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The OMO series by Hoshino Resorts is positioned as an urban tourism hotel brand, inviting guests to explore the novel allure of urban life.
In Hokkaido, there are three OMO hotels: OMO3 Sapporo Susukino, OMO5 Otaru, and OMO7 Asahikawa. This time, IM FIRST CLASS chose to stay at OMO3 Sapporo Susukino and OMO7 Asahikawa, exploring the distinctive features of the OMO brand and delving into the rich and captivating urban cultures of Sapporo and Asahikawa.
OMO3 Sapporo Susukino
Upon entering OMO3 Sapporo Susukino, one is immediately captivated by the shop-sign adorned wall stretching across the hotel entrance, showcasing an array of Hokkaido's prided gourmet delights. Illuminated in the evening, these signs sparkle with a dazzling vibrancy, unveiling the bustling allure of Susukino.
Anyone familiar with Sapporo understands that Susukino is the neighbourhood that never sleeps, the epicentre of nightlife adorned with a plethora of restaurants, izakayas, nightclubs, shops, and even a 24-hour Don Quijote. One must commend the strategic location of OMO3 Sapporo Susukino, not only conveniently accessible by public transportation but also astutely attuned to the preferences of young travellers, ensuring that every desire is met just beyond the hotel threshold.
The abundance, however, can be overwhelming. With over 3,000 dining establishments in Susukino alone, discovering the ideal spot within a short timeframe proves to be a daunting challenge. Fortunately, the hotel lobby provides a culinary map, and OMO rangers, ever considerate, host "Susukino Apéro Tasting Sessions" where they delve into local culinary culture, offering a gastronomic tour.
As the guide expounded on Hokkaido's most beloved culinary delight - ramen, I looked up and noticed the clever use of sushi plates, ramen bowls, and even grilling pans as hanging lamps. Such a delightful touch of creativity.
While OMO3 Sapporo Susukino doesn't boast a conventional restaurant, the food and drinks stand presents an assortment of food including bread, sandwiches, bagels, rice balls, cakes, fruit juices, snacks, and appetisers. All of them are carefully curated selections from nearby establishments.
To satiate the cravings of epicurean travellers, OMO3 Sapporo Susukino introduces a special plan, "Ramen Yokocho - Dive into Ramen," offering accommodation packages inclusive of three ramen vouchers. This allows guests to savour half-sized portions of ramen at any of the 17 participating establishments in the nearby Ramen Yokocho. With each voucher exchanging for a different ramen flavour, a night filled with diverse ramen experiences is guaranteed.
In summary, OMO3 Sapporo Susukino offers exceptional value for money. Though the rooms may not be expansive, they excel in comfort and cleanliness, while the facilities, though modest, exude a sense of spatial elegance. What truly sets it apart is the opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the cultural ambiance of Susukino. The hotel staff and rangers ardently recommend nearby specialty shops, striving to make every guest's journey in Sapporo unique. It's these personalised services that infuse warmth into a hotel, providing guests with compelling reasons to return time and again.
For more information:
Website: hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/omo3sapporosusukino
OMO7 Asahikawa
From the moment of check-in, OMO7 Asahikawa Hotel extends a warm welcome to its guests, offering complimentary coffee, welcome drinks, ice cream, and more. Upon entering, one is greeted by the sight of Hokkaido white birch wood and an array of adorable animal plush toys representing the famous Asahiyama Zoo. Asahikawa furniture, renowned far and wide, adorns the spacious lobby with its delicate wooden pieces, exuding a sense of warmth.
This lofty and expansive space transcends the mere check-in area; it resembles a tastefully designed multifunctional lounge. Even before stepping into the guest rooms or experiencing the hotel's sauna facilities, a sense of relaxation pervades, setting the stage for a delightful and soothing journey.
With a total of 237 rooms, OMO7 Asahikawa boasts particularly popular themed rooms featuring polar bears, penguins, and brown bears. As the tallest structure in the vicinity, rooms on the 10th floor and above offer panoramic views of Asahikawa city. During my stay, I visited the hotel's limited-time campfire bar, sipping Hokkaido whisky while inhaling the fragrance of burning wood in the air.
In alignment with the OMO brand philosophy, OMO7 Asahikawa is situated in the lively district of Asahikawa, with the bustling Heiwa-dori Shopping Park, Japan's first pedestrian-only shopping street, just a five-minute walk away. The alleys flanking the street conceal an array of local delicacies. Indeed, I participated in OMO7 Asahikawa's guided tour, traversing charming lanes exuding the nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere.
For those visiting Hokkaido in winter for skiing, choosing OMO7 Asahikawa as a base is an excellent decision. Within the same budget constraints, compared to ski resorts, staying in a ski city allows for an extended enjoyment of the sport. Moreover, the surrounding area offers numerous dining options. Even if the weather disrupts skiing plans, time can be pleasantly spent in nearby cafes and shops. As Asahikawa hosts several ski resorts, OMO7 Asahikawa also provides convenient bus services directly to these slopes.
OMO7 Asahikawa
Website: omo-hotels.com/asahikawa/zh-cn/
About OMO
The OMO series, the fourth brand established by Hoshino Resorts after Hoshinoya, RISONARE, and KAI in 2018 (now followed by the fifth brand, BEB), distinguishes itself within the impression most have of Hoshino Resorts as luxurious and high-end. Contrary to this image, OMO positions itself as a budget-friendly brand, seamlessly blending with local culture to ensure that even those with modest preferences can easily access and enjoy the high-quality services synonymous with Hoshino Resorts.
Before checking in, did you know that the numbers associated with OMO series represent the different facilities and services offered by each hotel?
OMO1: Capsule Hotel, a minimalist travel base.
OMO3: Basic Hotel, offering breakfast and guided services.
OMO5: Boutique Hotel, featuring unique design, coffee shops, restaurants, and guided activities.
OMO7: Full-Service Hotel, a city landmark with coffee shops, restaurants, banquet halls, and guided activities.
For more information:
Website: hoshinoresorts.com/en/brands/omo/
