Toyoko Inn Saitama Shintoshin

The location is handy, close to the station, cocoon city and office buildings, with family mart and 7-eleven on the same street. Wi-Fi is free, and the hot water and water pressure were good. The kitchen staff were very helpful and friendly. Other staff did their best to understand and assist, though they don't speak English, but one woman on staff was rude. The noise carries badly between rooms: I could hear someone snoring next door, footsteps overhead and people chatting in the hallway. I wouldn't call this a family-friendly hotel.

On our first trip to Japan, we had a very upsetting experience at checkout. While I was on my way with the car, my wife tried to breastfeed our hungry, crying four-month-old. She was told to leave the women's washroom and couldn't use an empty room to feed the baby. Instead, she was directed to a nursery in another shopping mall, a ten-minute walk away, in the rain and without an umbrella. I was disappointed that they didn't show the care for mothers and children that we'd seen throughout Japan. The service here was the worst.

The room was on the small side by United States standards, though that's common in Saitama. It was clean, and the friendly staff made a good impression. The kettle for water or tea and the small fridge were useful, and there was plenty of hot water with strong pressure. A good stay overall.

The rooms had everything we needed, and breakfast was included. It's very affordable, too. The hotel is right beside Saitama Shintoshin Station and Cocoon shopping mall, so the location is excellent.