We would stay at the sapporo either on route back to OPF (Lunskoy) 2008 or a short stop over before flying home. I always found the staff to be extremely helpful. The front desk staff always had a smile and always willing to help. If you know a few russian phrases it helps break the ice.

I cannot say a bad word about this Hotel...I enjoyed every visit...and wish i could return. The girl on reception (katia) was a really nice girl and she would have a very warm smile welcoming us all back....Miss katia and MISS Yuzhno...Tony O'Hara Middlesbrough UK.

I found very little wrong with this hotel. Having read previous reviews I was not expecting the quality and service that I received.

The monolithic exterior of Sakhalin Sapporo hides a well decorated and well maintained interior. My room was large, nicely furnished and with a good, clean bathroom. Several English language TV channels were available. Internet access is available free of charge in rooms and via wifi in the lobby and bar.

The reception staff spoke excellent English and were extremely helpful with travel arrangements.

The bar seems popular and reasonably priced - bar food is also good. Bar staff are friendly, helpful and speak good English. Breakfast is also good, with interesting variables on a western style buffet menu.

There is also a small gym with a couple of well maintained treadmills, weight machines and free weights.

Centrally located within walking distance of much of the town, the Sapporo provided me with good quality accommodation at a reasonable price. I would certainly stay there again in future.

The only minor criticism I have is the relative scarcity of soap and towels in the bathroom - they are there, but seem somewhat rationed! Also there is a kettle, cup and saucer in the room but no tea, coffee etc. You probably have to buy your own if you can figure out how and where to do this.

Plus -
Very close to commercial town centre, railway station, civic amenities, restaurants & banks.

Negative -
Bit old style, Still in soviet mind state, People know little english, no much food choice (vegetarian) at its restaurant, Very old electric system (frequent power cuts, no proper heating).

I first stayed in this place back in 2004, when I made a mental note to avoid staying here again. So it was with reluctance that I found myself returning four years later after my usual hotel (the Mega Palace (not currently listed in TripAdvisor)) was fully booked up.

I have to say though that my latest stay was not all that bad. The rooms are a bit sparse and characterless and the furniture a bit tatty, but the rooms are a good size and have a little kitchenette, which is useful if you're staying a bit longer. The rooms are thoroughly cleaned every day and the laundry service was good and reliable.

The breakfast is good and the evening restaurant food, although a bit expensive, is pretty good quality by local standards and is still one of the tastier places to eat in town.

There are better places in Yuzhno (the aforementioned Mega Palace and the new Pacific Plaza for example), but the Sapporo is certainly bearable. The big plus for this place is its central location, which gives the opportunity to try out a different restaurant each night, since there's a fair few within walking distance.