I'm actually going to Sapporo on Monday; it'll be my first trip there. I'm staying at the Keio Plaza Hotel (recommended by Lonely Planet) near the botanical gardens. It's a bit expensive, but I chose it because there's a bus that goes there from the airport, which makes me a lot less worried about the logistics of getting my bike there. Also, reserving a hotel gives me an address to fill into the entry form. It may be the only hotel I stay at during my whole tour!