JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku

The Hotel Blossom might lack the upscale feel of other Tokyo properties in its price range, but since it opened in 2014, the property feels new and fresh. That impression is helped by the minimalistic decor, particularly in the modern, stylish lobby, which uses traditional Japanese motifs and materials. Simple wooden benches complement floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, and an attractive curtain of suspended lights. By contrast, the patterned carpet in the hallways (also used in the bedrooms) feels a little out of place, but it’s still sharp. The Akasaka Umaya Shinjuku restaurant is warm and cozy, with attractive hardwood flooring. Seats at the modern bar counter feel ultra-Japanese and colorful pop art of sumo wrestlers adorns the walls. High black ceilings support chic cylindrical light fixtures. From the outside, the tall tower suits the densely packed neighborhood, and it's softened by an attractive oriental-style ground-floor facade led by bamboo. Kids are welcome here, but they're not especially catered to, as most of the guests are business travelers or couples. As is common in Japan, there's a floor of rooms just for women. 

On a somewhat industrial street, Hotel Blossom is located at the heart of the Shinjuku business district and close to numerous restaurants and shops, including 24-hour eateries and convenience stores. The Shinjuku subway station is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, with fast connections to popular Tokyo attractions. It’s an 11-minute walk or seven-minute train ride to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, while the Golden Gai area -- famous for its tiny, intimate drinking dens -- and the Kabukicho red light district are less than 15 minutes away on foot (or 11 minutes by train). The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a five-minute drive (or 13-minute train ride) from the hotel. The Shibuya Crossing, the National Theater, and the Meiji Jingu shrine are under 20 minutes away by car, with similar travel times by train. 

Farther away, the Tsujiki fish market, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo National Museum, and Kabukiza Theater can be reached in less than a half-hour by train or car. Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Skytree -- the world’s tallest freestanding tower -- are a 32-minute drive or 38-minute train ride away from the hotel. Tokyo Station -- the city’s main terminal served by Shinkansen high-speed trains -- is 20 minutes away by subway or car. Narita International Airport is just over an hour away by train or road, while Haneda International Airport is less than a half-hour away by car or around 45 minutes by train. Limousine buses to and from both airports stop a three-minute walk away, in front of the Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku.

The 240 quiet, cozy, and modern rooms are undeniably compact, but still spacious by Tokyo's stringent standards. Double and Single Rooms have large, comfortable beds set on gray patterned carpet, and built-in bedside tables against white walls with understated canvas prints. Each room has its own desk, plenty of soft lighting for a cozy ambience, and large windows with heavy gray curtains and white sheers. Twin Rooms don’t have a desk but provide a small table and attractive gray padded armchairs -- these are also found in Deluxe Twin Rooms, along with lounge chairs. All rooms have large flat-screen TVs, though these are placed at an awkward angle that make viewing them from the bed difficult. Though many rooms have decent views of neighboring buildings, views from some rooms are obscured.

Bathrooms come in a number of setups: Deluxe Twin Rooms have high-tech toilets (with electronic controls) and chic miniature sinks cleverly tucked behind sliding doors. Each room also has a second sink in the bedroom itself, beneath a large mirror, and a modern wet room with a large built-in bathtub and separate power shower. Double and Single Rooms have sinks and toilets inside the bathrooms, with shower/tub combos. Twin Rooms are a combination of the two with all-in-one bathrooms that incorporate wet rooms with bathtubs and separate power showers.

Rooms come standard with individual heating and air-conditioning units, and there are plenty of well-placed power sockets. Other standard amenities include safes, mini-fridges (but no minibar), and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Free slippers and pajama tops are a nice touch. Note that there are some complaints of inconsistent housekeeping. There’s keycard-restricted elevator access to each floor, and rooms on women-only floors are available. The hotel also has smoking rooms, a downside for some.

The hotel offers a fair amount of features for its pearl level, but most of them cost an additional fee. The ground-floor Akasaka Umaya Shinjuku restaurant is open from early morning until late evening. It’s a nice spot for lunch or dinner (there’s limited seating, so it’s worth making a reservation), but the good-quality Japanese and Western buffet breakfast isn’t included in all room rates, doesn’t offer much variety, and is pricey as an extra. In typical Japanese style, beverage vending machines are also available. The hotel lacks a pool, gym or spa, though massages can be arranged for a fee in the rooms. There’s a coin-operated laundry room, as well as a full laundry service. A simple business center has computers and printers, and there’s free and fast Wi-Fi access throughout the property. The hotel also offers parking for a fee.