<p>The building on the left is the Hotel Sonia. The one in the middle is the annex, Hotel Sonia II.</p>

The building on the left is the Hotel Sonia. The one in the middle is the annex, Hotel Sonia II. (Photo: Sandra Isaka)

Otaru's Hotel Sonia in Hokkaido

Ideally located accommodations for the budget-minded

Sandra Isaka Dec 11, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The building on the left is the Hotel Sonia. The one in the middle is the annex, Hotel Sonia II.</p>

<p>Although facing Otaru's main street, as a light sleeper, the traffic noise did not bother me at night.</p>

<p>There is no staff at the front desk of Hotel Sonia. Guests must check in and out at the Hotel Sonia II.</p>

<p>The lobby is its own mini museum.</p>

<p>This was a regular twin room. </p>

<p>Rooms with double beds, deluxe twin rooms, and Junior suites are also available.</p>

<p>The bathroom was slightly larger than a regular Japanese 'unit' bath.</p>

<p>The bathtub</p>

<p>View from our window of Otaru's famous canal.</p>

<p>A fantastic beer hall with outdoor seating sits directly across from Hotel Sonia, on the opposite side of the canal.</p>

Located directly across from Otaru's famous brick warehouse-lined canal, the Hotel Sonia is a great choice for travelers on a budget. Although it slightly resembles a love hotel on the outside, the inside is uniquely decorated in a 'European' style. Our regular twin room was spacious, comfortable, and quiet. Guests can expect simple accommodations at a good price. For those who drive, there is a parking lot behind their annex, Hotel Sonia II. The website is only in Japanese; however, rooms can be booked in English on a number of travel websites.

Sandra Isaka

Sandra Isaka @sandra.isaka

As an intercultural consultant & Japan travel specialist with 20 years in Japan, I love sharing my favorite places with others.