and the smoke pours out into the lobby and into the second floor of the hotel. Even our room which was on the third floor reeked of cigarette smoke. The front desk staff was not very nice either.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Dec 2025

Meng Hong

Clean room, very courteous and attentive staff, excellent location.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

03 Nov 2025

RAWIWAN

เป็นโรงแรมแรก ที่จะเลือกพักหากแวะมาโอตารุ โรงแรมอยู่ใกล้คลอง สามารถเดินไปถนนคนเดิน Sakaimachi ได้ โรงแรมมีที่จอดรถให้ อาหารเช้าคือดี ห้องอาหารเห็นวิวคลอง ห้องนอนกว้าง กางกระเป๋าเดินทางได้

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

02 Nov 2025

Christina

Staffs are very nice and I liked breakfast buffet. But rooms are very outdated.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Oct 2025

joshua

We did not get the breakfast option, or use the parking. This was a 1 night stay. We had a single bed. Toilet was in its own room. Shower room was nice and big. We could shower and then use the bath. The bed was rock hard, but all Japanese beds are. This was about a 5 min walk from the main train station. You could see the bay from our room. They have a bar on the roof, with a good view of sunsets or sunrises. The drinks are good and not too over priced, food options are slim.

There is a small seafood market a short walk away. A small group of izakaya's a couple of blocks down the canal. Train ride from sapporo has some good views. Views are on the right side of the train.

The hotel was probably great during its hayday. Now it is starting to feel dated. Not run down or used, just dated. Staff was friendly, the place was clean. Would we stay here again if we come back through Otaru? Probably. Just wish the beds were softer.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2025

Naomi

Staff were so helpful from the minute we checked in. We were early but they had the room ready for us and it was a huge wonderful room with spacious bathrooms and a quiet place. The decor and interior are rather dated and unremarkable, but it is kept very clean and neat. It's as if you've stepped into a time machine back to the 60's. But, that's not necessarily the worst thing. Everything seems to slow down and people take time to do their jobs with care and oride. We loved it!! The breakfast was fresh, delicious, and amazing variety of japanese and western breakfast items. Everything was so fresh and so well prepared with plenty of Hokkaido specialty items. Just skip the oddly dry roast pumpkin and overcooked sticky corn (fresh corn only needs 3 mins in boiling water). The location is excellent and it's a small town so easy to walk to see sights. This place is well worth going to! Everyone had a positive and caring manner to them. It was truly a refreshing experience!!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2025

Brenda

The room was clean and the staff helpfull when needed.

The breakfast buffet was good. However, the buffet never changed dependant on the day.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Sep 2025

Nicholas

Great location

Great, central location. The sights of Otaru were walkable and there were plenty of shops and restaurants nearby (although be warned yhat Otaru gets very quiet at night and most things close early).

The hotel is very traditional (some might say old fashioned) but it was clean enough and comfortable. Fine for a short stay. Our room had a lovely view over the canal and the bed was comfortable. Decor was, again,very traditional. Wifi was decent. Well stocked amenity drawer in the lobby.

Check-in was strictly at the designated check-in time and not a monent before (this seemed a common theme during our time in Japan). The check-in experience was slightly off putting as the lobby area stank of stale cigarette smoke. I learnt that this was because the designated smoking lounge was in the lobby. I think this should be reviewed, as it's extremely unpleasant as a non-smoker.

The top floor bar was a lovely spot for drinks in the evening (and so well priced).

Parking was easy enough and was around £6 per night. We didn't have breakfast as we needed to leave early the next morning.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Sep 2025

Janet Ho

Closed to city center

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Jun 2025

Hiroe

None

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2025

John

Fantastic location and great staff.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2025

Heather

Spacious rooms and great location

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Mar 2025

kevin

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay - out very spacious and comfortable home away from home. Everything from check in with welcoming attentive reception staff to other staff, the view from the room, the location, the ambiance/ decor - this hotel is recommended. The only negative - no coffee provided in the room or at reception.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Mar 2025

Rebekkah

The property worked for our vacation need. It was easy to access and enjoy the surrounding areas.

8/10

Excellent

23 Feb 2025

chang soon

호텔은 많이 낡은 느낌입니다. 오타루 역에서 운하쪽으로 걸어서 5분정도 이며 바로 운하 앞이라 위치는 정말 좋습니다.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

22 Feb 2025

Michael

Clean, convenient and helpful staff

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2025

WONG

Great location and easy parking. Nice staff and clean room.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

16 Feb 2025

Felicity

Great location next to canal. Room was dated and there were spots that weren't that clean, grout coming off the bathroom and debris behind the toilet seat...

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2025

Kai Seong Joel

It’s just 5 to 8 minutes walk from Otaru Station.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Feb 2025

Peter

Polite and efficient

8/10

Excellent

06 Feb 2025

Zhaonan

The hotel is a bit old. But its location is very good. I like its breakfast best.

8/10

Excellent

08 Jan 2025

May

Good location

Stayed in an Eco room - god for short stay of 1-2 nights not so good for longer stay. Toilet not clean after 2 days smelled :(. Trash cans are not segregated no meaning to eco! Room gets too hot and windows cannot be opened. Location of hotel is good.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Dec 2024

Alan

Great views

The view from the window was fantastic with unblocked view of the canal.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2024

Leon Tee

Great location overlooking the Otaru river. Walking distance from JR Station. Nice and spacious room for family.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

01 Oct 2024

MIN FERN

Right in front of canal. Walking distance to Lawson, main shopping street. Walkable to Otaru Station

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Jul 2024

Hoi Lam

Clean room and convenient for shopping

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2024

herman

Location location location

Convenient location, walking distance to most of an attraction rooms are decent size and clean. Staff are friendly and parking is right in the hotel with fee

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2024

Chang

Excellent service from staff. Near to Otaru canal.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

07 May 2024

Hongxin Randal

Just next to the canal and the brewery is a plus, but it’s a little far from the Sakaimachi shopping street.

Rooms are normal but clean, hotel staff is friendly.

Carpark is a little unexpected, using a parking conveyor lift but staff are on hand to guide you through the process

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2024

Alvin

Nice location, friendly and helpful staff, and easy to get around.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

28 Mar 2024

Naoko

Comfortable stay. Some part of the side walks were slippery because covered with icy snow. I guess the local government doesn’t have any regulations to keep the sidewalks clear of icy snow.

Leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

21 Feb 2024

Cale

The Nord has an old style charm That matches with the art and ambiance of Otaru. The interior is modern with flairs of older architecture for artistic purposes and it pulls it off well.
The room was clean, but a bit small even for Japanese sized people. I suggest to get something bigger than the comfort double room. Other than that, the Nord was just as good as any other Japanese hotel.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2024

Tor Wo

Great location

Great location. Generally great service and accommodation. Breakfast buffet is perhaps a bit sparse.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

02 Feb 2024

TIAN SUAN

Super small for 2 persons. Toilet smells

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jan 2024

Audrey

Would definitely be back again.

The hotel room itself was lovely, had a nice view of the canal as well. I enjoyed the heated bidet and how there is a separate vanity area with an extra sink!

The parking was ¥1200 a night, which we were fine with. But the hotel doesn’t seem to keep track of which cars have paid parking for an extended period so we were asked regularly if we were there for check in and to pay for parking before we were allowed to go to our designated spot. It could definitely be annoying to some guests, so have your parking receipt on hand to avoid the hassle of explaining! :)

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2023

Leslie

Hotel Nord Otaru, situated alongside the canal, provided an excellent experience. The spacious room accommodated our needs, offering comfort with a cozy bed and pillows, ensuring a good night's rest after our skiing activities.

In close proximity, numerous shops line the street, offering confectionery snacks, cakes, and biscuits.

The hotel staff were exceptionally helpful, providing clear directions when asked about nearby shops. Convenient parking was available at the hotel, costing ¥1,200 for the night.

Despite a momentary lapse in misplacing my room card, the hotel's reception promptly returned it when I inquired, showcasing excellent customer service. Kudos to the staff!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

25 Dec 2023

kgo

Spaciouse, excellent ambientand perfect staffs

8/10

Excellent

15 Dec 2023

Anna

My favourite #1 hotel in Otaru. Very well located and just mins walk to Otaru train station, Otaru canal, KFC & Sakaimachi street and I love the spread of their breakfast ❤️! I booked a Junior Suite and was given #611. I am disappointed cos the room looks dated and totally different from the pic shown on Expedia website. The only difference is there's an extra toilet. The Suite next door to mine is the one I wanted!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2023

Chua

very good location right next to the otaru canal. 10-15 minute walk to the shopping street. Superb breakfast, very clean rooms, aesthetic hotel.
I have nothing to complain about!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2023

Dee

We enjoyed walking by the canal. Great location. 15-20 min walk to Otaru station and fish market. Room was very family-friendly when you travel with kids.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2023

Mizuho

Easy access to the Otaru station, boat tours and canal. The lounge bar on the top floor was awesome with a great view and greater service.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2023

Edelwina

Great location- walking distance to the covered street shopping district, Odori park, Sapporo tower & Odori station. So many dining options nearby, including the Oyabare on the 2nd floor of the hotel. Friendly and polite staff is a big plus, too. Highly recommended!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Jun 2023

wai chong

Very near to otaru canal

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jun 2023

Verified traveler

Otaru for 2 nights

The hotel location was great but room was rather dated and could use refurnished of the bathroom fixtures such as taps. In addition many hotels offer complementary parking, hotel nord should also consider offering such service.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 May 2023

Cheryl

The hotel staff were polite and helpful. The buffet breakfast was a satisfying way to begin the day. We were able to walk from Hotel Nord to all of the sightseeing activities of Otaru. Our room was clean and comfortable. I wish that we had discovered the quaint bar at the top of the hotel before the day that we left. I would have loved to have a cocktail and watch the sunset. However, I discovered it the day we left, and I was able to sit quietly and watch the port/canal and other activity while writing postcards!!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2023

james

Love the location and super nice canal view in superior twin room. Room was large with a sofa bed. Breakfast was really nice! Loved the Hokkaido milk pudding!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Mar 2023

MIchael

Convenient hotel with nice amenities, restaurant and upper level bar. I’d stay here again.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2023

Jean

The location was very convenience, it was across the canal, the staff are all friendly.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2023

Ruojie

The breakfast of this hotel is very good. Lots of options.
The room size for 2 people is pretty good.
Bathroom with bathtub and shower area is very spacious.
The only thing missing is hanging area for wet clothes. We were quite surprised such a big bathroom does not have any hanging facilities for our washed clothes.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2023

Masaki

Great location!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Dec 2022

Masaki

Good location and nice room.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Dec 2022

Harry William van

Had a fantastic trip there

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

11 Feb 2022

Taniesha

Very spacious , clean and nice view. Location is very convenient

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2021

Verified traveler

駅から適度な距離にあって、部屋から運河も眺められて、お部屋も建物も清潔で、エントランスホールは天井が高くて、諸々具合良い感じでした。

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2020

Thomas

Lovely location

Comfy beds and room. Great location and a nice breakfast. Great spot to see canal and explore.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2020

WeiTing

The location is easy to find and walkable distance to Sakaimachi Street and Otaru canal. The staffs are very helpful and friendly.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2020

Peter

Great rooms and good size for Japan, very good location right at the canal, good for the lantern festival.

Partner

4/10

Poor

16 Feb 2020

Robert

Very dated hotel with smokers near the canal.

I booked this Hotel at the last minute as I needed to stay an extra night in Otaru due to weather. The hotel is extremely worn and dated. The lobby, hallways and bar have a foul smell. I don’t know if they have a dead animal in the heating system or use string cleaning products but it was gross. The space around the front desk smelled like smoke. The front desk staff said that wasn’t possible as it’s a non smoking hotel and maybe it was coming from the outside.

My room was incredibly dated, the bed was uncomfortable and the linens terrible! I appreciated the pajamas and the spaciousness of the room but that’s it. For literally 20 dollars more I stayed at a much nicer hotel around the corner. The bar upstairs doesn’t open until later in the evening.

In terms of service, The bartender was the nicest person I met at the hotel. The sample appetizer and drink was nice albeit very small. When I was finally enjoying the hotel and having a cocktail at the bar, a man came in lit a cigarette and began to smoke at the bar. It was disgusting! The entire room smelled of smoke. I along with other guests were grossed out. I would have stayed to have another drink but I couldn’t breathe.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

Everything is ok.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2020

LIM

Great Experience

Great experience, nice view of the canal, tasty buffet, 10 mins walk to Otaru Music Box Museum

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

good location , the view is beautyful.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2020

Thassanee

Samui Traveller

Room is very spacious and bfast was good.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

22 Dec 2019

Elizabeth

Executive room is the best!

Huge room with a massage chair, with dining and sofa! Amazing bathtub and very cosy too

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

16 Dec 2019

Grace

Good location

Hotel is a bit dated but the room is considered quite big based on Japan standard.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Dec 2019

Yew

excellent location, just opposite the famous Otaru Canal

Leisure Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

05 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

A little more smile can do wonders

Was looking forward to a more friendly experience after reading the review, however the front desk staff did not really appear enthusiastic when we did the check in, nor other hotel staff during our 2 night stay in the hotel. The room looks dated although relatively spacious as compared to others of similar rating. It is conveniently located to many eateries and shops, and it’s a short walk from the Otaru train station.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Dec 2019

Sammi

Tidy and clean, right next to the Otaru Canal, breakfast at a very nice restaurant with stunning scenery. Friendly staff!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2019

Xiao

Value for $, room small (as per Japanese standard) but fully functional!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2019

Mary.K

This hotel is very near the Otaru canal and only takes 15 mins from the Otaru station. Also, all the staffs are very nice and friendly. I strongly recommend this hotel, if you have a chance to visit Otaru.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2019

CHUN

Very nice place to stay, good location & Hotel staffs very friendly!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

The Hotel Nord is in a great location opposite the main canal and about 10 minutes walk from the station. The staff were very pleasant and helpful. The room was very comfortable and looked like it had been recently renovated.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Close to all attractions and close to train station. Many Resturant.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

31 Oct 2019

Cho Koen

I’ve Canal view. Nice autumn foliage viewing

Self

8/10

Excellent

24 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Enjoyed

Clean and convenient place. Perfect spot for the tourists .

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

We were allowed to enter our room before the regular check in time. Good view right to the canal from our room. Room was spacious and clean.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

30 May 2019

Verified traveler

Blankets and bathtub sticked with some hair

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Good food, good location, good room. We will be back again.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

It is right next to otaru canal and close to shopping street too.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2019

Kat2019

very convenient location and staff was very friendly.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Great location which the hotel just opposite the Otaru canal.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

10 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

All was good. Love the pillows

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

My only complaint wood be slippery ice on the footpath adjacent to the hotel entrance.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Mar 2019

Say Huat

great hotel!

Friends

8/10

Excellent

18 Jul 2026

reirei

とても良かったですが、構造上仕方ないのですが、トイレバスが一体なのが残念でした

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

18 Jul 2026

Makoto

朝食は美味しかったです。
室内はいい意味でクラッシックなデザインですが、シャワー圧がかなり弱い。また、トイレの便座とペーパーの距離がかなり近すぎて使いにくかった。

Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 Jul 2026

keiko

立地がよく、観光にも便利だった。荷物を預けたが、受け取りの時、スタッフが常駐していなかったので、改善してほしい。

Friends

8/10

Excellent

10 Jul 2026

HIROMI

客室がきれいでした。
ユニットバスではなく、洗い場のついたお風呂でしたので使いやすかったです。

Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2026

tangyu

住宿中訂閱了早餐。早餐非常豐盛。員工的服務態度也很好。飯店位置絕佳在運河旁。是值得下次來訪小樽的首選。

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2026

CHIA CHANG

飯店地點非常好，外面就是小樽運河，還有逛街的地方，都在這附近走路可以到，可以看到運河，房間比較小。

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

04 Jul 2026

masanao

立地もいいし、サービスも良かった。
が　トイレだけ流れが悪かったのが残念です。

Partner

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