HOTEL MYSTAYS Kamata

There are a number of MyStays throughout the Tokyo area and while all vary in quality to some degree, this outpost is par for the course. It's a humble spot, with not much in the way of style, though it can work for those who don't mind using Tokyo's subway system to explore. The hotel entrance and lobby are in need of an update, and while the front desk serves its purpose, it doesn’t reflect the standard of the well-appointed rooms upstairs. There are few frills or extras here, and it's really only a place to sleep at night. Since Kamata is a commuter suburb, the hotel is likely to be quiet during the day, however the area around Kamata station is vibrant and busy, particularly in the evenings. The hotel is typically popular with couples and families looking for a quiet base with good links to the city center and Haneda Airport. 

Located in the Kamata neighborhood, the hotel is near good public transport links, and is within a five-minute walk of Kamata Station. While the area is quiet during the day, at night it comes alive with all of the typical Tokyo hustle and bustle, and there's plenty to eat and drink all around. The hotel is a 12-minute drive from Anamori Inari Shrine and a 15-minute drive from Ikegami Honmonji temple. Expect a 30-minute train ride to famous Shibuya Crossing, and a similar commute to Harajuku. Tokyo Tower, with its breathtaking city views, is a 40-minute trip away by subway. The Imperial Palace building, at the centre of Kitanomaru Park, is around an hour away by train. Travelers with children might visit the Shinagawa Aquarium or the Jonanjima Seaside Park, both around a 20-minute drive away. Tokyo Disney will take 30 minutes to reach by car. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from Haneda Airport or travelers can use the Keikyu Airport Train Line. Narita Airport is around 80 minutes away by car. 

While these rooms are very similar to others in the My Stays chain -- with neutral unremarkable decor -- they serve their purpose and include a good range of amenities. All rooms have mini-fridges, air-conditioning, kettles, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and electronic safes. The look is straightforward: white linens and curtains, dark carpeting and bed runners, and a few pops of red plus black leather headboards. Wooden furniture -- including a large desk -- is simple but serves its purpose. Standard Double Rooms are small, while Semi-Double Apartment rooms have a kitchenette area with sink, microwave, and an electronic cooking plate. Economy Semi-Double Rooms are more spacious, but beds are smaller and might suit single travelers better. All rooms have windows overlooking other hotel and office blocks. Accessible rooms are also available. There are also useful wardrobe rails with extra hangers. Bathrooms are compact and decorated with white and black tiles. Fittings include showers over small bathtubs and Japanese-style toilets. Full-sized toiletries and white towels are provided. Despite the bustling area, noise isn't a factor here.

The Hotel MyStays Kamata has a few basic facilities, including a laundry room and vending machines, but no on-site restaurant or fitness center. The laundry room has free washing machines and tumble dryers, a free coffee machine, and coin-operated vending machines. A microwave and ice machine are also available for guest use. In the lobby, a chest of drawers with free toiletries -- including razors, shaving cream, and hairbrushes -- is a welcome perk. Only one elevator is available, meaning guests might have to use the staircase to reach their room. A few parking spaces are available for a fee and must be booked in advance. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.