This is one of those typical large hotels where your experience depends a lot on what room you end up in. I clearly ended up in a lesser room. (As I was there on invitation to a meeting, I didn't select this hotel personally, nor had any say in the room booking.)

A few key issues that did not meet with my approval: smell of smoke, dirty/used slippers, bedspreads in stead of duvets (and no blankets), such low ceilings in the shower that anyone over 1m80 hits his/her head, only one english speaking TV station (BBC World), and not a single bit of English in any of the documents or brochures (ie. menus, hotel details, etc.) in the room.

The lack of English prevailed through all the hotel services (including the concierge!) The fact that this hotel does NOT cater to foreigners was most apparent in the restaurants however. Even the "western" breakfast had little of the standards one would expect of a hotel of this standing... the choice and quality were both extremely disappointing.

On the positive side, the spa was was very nice... and most of the personnel were very kind and well intentioned.

I stayed here for 3 nights will attending an international scientific congress in Sapporo. The comfort rooms in hotel are excellent. A small issue that could be a large problem is the inability of most of the staff to communicate with English speaking guests. One of the managers Mr Mori speaks excellent English went above and beyond to help me with an additional nights reservation even though the Grand Hotel was fully booked. In fact he escorted me to another hotel that he had secured a room at for me. The hotel is in a very convenient location for Sapporo Station but not close to the convention center. I would highly recommend the hotel but be prepared to be patient in getting answers to questions of the Japanese staff.

I have been staying at Sapporo Grand Hotel for a few times. Every time it was a pleasant stay. Convenient location between Sapporo station and Suzukino, walkable distance to both stations. Reception staff, as in most Japanes hotels, is very helpful and polite. Depending on which wing you are staying, some rooms are larger and renovated than others. There used to have a noodle shop " santouko" in the basement but was later closed.

Rates in winter times is much cheaper than in summer, but of course given the extreme cold in Sapporo in winter, choice of activities is limited. Don't forget to visit the noodle shop " Aji No Tokeidai" nearby.

Most important tip is that there are several types of rooms so book with caution. Originally, I booked a regular room which looked like a typical Japanese hotel which means not so good. However, I changed it at the front desk to the COMFORT floor rooms after I did a bit more research on my train ride into Sapporo Station. The COMFORT rooms are renovated and modern. On par with the Hyatt and Hiltons. Luckily, the General Manager was there, and he kindly negoitated a better deal for me. Thank you if you are reading this. Location is excellent. Near train stations and department stores. Sheraton Sapporo is out of the way which was another choice. One drawback was room service. Food was excellent. However, it took 1 hour for dinner and 45 minutes for breakfast.