Smile Hotel Hakodate
by the TopOfHotel team
A value business hotel from the Smile Hotel chain — close to the station and built for travelers who'd rather spend the money on dinner.
A value business hotel from the Smile Hotel chain — close to the station and built for travelers who'd rather spend the money on dinner.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
Rooms here are plain in the standard Japanese business-hotel way. A Single runs 12–14 sqm and a Twin 16–18 sqm — clean, with a TV, a small fridge, and a kettle. The ensuite bathroom comes with a Toto Washlet, towels, and the usual toiletries, and Wi-Fi is free. Prices start around $51 a night, which is easy on the budget and the whole point of staying here.
Food and amenities
This is a no-fuss chain, and that's the appeal. Smile Hotel runs 60+ branches across Japan, from Sapporo down to Okinawa, and the standard is consistent — clean rooms, systematic service, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. If you've stayed at a Smile Hotel before, you know exactly what you're getting, and that kind of predictability is worth something on a trip abroad you can't afford to get wrong.
Location and getting there
The hotel is a 6-minute walk from Hakodate Station, and a tram stop on lines 2 and 5 sits just 300 metres away — a 4-minute walk. From there it's an easy run to Mt Hakodate by tram and ropeway for one of the world's top-three night views, and over to the Motomachi district for the Russian Orthodox Church and the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. The next morning, the Hakodate Morning Market is a short walk for fresh seafood.
Things to know before booking
Set your expectations to match the price. Rooms are plain, with only basic amenities — fine for a night, but no frills. There's no standout feature here: no onsen bath and no view. And it books up fast in high season, so reserve ahead if your dates are fixed.
Our take
Smile Hotel Hakodate is best for solo travelers and backpackers who want a clean business hotel near the station at a budget price — around $51 a night. We'd recommend it honestly. It's a straightforward, good-value way to close out the list for anyone watching the money.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- A clear, reliable chain standard from Smile Hotel, which runs 60+ branches across Japan — if you've stayed at one before, you know exactly what you're getting.
- Sits a 6-minute walk from Hakodate Station, with a tram stop on lines 2 and 5 just 300 metres away for easy connections to the sights.
- Rooms are simple but clean and do the job, with an ensuite bathroom and a Toto Washlet.
- Light on the wallet, starting around $51 a night.
- A solid fit for budget-minded travelers who care most about value and a good location.
- Rooms are plain with only basic amenities — fine for a night or two, but no frills.
- No standout feature here: no onsen bath, no view.
- Books up fast in high season, so reserve ahead.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Hakodate
Day tours, attraction tickets and experiences around Hakodate — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
See activities in HakodateAffiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Insider Tips
- Treat it as a base — keep it cheap and spend your time out at the sights.
- Walk the 550 metres to the Hakodate Morning Market and eat fresh seafood for breakfast.
- The tram stop is 300 metres away on lines 2 and 5 — quick connections to Mt Hakodate and Motomachi.