Scenic Hotels in Sobetsu

"5 star view. The wow factor is at the lobby where the impressive floor to ceiling windows are clear enough to showcase Mt Yotei and the surrounding lake. The view from the room is also great. Fireworks can be seen clearly. Food wise, I say it's decent buffet fare. For the bundled price, it's pretty value for money. Maybe I was there during the off peak period, so I don't face many of the overcrowding or bad WiFi issues others do especially during peak season. The bad. I was given the very last room at the end of the corridor. There is no aircon. Towards the evening, the room was stuffy and hot. I called reception and was told that due to the season where Lake Toya area was supposedly cold, the hotel turn off Central aircon. But also thanks to the typhoon, there was a hotter than usual spell. I was advised to open my room door so that the cold air from the opened windows along the corridor can cool my room down. But no amount of cooling helped if there's no circulation. In the end, I asked for a fan. For the first time, I slept in a warm hotel room with a fan on. The pillow was also very flat. So I totally didn't get much rest. I think the hotel management need to exercise some discretion in knowing when to prioritise guests comfort over saving electricity or following protocol. Tldr: good views but bad rooms"

"My stay at Lake Toya Tsuruga Resort was very close to perfection. The highlight was undoubtedly the food. I experienced one Kaiseki dinner that completely exceeded my expectations. Every course showcased remarkable attention to detail, from the artistic presentation to the exceptional quality of ingredients and refined flavours. It wasn't simply a meal; it felt like a carefully choreographed culinary journey. Breakfast was equally impressive. Guests can choose between a Japanese or Western set breakfast, complemented by access to a buffet featuring fresh local offerings and no fewer than six varieties of healthy morning shakes. It is rare to find a resort that pays such careful attention to both indulgence and wellness. The service throughout the resort was warm, professional, and distinctly Japanese in its precision. The property itself blends beautifully with the tranquil surroundings of Lake Toya, creating a peaceful atmosphere that encourages guests to slow down and simply enjoy the moment. The only reason I am not awarding a perfect score is the private in-room onsen and the resorts main onsen located on level 3. While the bath itself was excellent, the view was partially obstructed, preventing guests from fully appreciating the stunning scenery that makes Lake Toya so special. Had the view been completely unobstructed, this would have been an easy 9 out of 10 experience. Why only 9/10 and what is the remaining 1 point deduction you ask? Please know that you need a car to go around as there is no stores, restaurants, or convenient stores within walking distance. You need to drive 4mins to get to the next convenience store. There is a main township where most hotels, 7eleven, lawson etc are located."

"Terrific stay, made easier because of the English speaking staff. We went to the (almost local) ski resort while we were here, which is about 50 minutes away. No complaints about this place, and today, as we're leaving, it's a glorious day that would have been nice to explore the lake area (it was a bit blizzardy for the last 2 days). Back to sapparo now on a bus which takes a couple of hours. Sol is recommended. Here's the onsen password in case you forget (men)."

"Cosy, retro feels with good amenities (slippers, wifi, refrigerator etc, public coffee/hot water/tea machine), good value for money given the location. Beautiful garden with sakura trees. Also there's a seicomart next door, which is very convenient. Building is rather quaint and homely, which I prefer to the cookie cutter hotels closer to the commercial stretch of Lake Toya. There was a public bath that I was a little too intimidated/tired to use, but definitely check it out if it's your thing. Very friendly, nice staff who checked us in and out."