Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

By chain hotel standards -- or any hotel, for that matter -- the Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku actually makes a sharp and modern impression, with common spaces that balance artsy details with sleek design, making this a popular choice for the area. There are clusters of contemporary seating throughout the the spacious marble lobby, alongside large windows and hanging globe light fixtures. The reception desk is an eye-catching installation, with an irregularly lit wall and wood block seating, and the thoughtful attention to design continues elsewhere. Villazza, the hotel's Italian restaurant, is a chic space with wood floors and a decorative stone wall, while Bar Ku Kon has wraparound windows and a retro atmosphere created by shag rugs and avocado-colored chairs. The hotel attracts large tour groups, so the lobby can get busy, and the hotel is a wildly popular choice for the area, drawing couples, families, solo travelers, and businesspeople. 

Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku is right in the middle of Tokyo's Shinjuku business district -- this area is what many people have in mind when they think of Tokyo; it's filled with towering skyscrapers, pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and plenty of everything. Shinjuku Station, a major transportation hub, is a five-minute walk from the hotel. Kabukicho, home to Tokyo's liveliest nightlife and red-light district, and Shinjuku Golden Gai, packed with tiny bars, are about a 15-minute walk away from the hotel. Walks to to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden -- a favorite cherry blossom viewing spot -- can be a bit long for some guests (it's 15 to 20 minutes on foot), and taxi rides there take just five minutes. Access to the popular Harajuku and Shibuya districts is simple, and takes less than five minutes on the train. Haneda Airport is about a 30-minute drive (or 45-minute train ride), while Narita International Airport can take up to 80 minutes to reach depending on traffic, or 90 minutes by train. 

The 624 rooms at the Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku are small, though not unreasonably so especially given the compact interiors in many Tokyo hotels. Rooms start at almost 16 square meters (169 square feet) and the ryokan-inspired Deluxe King Room, which has tatami mat floors, is actually spacious, with 30 square meters (or 323 square feet) of space. Decor throughout is sober and stylish, with gray accent walls, striped and checkered carpets, and dark or light wood veneer furniture with clean liens. Some rooms, like one of the Twin Rooms that we visited, have handsome padded headboards and small pull-out couches. All rooms have desks, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and electric kettles. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and toilets with bidet functions. Shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are available in dispensers, and generous amenity kits include toothbrushes, razors, cotton swabs, and hair brushes. Slippers and sleepwear are also provided.

Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku has an Italian restaurant, Villazza, that serves pizzas and pastas alongside grilled dishes. There is a breakfast buffet with Western and Japanese items, though it's not included in the room rate and can be expensive. The Bar Ku Kun serves cocktails and whiskey, plus a selection of Japanese izakaya-style dishes (small plates). Guests can book massages for a fee at the Sunatio spa, and there are four meeting rooms available for private events. Garage parking is available for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There is also a coin-operated laundry room on site, along with vending machines selling snacks and booze.