When visiting Chitose Air Base for its annual airshow back in July, I stayed at Toyoko Inn Tomakomai Station hotel. While it is not an airport hotel per se, it is still an alternative worth considering in case all other options are sold out or too pricy.
Combined with the fact that Toyoko Inn runs more than 200 hotels all over Japan with facilities comparable with the ones at the Tomakomai one, I thought it was worthwhile to write this review.
Booking the Room & Getting to the Hotel
My friend booked the room for me directly on the hotel’s website. The rate was 5,500 yen (a bit more than 50 dollars) for the night. However, given that I stay at Toyoko Inn hotels every now and then, I decided to join the “Toyoko Inn Club” which, for 1,500 yen sign-up fee, offers various benefits including:
- 5% off the published rate on Monday through Saturday nights, 20% off on Sundays and national holidays
- One point per night, and a free single room night for every ten points
The hotel itself is a three minute walk from Tomakomai station which is about 35 minutes away from New Chitose airport by train.
Reception Area & Check-In
The reception of the hotel is on its ground floor. Besides the counter, there is also a seating area which in the morning serves as the breakfast area. And, although there is not much to choose from, for the price you can stay at the hotel for, it is decent.
There is also a luggage storage area, as well as a closet with pyjamas (and other amenities) available next to the reception desk.
Finally, the first floor also has a couple of computers and a printer as well as several coin-operated washing machines available for use by its guests.
The check-in process itself was quick, and my Toyoko Inn Club card was issued immediately. Interestingly, the membership card also serves as the room key.
Guest Room
My room was on the third floor. It was a typical Japanese business hotel room that barely fit the bed.
On the right side of the entrance, there was the “unit bathroom.” The amenities provided in the room included shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and a dental kit. Other amenities were, as mentioned above, available at the reception.
Large part of the main part of the room was taken up by the semi-double bed.
Other than that, there was a desk with a TV – which also served as a work space. Under the counter, there was a safe, a tea set, as well as an empty refrigerator. Finally, there was a pants press – definitely useful for businessmen who are the main target of this hotel.
Toyoko Inn Tomakomai Hotel Summary
Overall, the Toyoko Inn Tomakomai hotel is a decent place to stay – especially for its price.
And, while the Tomakomai branch might not be in the most frequented location, with over 200 hotels all over Japan, there will likely be one near where you want to stay. In that case, given the consistence across the brand, I can only recommend the chain in case you are looking for a cheap place to stay.