Uncover Hakodate's Hidden Gem: HakoBA by THE SHARE HOTELS!
HakoBA by THE SHARE HOTELS: Hakodate's Secret Stash or Just Another Hotel? Let's Unpack This! (And My Luggage!)
Okay, folks, buckle up, because I just clawed my way back from Hakodate and I'm bursting to tell you about HakoBA by THE SHARE HOTELS. "Hidden gem," they call it. Let's see if it lives up to the hype. Spoiler alert: it's… complicated. But mostly good. Mostly.
First Impressions: Accessibility, Oh, and the Lobby…
Right off the bat, a big thumbs up for accessibility. They've clearly put some thought into it, which is HUGE. Wheelchair accessible is a big win - ramps everywhere, elevators that actually work, and the whole shebang. That's a solid start. The elevator is a lifesaver, especially after a long day tramping around Hakodate. And the Facilities for disabled guests are actually there. Trust me, I've seen some hotels with "accessible" rooms that are… well, let's just say a yoga mat and a prayer wouldn't cut it.
The Check-in/out [express] was a lifesaver after that crazy airport dash. They do have a Contactless check-in/out, which is great, especially if you're a germaphobe like me (and let's be honest, who isn't these days?). But hold on, there's a catch… my key card didn't work the first time. Minor hiccup, quickly resolved by the friendly staff, but hey, it's a human experience, right?
The lobby area, though, is where the "SHARE HOTELS" vibe really hits you. It’s all exposed brick and minimalist chic – think "Instagrammable" but with a library vibe. They've got a gift/souvenir shop tucked away, always good for those last-minute presents (or impulse buys for yourself). And there's a convenience store, perfect for late-night snacks or that desperately needed bottle of water.
Rooms: Cozy Cocoon or Cramped Quarters?
My room… it was… compact. Let's just say I wouldn't recommend doing cartwheels in it. But it was clean. Spotlessly clean, which is a major win. The Daily housekeeping staff were on point. The bed? Ah, the bed! Surprisingly comfortable. I sunk into it like a warm, fluffy cloud after exploring the city all day. The Linens were crisp and fresh.
Okay, here's the thing, I'm a sucker for a good view. My room didn’t exactly have that, I didn’t ask for the High floor option. I did a quick inventory; Air conditioning? Check. Coffee/tea maker? Check and check! Hair dryer? Got it. Complimentary tea? Yes! Free Wi-Fi [free]? Absolutely! That’s a modern-day necessity, and they nail it. The Internet access – wireless was also speedy.
They have Non-smoking rooms, thank goodness. And a safe in the room for peace of mind. A mini-bar! Yes! Though I may have been too preoccupied exploring the city to give it a proper audit. A Refrigerator is always handy for late-night snack stashing and keeping chilled beverages handy. The Desk area was functional, though I’d have liked a little more space to spread out my travel documents.
The Bathroom: A Small Victory!
The bathroom? Surprisingly decent! The Separate shower/bathtub was a pleasant surprise – I love a good soak after a long day of walking. Plenty of Towels, nice and fluffy. Decent Toiletries. And, crucially, everything worked. No leaky faucets, no dodgy water pressure. Small victories, people, small victories!
Food, Glorious Food! (And Sometimes, Not So Glorious)
Alright, let's talk grub. The Breakfast [buffet]… was okay. A solid offering of Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options. There was a Buffet in restaurant, which is good for variety. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was always available. I was hoping for more local Hakodate specialties. I'm a sucker for Soup in restaurant. The A la carte in restaurant gives you a good option.
I tried the Restaurant. They also have Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant. The food was… fine. Not mind-blowing, but edible. The Coffee shop was good for a quick caffeine fix, but the Snack bar was a bit underwhelming. I did enjoy my Salad in restaurant.
The Room service [24-hour] is a major plus, especially after a long day of exploring. And the Bottle of water provided upon arrival was a thoughtful touch.
Drinking & Lounging: Happy Hour Hustle
They have a Bar! And a Poolside bar, if you happen to visit during warmer weather. And a Happy hour! I partook. It was… satisfying. The drinks were well made. Good Desserts in restaurant.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): Spa Dreams and Gym Realities
Alright, I didn't get to experience everything, but I did peek into the Spa. They have a Spa/sauna. They also have a Foot bath. And a Sauna. There’s a Steamroom. Not a fan of that, but I bet a lot of people appreciate it. There's supposed to be a Swimming pool [outdoor], but it was closed for the season. Pool with view is pretty neat.
They also have a Fitness center! I say “fitness center” – it was more like a tiny gym in a closet. Perfect if you want to do a quick bicep curl, but not exactly a full-blown workout paradise. I did some exercise in front of the TV in my room.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound?
The hotel takes cleanliness seriously. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, which is reassuring. There is Daily disinfection in common areas. They have Hygiene certification! I feel safe and sound!
They have First aid kit. They even provide Hand sanitizer.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras That Matter
They have a Concierge. Laundry service is very convenient. Daily housekeeping is great. They do have a Elevator. There is a Smoking area. The Luggage storage is appreciated. They also offer Cash withdrawal, if needed. Invoice provided is also handy.
I definitely used the Laundry service. And, they provide Ironing facilities. Very nice.
Getting Around – Airport Transfers and More!
They offer Airport transfer, which is always a lifesaver after a long flight. Car park [free of charge]. Taxi service is readily available, too.
For the Kids (and the Kids at Heart!)
They are Family/child friendly! Kids facilities. They have a Babysitting service.
The Big Question: Should You Book It?
So, is HakoBA a "hidden gem"? Maybe. It's not without its quirks. The food could be better, and the "gym" is a bit of a joke. But… the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, the rooms are clean and comfortable (despite being compact), the accessibility is top-notch, and the location is pretty good (easy access to the Hakodate Ropeway and Morning Market).
Here's my honest take: If you’re looking for a stylish, accessible, and generally pleasant stay in Hakodate, HakoBA is definitely worth considering. Just don't expect a 5-star luxury experience. Think of it as a relaxed, well-run, and slightly quirky basecamp for exploring this fascinating city.
My Offer for You (Because I Think You Should Go!)
Book your stay at HakoBA by THE SHARE HOTELS through [Your Affiliate Link/Website] and receive:
- A complimentary bottle of local Hakodate wine. (Because you deserve it after a day of exploring!)
- A discount on your first spa treatment. (To ease those tired muscles!)
- Early check-in (subject to availability). (So you can get settled in and start exploring sooner!)
Why book through me? Because I'm giving you the REAL scoop on HakoBA, warts and all. I've been there, done that, and I want to help you have an amazing Hakodate experience. Don't just take my word for it: go and discover the hidden gems of Hakodate for yourself! Just don't expect a gym that will turn you into a bodybuilder.
So, are you in? Let's book your adventure!
St. George's BEST-KEPT Secret: Economy Inn & Suites!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the chaotic, wonderful, and slightly sleep-deprived reality of my HakoBA Hakodate adventure. This isn't your perfectly polished travel brochure; this is the raw, unfiltered experience. And let me tell you, she was a wild ride.
HakoBA Hakodate: My Soul's Refueling Station (May 2nd - May 6th, 2024…ish)
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious Uncertainty (aka, Hakodate, I'm Finally Here!)
- Morning (8:00 AM - ?): Okay, so, the flight was delayed. Like, really delayed. My carefully curated playlist of chill Japanese music went from "calming vibes" to "existential dread" pretty quickly. Landed in Hakodate with that weird airport-exhaustion-plus-anxiety cocktail going strong. Thankfully, the air hung with that crisp, clean scent of the sea, which, oddly enough, soothed me instantly.
- Mid-Morning - Afternoon (1:00 PM-ish): Taxi-ing to THE SHARE HOTELS Hakodate. Now, let's be real, I was expecting "stylish minimalist" and I got… gasp …actually stylish minimalist! The lobby had these massive windows, and the sun was just PUNCHING through. Checked in, dropped my bags, and immediately regretted my pre-trip packing choices (why did I think I'd need nine different scarves?).
- Afternoon (2:30 PM - ?): Lunch at Lucky Pierrot. (Note: I'm already pretty convinced I'll marry into this place). The Hakodate Burger? Glorious. Messy. Delicious. I may have inadvertently used a napkin to dab the ketchup from my beard. And, bonus points: my first real glimpse of the locals! I've seen the people and started thinking, "wow". It's like a cultural experience.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Walked around the Old Public Hall of Hakodate. It was all very…Victorian? Pretty. Fine. Whatever. But I fell in love with the view from Mount Hakodate (more on that later – it deserves its own level of gushing).
- Evening (7:00 PM - Late): Dinner at a tiny ramen shop called [Insert Ramen Shop Name Here – I honestly can't remember, brain is mush] . The broth was so intensely flavorful it practically slapped me awake. Talk about pure, unadulterated joy. It was so good that I almost ordered a second bowl, but the shame of it stopped me. Almost. The shop was packed, and the noodles were perfect. Also, my Japanese is AWFUL. Like, "point and pray" level awful. But the ramen guy, he just got it. He smiled, nodded, and brought me the best damn bowl of noodles I've ever had. That's the Japan I love.
Day 2: Mount Hakodate, Seafood Overload and the Search for the Elusive Perfect Picture
- Morning (8:00 AM): Woke up with an overwhelming urge to eat seafood. So, that was the mission.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Morning market! Oh. My. God. The sheer volume of fresh fish, the vendors shouting their wares, the smell of the sea… it was sensory overload in the best possible way. I swear I ate half of Hakodate's salmon supply. Also, tried Uni (sea urchin) for the first time… It’s briny, creamy, and I'm pretty sure I'm now addicted. I then immediately regretted everything I’d eaten for the last week.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Mount Hakodate – Round Two: You know that spot that everyone says is "unmissable"? THIS IS THAT SPOT. The night view is supposed to be iconic, but I accidentally went during GOLDEN HOUR and the play of light? Jaw-dropping. I took a million photos, none of which came close to capturing the actual beauty. I, in fact, decided to give up and just live it.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Late): Dinner at a little sushi place that looked sketchier than a back alley but was recommended by the hotel staff. Risk paid off big time. The sushi was fresh, the sake flowed freely, and the conversations in broken Japanese with the sushi chef were genuinely heartwarming. It was the kind of dinner that makes you want to write a novel. Or at least text your mom. I did both, lol.
Day 3: The Fort, Goryōkaku, and a Sudden Urge to Become a Historian
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Goryōkaku Fort and Park. This five-pointed star fort is actually really fascinating from a historical perspective. Walking around the area makes me really feel at peace. I spent way too long exploring, reading the history, and realizing that my high school history classes were a total waste of time. What would you be interested in, if you’re thinking about it?
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Lunch. (Seafood, naturally). Did I mention I love seafood? This is becoming a problem.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore the fort and the park. I did this in a flurry of excitement. After seeing the fort, I strolled along the pathway, taking in the scenery.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Late): Evening was spent relaxing at HakoBA. The hotel bar is great, the atmosphere even greater. The atmosphere is amazing. Maybe I should have just stayed here.
Day 4: Double down on Things and the Art of Doing Nothing (aka, the best day!)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): This is the day that everyone should get to do the things they wanted to do. I decided to start this day by going to a shopping district. I got to meet the local people and take in as much of a culture as I could.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM): I decided to take a cruise of Hakodate. This was one of the best things I'd ever done in my life. I got to see the place where I stayed. I got to see the way people live. There was even an island.
- Evening (7:00 PM - Late): I had the best dinner experience. I went to a sushi restaurant. The best sushi I'd ever had. The chef said my Japanese was horrible, but he still liked me. This was the best.
- Night (Late): After going home, I had a moment of peace. This was by far, the best day of my life.
Day 5: Departure - and the Promise of a Return (and Endless Seafood Dreams)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): I still want more. One last Lucky Pierrot burger before I left. (I’m so predictable.)
- Mid-Morning: Got to the airport. This time, the flight was smooth, and I was filled with sadness. So I went home.
Final Thoughts:
Hakodate, you stole a piece of my heart. The food was incredible, the people were kind, and the scenery… well, the scenery was beyond words. I want to come back.
The Share Hotels Hakodate? Absolutely perfect. Stylish, comfortable, and with a staff that genuinely made me feel welcome. It was the perfect base for my Hakodate adventure. The hotel’s bar was also great, it was the best place to meet.
My Imperfections:
- Packing: I packed the wrong clothes and the wrong books for the wrong time.
- Japanese: My Japanese is so horrendous, but the locals didn't mind!
- Photography: My photos don’t do Hakodate justice.
- Eating: Yes, I definitely ate too much seafood.
The Honest Truth:
Hakodate isn't just a destination; it's an experience. It’s messy, it's wonderful, and it’ll leave you wanting more. Go. Just go. And don’t forget the Lucky Pierrot.
Manhattan Getaway: Comfort Suites Luxury Awaits!
1. Okay, so what *is* HakoBA supposed to be, anyway? Like, a hotel? A hostel? A cult? (Kidding... mostly.)
Alright, so HakoBA… it's a SHARE HOTEL, which sounds fancy, right? Look, imagine a super-stylish, vaguely Scandinavian-looking building that’s *trying* to be a bit of everything. Basically, it's a hotel, but they're *really* pushing the "community" thing. Think shared spaces, a bar that’s probably cooler than you are, and a vibe that screams "Instagrammable." You can get private rooms, dorm rooms (yes, those exist in 2024!), and all sorts of configurations. It's supposed to be for "travelers and locals," whatever that means. I'm still unclear on who exactly the "locals" are supposed to be... maybe they just crave artisanal coffee and exposed brick as much as the tourists?
2. The Rooms: Are they actually habitable? Or just for show? (Because sometimes those beautiful hotel rooms are a NIGHTMARE.)
Alright, this is where things get… varied. My experience? My room was pretty decent. It wasn't palatial, but it was clean, functional, and – thank god – had a decent bed. I'm a sucker for a comfy bed after a long day of exploring. BUT… and this is a big but… my friend, Sarah, who I was with? Her room was *tiny*. Like, seriously, if she’d coughed the wrong way, she’d practically be changing rooms. She complained, constantly. So, yeah. Room sizes? Hit or miss. Request a big one. Seriously. Don't be shy. You're paying! And be sure how it works the air conditioning.
3. That Bar! The heart and soul (or the source of ALL the noise) of HakoBA? Tell me everything!
Oh, the bar. Okay, the bar is… central. REALLY central. Like, it’s the focal point. It's beautiful, all wood and exposed brick, the lighting’s perfect, and they have a decent selection of local craft beers. The staff are, mostly, really friendly and speak English! (Bless them). The problem? Its open until late. And the sound... Oh, god, the sound. If you're a light sleeper *avoid* rooms near the bar. Or, failing that, pack industrial-strength earplugs. I’m not kidding. During one night, I'm pretty sure I could hear someone's karaoke session from the fourth floor. It was a *vibe*. (In a chaotic, sleep-deprived way).
4. The "Community" Vibe… Is it real? Am I forced to mingle? Because sometimes, I really, REALLY don't want to.
This is the big question, isn't it? The "community" thing. Look, they *try*. There are common areas, games nights (maybe), and you can definitely strike up a conversation with someone at the bar. I met some cool people! But, honestly? It's what you make it. If you want to hide away in your room with your book and your secret stash of Pocky, you totally can. No one is going to force you to get involved, which is a huge plus for us introverts. It's more "vibe-adjacent" than mandatory social club.
5. Location, Location, Location! Is HakoBA actually a good base for exploring Hakodate?
Absolutely! The location is a HUGE win. It’s right in the historical district, so prime real estate. You're a short walk from the red brick warehouses, the morning market (don't skip it!), and all the charming little streets. Plus, the tram is practically on your doorstep. Getting around Hakodate from HakoBA? Super easy. No complaints on this front. It’s one of the best locations in Hakodate to begin with.
6. Breakfast… Is it worth it? Or should I scavenge for convenience store snacks?
Okay, the breakfast. *Sigh*. It's… a mixed bag. It’s a buffet, with some local options (fish, rice, the usual Japanese breakfast staples). Honestly? Their coffee was decent. A lifesaver. But I found it slightly overpriced for what it was. If you're a breakfast fiend, then go for it. If you are happy to have a convenience store breakfast, then go for it. I personally went grab a pastry and coffee at a nearby bakery, just to feel like I was truly integrating with the culture. Do not be a slave to a meal.
7. Okay, let's talk about the bathrooms. Clean? Functional? Or a disaster zone?
The bathrooms were generally clean. That’s the good news. They’re also pretty standard, nothing fancy. If you're a high-maintenance bathroom person, you might want to bring your own spa kit or something. The showers were fine. Nothing groundbreaking, just… functional. What I will say is, there was *always* hot water, which is a massive win in my book. Especially after a chilly day exploring Hakodate.
8. The Staff: Friendly? Helpful? Or completely lost?
The staff were, on the whole, lovely. Young, mostly, and eager. They spoke decent English, which is a huge help if your Japanese is… limited, like mine. They were super helpful with directions, restaurant recommendations, and generally just being nice. I had an issue with my room key once (classic me), and they sorted it out quickly and with a smile. They’re definitely a strong point for the hotel.
9. Okay, one BIG thing: Parking. Is it available? And if so, how difficult is it?
YES, HakoBA has parking. But it's… limited. And a bit of a pain. It's not on-site, you have to walk a little. And it fills up fast, especially during high season. Call ahead to book a parking spot. Seriously. Don't just assume you can waltz in and park. It could ruin your whole Hakodate experience, and I’m not even slightly exaggerating. Plan ahead—it'll save you a headache.
Comfort Zone Inn
