Tokyu Stay Shinjuku

This Shinjuku branch of the Tokyu Stay hotels, with its gray structure and black awning, looks like any other Japanese business hotel on the outside. Inside, the modern lobby makes a more striking impression, as light oak floor planks lead to a sleek wood front desk, lit by copper ceiling lamps in various shapes and sizes and backed by a slate gray brick wall. A black-and-brown color scheme dominates throughout the reception’s seating areas and the hotel’s hallways, with touches of magenta and orange in the rugs and hallway carpets. The overall vibe, while tasteful, might be a bit too no-frills for guests looking for an inviting atmosphere conducive for mingling. On the other hand, the quiet environment could also be a welcome retreat from the outside bustle for its primary clientele of business travelers. 

Although conveniently nestled inside Tokyo’s most energetic hub and surrounded by countless restaurants and shops, the Tokyu Stay Shinjuku manages to stay isolated from the noise thanks to being located a block away from the area’s main thoroughfare. The train station of Shinjuku -- holding the title for being the busiest in the world --and the largest bus depot in the area are both 10 minutes away on foot, so even getting to more distant tourist areas, like Roppongi, Ginza, and the Tsukiji fish market, don’t take more than 30 to 40 minutes by public transport. Attractions like the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, and Harajuku district are 15 to 25 minutes away by public transport. The famous Shinjuku Gyoen park is a five-minute walk away. Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is 40 minutes by public transport, or 26 minutes away by car. Farther away, Narita International Airport is an hour’s drive, or an hour and 15 minutes away using public transport.

Rooms at the Tokyu Stay Shinjuku are small by global standards, but surprisingly spacious for a hotel in the middle of Tokyo. The decor is on the bare-bones side -- stark white walls, bland gray carpeting, and basic work desks -- which doesn't create the most welcoming or cozy ambience. Still, the rooms are clean, and fit in several amenities that aren’t commonly found at this pearl level. With the exception of the Casual Single Rooms, all others (Comfort Singles and Doubles, Doubles and Twins) include washer/dryer units along with air purifiers with humidifier functions. All rooms also include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, kettles, and safes. Higher-grade rooms come with microwaves, decently-equipped kitchenettes, and trouser presses. All the basic, gray-tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos and handheld showerheads, except for the Casual Single Rooms, which come with walk-in showers and rainfall showerheads. Toilets are Japanese-style with bidet functions. Bathrooms also include free toiletries and hairdryers. The hotel prides itself on its security, and access to guest room floors require card-key access. Families staying here should note, though, that the hotel does not provide cribs or other extras for children and babies. Housekeeping is also limited to towel changes for stays of six nights or less, while bed making, cleaning, and sheet replacements are done just once a week for stays of seven or more nights. Guests should make sure to specify their preference for smoking or non-smoking rooms, as both are available.

Outside its well-appointed rooms, the Tokyu Stay Shinjuku offers a much narrower range of amenities. While a Japanese and continental breakfast buffet is served at a restaurant next door, the daily charges for it can get pricey. A handful of vending machines offer drinks and some stickers for kids. There's also a smokers' lounge. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and the front desk is 24 hours offering additional services like package delivery and dry cleaning. However, guests might miss the lack of an on-site bar and restaurant, gym, business center, and parking lot.