Hotel Raffinato Chitose ホテルラフィナート千歳

Hotel Raffinato Chitose is a mid-sized business hotel that reopened under its current name in July 2023. Located in Nishiki-cho 1-chome, it sits close to one of Chitose’s main dining districts. JR Chitose Station is about a 15-minute walk away, while New Chitose Airport can be reached in roughly 10 minutes by car. Positioned between the airport and the city center, the hotel works well for pre- and post-flight stays, business trips, or sightseeing in Chitose. With many izakaya, jingisukan restaurants, and other eateries nearby, the area makes it easy to enjoy dinner out and use the hotel mainly as a place to rest and refresh.

The hotel has 43 guest rooms, mainly singles, doubles, and twins. All rooms include free Wi-Fi, a TV, refrigerator, electric kettle, individual climate control, and a bidet toilet—covering the essentials expected of a modern business hotel. Amenities such as body soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush sets, razors, brushes, towels, bath towels, and pajamas are provided, allowing guests to travel light. Reviews frequently note the hotel’s cleanliness, practical room sizes, and good overall value for the price.

Most rooms feature a standard unit bath, but some offer a separated bath and toilet, including types with a Japanese-style shower space and a soaking tub. Guests also comment positively on the water pressure and usability. In addition, the hotel offers separate men’s and women’s public baths, allowing guests to stretch out and relax in a larger tub—a welcome feature at this price point. While the baths use heated water rather than natural hot springs, they remain a popular perk among guests.

Breakfast is served behind the first-floor front desk from around 6:30 to 9:30. Depending on the day, it may be offered as a buffet or as a set meal. The menu leans toward Japanese-style dishes such as rice, miso soup, and a few side dishes, complemented by bread, eggs, and other Western items. Though not a resort-level spread, reviews often mention that the breakfast is satisfying and good value for the price. Guests who booked without breakfast can usually add it on the day, making it easy to adapt to their schedule.

On-site facilities include non-smoking rooms, vending machines, and a free parking lot. The parking area accommodates about 13 cars on a first-come, first-served basis; when full, guests are directed to nearby paid parking options. The 24-hour front desk can store luggage before check-in or after check-out, letting guests explore the city or airport unencumbered. The hotel also provides practical business services such as faxing and parcel handling.

The first-floor lobby functions as a small lounge, featuring a self-service amenity station and a free drink bar—one of the hotel’s standout features. Disposable amenities such as toothbrushes and razors can be picked up as needed, reducing waste while allowing guests to choose what they prefer. The complimentary drink machines offer coffee and soft drinks throughout the day, and reviews often highlight the convenience of “taking a quick break in the lobby” or the added value of having free beverages available even when booking a room-only plan.

Although it is a 15-minute walk from JR Chitose Station—slightly farther than station-front hotels—the property benefits from its proximity to the lively dining district, with restaurants and bars just minutes away. New Chitose Airport is about a 10-minute drive, and the Chitose IC on the Hokkaido Expressway is similarly close, making the hotel easy to reach whether traveling by air, car, or train. The free parking also makes it convenient for travelers using rental cars, and the hotel works well for late-night arrivals needing a quick and simple place to rest.

Overall, Hotel Raffinato Chitose is a strong option for travelers who want “a comfortable stay near the airport without overspending.” Its clean and updated rooms, free Wi-Fi, thoughtful amenities, gender-separated public baths, free drink bar, and complimentary first-come-first-served parking combine into a well-balanced package. For business trips, sightseeing in Chitose or Lake Shikotsu, or pre- and post-flight stays, it offers practical comfort with just the right touches to make the stay pleasant without unnecessary extras.