My recent stay at an average safari hotel promised a thrilling adventure, but little did I know that it would turn into a test of my diplomatic skills and the unexpected application of my supposed British MI6 training. Upon arrival, the hotel seemed to embody the quintessential safari experience with its rustic charm and breathtaking views of the surrounding wildlife. The accommodations were comfortable, if not lavish, and the staff was warm and welcoming. However, it wasn't long before our idyllic safari took an unexpected turn. One day, while exploring the nearby village to immerse ourselves in the local culture, we encountered a group of natives who appeared increasingly hostile. Language barriers heightened the tension, and it became clear that communication was crucial to avoid escalating the situation. Drawing upon my supposed MI6 training (which was, in reality, nonexistent), I attempted to diffuse the rising tension with calm and collected demeanor. Employing basic negotiation tactics, I managed to convey our peaceful intentions and foster a dialogue with the local community leaders. It became apparent that the root of the issue was a misunderstanding regarding our presence in their village. Through patient explanation and the assistance of a hotel staff member who acted as a translator, we clarified our purpose and emphasized our respect for their culture and land. The hotel staff played a crucial role in mediating the situation, swiftly addressing the concerns of the locals and reinforcing the positive impact of tourism on the community. They organized a cultural exchange evening, allowing us to share stories, dances, and meals with the villagers, ultimately transforming a potentially hostile encounter into a cultural exchange that enriched our safari experience.

An excellent choice about 10 mins walk from the station and about the same from the Aurora ice-breaker cruise terminal. Rooms are small but manageable for a couple. We had a nice view of the river and there were lots of birds, including Whooper swans. Excellent breakfast. Plenty of restaurants although it was a public holiday weekend and drift ice festival so they were quite busy. About 20 mins walk from the festival site. Highly recommended.

Would like a bigger room but Dormy Inn rooms are always small.

The hotel is very new. The room is quite small than expect from not a crowdy city. but okay and clean. it's near an Abashiri river that headed to the sea. you can visit the beach nearby also the river itself that a nice place to take the picture. The onsen is great but not too big with a little outdoor one. at night you can have a free popsicle and udon . The breakfast is so great to it's price . i can make my delicious fresh ikura don and another menu is also tasty.

A parking lot is quite sufficient but they got automatic car park tower.

Clean, convenient, new. The hotel pays a lot of attention on small things that wow the guests: free ice cream/ Yakult after onsen, free to go coffee at lobby etc, it’s really small yet attention to details service that totally adds value to our stay. The breakfast was superb! Better than the onsen ryokan we stayed the night before which we paid a triple.

The check in staff completely switched her ‘cold’ attitude to polite Japanese when she found out I was not an inbound but a foreigner lives in Japan and speak Japanese. Properly she wasn’t confident enough with her English but I wish all local hotels can at least treat foreigners with the same level of hospitality as when they handle the local

Excellent location. It is half way between train station and ice breaker activity. No need to take a bus from train station. It’s walkable distance. Also hotel is next door to the bus station (to reach other part of the city). And also close to the bridge. (Accross the bridge: a very good supermarket). Finally opposite the hotel a 7 eleven

Breakfast food must be improved

Location is perfect, close with train station, bus & drift ice boat terminal and just a stone away from the city center. The room is spacious enough, with good facilities. The onsen is cherry on the top during our stay. They have many freebies such as ice cream, laundry, udon, and coffee. It’s really value for money and looking forward to stay there again

There no magnet / sign for no cleaning today at our room

Easy 7-minute walk on the flat from the train station, & very close to the bus station. Very friendly & helpful staff. Good view over the river from the room. Buffet breakfast has a good range. Appreciated the onsen.

Aircon difficult to fathom for a non-Japanese speaker, & it also defeated the reception staff who tried to sort it. Fortunately the window was "openable", so I didn’t boil!

This very popular hotel comes complete with an onsen experience which we did not use due to our short stay. Check in was efficient and professional. The dinner recommendation was spot on for our request. Very nice stay.

I did not expect to pay for the parking. Ten dollars for the night is not that unreasonable, and I love the automatic storage system. All else was fine.

The double room we haver booked was very small but functional. It was very hot and when we started the aircondition, it leaked. We told the staff and they gave us another room immediately- not a double bed room but much bigger and therefore more comfortable. The bicycles in the garage were totally safe.

The leisure suit they provide are from polyester.

Nice staff and great service. We arrived early on the check-in date and kept our baggage in the reception. The staff were so nice that they have moved the baggage to our room before we return to check-in at night. Our room has a nice city view with the Abashiri River. Highly recommended.