APA Hotel Akabane Iwabuchi Ekimae

For about $83 a night in Tokyo, this was one of the best hotel stays I've had, and I travel a lot. People often say, “don't stay at APA,” but I don't get the negative reviews. The staff weren't especially friendly, but they weren't rude either. If you're from Europe, the service will probably feel completely normal. The room was spotless, with a 4K TV, a proper bath, a great view from the windows, and fresh coffee delivered to my door every day. You can request daily housekeeping, and late checkout worked through the TV without any trouble. What is there not to enjoy? It's right by the subway, though a bit far from JR lines. Akabane was more convenient than I expected: Shinjuku took about 30 minutes and Ikebukuro around 15. The mattress felt a little thin if I lay there for a long time, but I slept comfortably. Heating and cooling were fine in my room, though I guess that may depend on the room. Thanks for having me.

The room and bathroom were both on the small side, and the bathroom was especially compact. I also found the bed hard and uncomfortable, so I took off a star, though my significant other thought it was comfortable. Still, it's good value. Akabane-iwabuchi Station is right next door, with trains to some rather cool places for tourists, and Akabane JR station is only a short 10-minute walk away.

The on-site Onsen was splendid, and breakfast at the lobby restaurant was fresh and delicious. The rooms were very clean and comfortable. It's also very close to a Subway station and a convenience and grocery store.

The area isn't right among the tourist hotspots, which gave me a quieter, more local feel while still leaving the main attractions easy to reach with a bit of travel. I enjoyed seeing the city from that angle. Nearby convenience stores made it easy to grab breakfast, late-night snacks, or daily essentials. The room was clean and well looked after, with regular housekeeping. Staff were friendly and helpful, and communication was smooth even as a foreign guest. Free access to the public bath and laundry on the second floor added a lot to the stay. I'd recommend it for a clean, comfortable place with good service and a slightly off-the-beaten-path location.