As part of our 7-week graduation trip, we ventured to the stunning island of Hokkaido, Japan, which is a destination I had long dreamed of exploring. With whispers of its refreshing June climate, it was the perfect setting to celebrate this milestone. In this post, I’ll share our stay experience in Unwind Otaru, where we not only immersed ourselves in this historical building but also earned over 8,000 American Airlines award miles in a single night. Come along as I review our hotel stay and reveal how we transformed our trip into a memorable and rewarding adventure!
How I Booked And Earned American Airlines (AA) Miles In Otaru, Japan
After an unforgettable adventure in Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, we set our sights on Otaru, a charming coastal town in Hokkaido brimming with history and artistry. The 90-minute scenic drive on a lively Friday afternoon only added to our excitement, as we looked forward to both exploring and making the most of our travel rewards.
- Further reading: Family Luxury In Summer: Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono Review
Booking With Purpose: AA Award Miles Strategy
This trip was more than just relaxation; it was part of my 2024 goal to earn as many American Airlines award miles as possible without sacrificing comfort or family-friendly accommodations. Given that Hokkaido has limited points-redeemable hotels, I turned to the American Airlines Hotels portal to find an ideal blend of comfort and rewards.
Why We Chose the Loft At Unwind Otaru
When browsing options, the 420-square-foot loft at Unwind Otaru immediately caught my eye. Here’s a quick cost breakdown:
- Loft (420 sq ft): $532, including tax and breakfast.
- Double Room: $250 ~ $260 per room, which would have totaled over $530 for two rooms to accommodate us.
The loft offered much more value for our family of four. Not only did it fit up to six guests with its four comfortable beds, but the spacious layout allowed everyone room to unwind and spread out – something rare in traditional Japanese accommodations. By booking the loft, I earned 8,400 AA miles and 8,400 AA Loyalty Points. Turning what might have been a simple one-night stay into a milestone for our AA rewards felt like a win-win. Earning 8,400 AA miles in one night transformed our stay from an ordinary booking to an inspiring, rewards-filled experience that contributes to my travel goals for the year.
Perfect Location For Exploring Otaru
Otaru’s charm is best explored on foot and Unwind Otaru couldn’t be more perfectly placed. Located directly across from the Otaru Art Base, a captivating part of the town’s Art Museum Village, it’s an easy walk to iconic spots like the Otaru Canal, known for its dreamy lights and atmospheric walkways. In just minutes, we found ourselves amidst unique shops selling hand-blown glass wind chimes, intricate artwork, and much to our kids’ delight – the Music Box Museum, filled with a delightful selection of melody boxes and keepsakes. We strolled through bustling local food stalls, indulged in seafood and cheesecake, and even discovered a favorite soft-serve spot. Though it was a little warmer than expected, the breeze picked up as the sun set, creating the perfect mix of warmth and crisp air.
Pro Tip: Most shops and restaurants close at sunset. We had to speed through dinner after being told we had just 15 minutes to wrap up! If you’re planning a leisurely meal, try the restaurants along the canal, where dining hours are a bit more flexible.
A Historic Hotel With Art Deco Flair
Originally opened in 1937 as the Echuya Hotel, Unwind Otaru has an impressive history as the first Hokkaido hotel built exclusively for international visitors. It later served as an officers’ club and was occupied by the U.S. military after World War II. Now a historic site designated by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, the building’s charm is palpable. The art deco design is simple yet captivating, from the building’s symmetrical lines to the geometric window frames. Unwind Otaru is committed to showcasing local art, with gallery spaces scattered throughout the hotel, adding to the experience.
Smooth Check-In And Unique Amenities
The check-in experience was easy, and the English-speaking staff went above and beyond to help us feel settled. They even offered us cozy pajamas, which is a thoughtful touch we’ve noticed at a few Japanese hotel brands. The hotel has limited parking, so we made a point to arrive a bit early to snag one of the few spots (available at a flat rate of 1,500 yen).
Pro Tip: Try to arrive earlier than the standard 3 p.m. check-in time, especially on weekends, as parking lots are limited.
Loft Room: Space For The Whole Family
The moment we stepped through the door of our loft room, the kids were all smiles, practically racing up the staircase to explore. With a spacious layout and a double-height ceiling, the room was an unexpected find in the heart of Otaru. And the view? It opened up to the historic Otaru Art Museum, formerly the Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch – a view worth every point I’d earned on this stay.
Most Japanese hotels cater to two guests per room, but our loft accommodated all four of us comfortably, with four individual beds. The thoughtful design included personal storage spaces and charging stations by each bed, a perfect fit for our digitally savvy teens who can’t go long without their devices!
The floor-to-ceiling windows gave us a scenic view of Otaru’s lively streets. As the night settled in, the streetlights created a warm glow, making for a beautiful, almost cinematic scene. The bathroom, while not as extravagant as in luxury hotels like Park Hyatt Niseko, was perfectly comfortable and included a tub, which is a feature that aligns well with Japanese “onsen” culture.
Hotel Perks: Complimentary Wine Service
One of the perks that sets Unwind Otaru apart is the complimentary wine service every evening from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. It was a relaxing way to unwind after a day of exploring, and we enjoyed sipping wine in the hotel’s stylish lounge.
Breakfast: A British Twist
While the breakfast isn’t traditional Japanese, it has a charm of its own, styled after a classic British high tea. With an ample spread for the whole family, it was a refreshing start to the day. The kids and I especially enjoyed the local bakery counter, complete with honey biscuits, scones, and locally made jam and honey.
Although Unwind Otaru isn’t part of a big hotel chain and doesn’t offer points-redemption, I wholeheartedly recommend it for families. The town’s charm, coupled with the hotel’s thoughtful amenities, make it ideal for travelers of all ages. Whether you’re a points enthusiast or simply seeking a relaxing, immersive experience, this cozy, artsy spot in Otaru has something for everyone.
Bonus Itinerary: On The Way Back To Sapporo:
- Urchin Season (a local seafood diner)
- Shimamui Coast and Shakotan Observation Deck
- Soft serve ice cream at a favorite local spot
- Otaru Canal: hands down, our favorite stop
Final Thoughts
Otaru is a destination that encourages you to slow down and truly absorb its beauty. Choosing the spacious loft at Unwind Otaru added significant value to our stay, earning 8,400 American Airlines award miles in just one night transformed this getaway into a meaningful part of my travel goals for the year. This trip went beyond merely accumulating points. It was about enjoying the journey and embracing the experiences that come with it. After all, creating memorable experiences in family award travel that last long is most important.
Next up: our return to Sapporo – stay tuned for a review of the Mitsui Garden Sapporo West!
