Sapporo is a popular Japanese destination for snow festivals, alleys of delicious dumplings and fresh seafood. What it doesn't have is a lot of choices for travelers who like to pay with hotel points. This is now to be reversed with the opening of the Hyatt Centric Sapporo, a new lifestyle hotel in the heart of the business and sightseeing center of the city.

For World of Hyatt members and anyone with Hokkaido on their bucket list, this place is definitely worth checking out. Let's take a look at what it is, how it functions and who it is appropriate for.It is simply because Points Travelers are paying attention to it.It is merely because Points Travelers are focused on it.

For those who want to be in the action, there is a brand called Hyatt Centric. Look for chic rooms, a distinct sense of place, and a place to enjoy walking instead of taxis.The Sapporo property falls under World of Hyatt's lower award levels (category 3). Award nights are from 8,000 to 20,000 points based on the date. That's a reasonable price for a brand new hotel in an important Japanese City.

The answer is in the money. A member rate of around ¥59,475 ($376 with taxes and fees) was advertised for a standard room for the first period. Assuming the typical valuation of 1.5 cents per World of Hyatt point, an 8,000-point night would be worth around $120. That's a substantial distance and really what makes this stand out are the points. Opening period pricing tends to even out later, so be sure to check your own dates; however, the low prices make this hotel an appealing choice for award bookings.

Where It Sits

Located in the upper floors of the Urbannet Sapporo Link Tower, the hotel is within less than 10 minutes' walk from Sapporo Station. There is an underground walkway in the city to reach it, which is convenient in snowy winters and when it is humid in the summer afternoons in Hokkaido.

You can easily get to:

• The red brick building: the building of the former Hokkaido Government Office
• Odori Park
• The Sapporo TV Tower
• Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade
• AOAO Sapporo

The one thing that is a bit different is signage. It's easy to miss the entrance to the hotel, the underground route is simple. Leave the station and walk for a couple of minutes until you see the signage for Kita 1-jo intersection. Look at the Kita 1-jo underground parking area and you will begin to see signs to the tower and hotel. Don't skimp on time the first time, particularly when carrying bags.

The Rooms Spacious, Serene and Styleful

The hotel has 216 rooms of which nine are suites. The descriptions of the early days reference bright, large and clean rooms and a neutral, curated aesthetic that exemplifies the Hyatt Centric approach.

It comes with a king bed with high-quality bedding, a seating area, and a large table ideal for using with a laptop or for an in-room meal. Several rooms are on the higher floors, with views of the Red Brick Building, one of Sapporo's iconic landmarks. If you need to select between room types, a heritage view could be requested; upgrades will be available based on availability and status.

Bathrooms feature marble walls, walk-in showers and deep soaking tubs, which is perfect for winter vacations. The toilet is in a separate room beside a new Japanese bidet, the first time most visitors to Japan fall in love with.Cooked the Shark.Feeding and drinking without leaving the building.

There are 2 Restaurants on Site and They are Quite Different

The 17th floor is home to the main all-day restaurant, Matsu Grill & Bar. It highlights Hokkaido products, wood-fired cooking and Hokkaido-inspired cocktails from various regions. If you are not included in your price, then you can eat breakfast here for about ¥4,000 ($25) per person. The spread features international hot meals, pastries, fruit, and salads along with a Japanese corner with miso soup, a rolled omelet and salted cod roe. It's supplied for World of Hyatt Globalist members and for rates which include it. Discoverist members don't get free breakfast.

If you're looking to be casual, then go for the Mr. Fish restaurant on the ground floor of Hyatt Centric Sapporo. It's a fish and chips where locals enjoy a fun version of pub grub with seasonal white fish from the waters of Hokkaido.

The Views Are a Major Selling Point

The lobby is located on the 17th floor and the floor-to-ceiling windows flow throughout the lobby, restaurants and guest rooms. As seen from here, the gardens of the old government building, TV tower, mountains around Sapporo, and the surroundings around the station can be seen. If you are looking for a hotel to serve as a lookout, then this is the place to go to.

What You Get on Site

Amenities will be on the bare-bones side so make sure you have your expectations set early on:

• A 24-hour fitness centre on the 19th floor featuring treadmills, elliptical and rowing machines.
• Guest floor ice and refillable water stations on all floors
• There's just that. The extras are not extensive, so the hotel is ideal as a place to stay, not to get up and down to all those extra amenities.

Take advantage of these helpful tips before you make your booking

Look at cash rates first. If you are looking for the best deals, use the points price and the cash price for your specific dates to make sure you're making a worthwhile choice.

• Use the underground route. It's the easiest way from Sapporo Station, especially in winter.
• Allow extra time to find the entrance. Little signage, please check the map in advance.
• When checking in, inquire about any improvements to the property. There is no promise, but the status members may have a better chance.
• Plan breakfast for the day. If not included, then it is an extra cost.

Who Should Book It?

The hotel is a good choice for anyone looking for a contemporary, centrally located hotel in Sapporo at a moderate cost. It is also ideal for couples and singles looking for a chic room with a nice view, while they are exploring during the day.

You might find it limited if you are traveling with children that require a pool or a resort experience with a lengthy list of available activities. This is also true of people who don't like being in the middle of the city.

The Bottom Line

What many travellers are looking for in a new city hotel, is what The Hyatt Centric Sapporo provides; a great location, spacious and pleasing rooms, local cuisine and views that stand out. It's also among the most interesting uses of World of Hyatt points in Japan, as it's just over 8,000 points per night. Just ensure that you know the current cash rates, make your way from the station and don't set your expectations too high for facilities.One can easily understand why this is on many travelers' lists when on a Hokkaido trip.