Preface: I have a F award ticket on UA. You are allowed a stop so since I have never been to Northern Japan I decided to add this in. I flew from HND to CTS and will return to the US via of all things NGO.

Rate: 8700 all in.

Transportation: Upon arrival into CTS exit baggage. If you checked a bag your claim ticket will be required to exit. Make a hard left and head towards to escalators down. The entrance will to to your right. The ticket machines have a English option so push the button. You need a ticket for Shin Sapporo not Sapporo. The rate was I think 850 yen versus 1040 for a ticket to Sapporo. Upon exiting the wicket head towards exit 8. Now this was not so simple As your approach Shin Sapporo facing forward the Hotel is to your right. So upon exiting I just headed towards that direction. You will eventually see signs for the Sheraton. Now mind you. You will walk outside for a few minutes so prepare your umbrella just in case.

Check-in: This process was ok. Not all agents speak good English which I understand. I knew from Yasuki was a Platinum I would most likely get a upgrade. My junior and I mean junior mint suite was the upgrade along with a buffet breakfast coupon and gym coupon for each day. I was also offered a amenity which I took points.

Perks: As noted above. The Hotel does NOT have a Lounge.

Room: The cable tv in my first room was not working properly and I spent the first 45 minutes watching two engineers trying to fix the system while sitting on the floor. The English speaking agent Heather arrived with new keys for another suite. Now these suites are nothing special and looking at the floor plan there are a few per floor. The room is a wedge with a very small living area with a small desk. The otherside contains the sleeping area and bathroom. I have two large windows with I assume a ok view for Sapporo. Standard amenities. My bathroom as dirty and I needed someone to come clean it while I looked for food.

Communications: HSIA wired internet is available for 1000 yen per 24 hour period. The worst thing it is not located anywhere near your desk but next to your bed phone. So I am working (ok well not really working) on a small table brought over. The confirm button is in Japanese only so I am probably paying 1000 yen per session. Just kidding.

Location: Actually not as bad as I thought. Some shopping attached to the Station and food. Not located in downtown Sapporo so nothing cultural for a tourist.

Closing: Today I am going to try and take a one day bus tour of the area. The tour leaves from the Sapporo Station bus terminal located on level two. So I need to head to Sapporo proper. I say try since I do not have a reservation which is required. Reservations must be made before 6 PM so have the Hotel book in advance if you are arriving late.

The Hotel is functional and given the rate a bargain. The Renaissance is probably better located but was more and I have no status with Marriott. Thank you again to Yasuki and SanDiego1k for the assist on this trip. Will advise later on buffet and that tour.

Oh. Ramen. I did with the help of Heather find a small ramen shop called Ryu Ryu which was located by the exit 8 talked about above. It was ok.