APA Hotel Asakusa Kuramae

The room was clean, comfortable, and convenient. As a Muslim visitor, I found just enough space to pray. The receptionist spoke English fluently, and check-in was quick. If you arrive early, you can ask the staff to hold your luggage until check-in.

It’s a short walk to the nearest station, and there’s a supermarket across the road that’s cheaper than a konbini. The room is a bit small, but I like this hotel and feel you get what you pay for. There’s space under the bed for luggage. The bathroom is small too, but there’s a little onsen on the top floor, which is great for relaxing after a long day of walking. They replenish the amenities daily in a bag hung on the door.

The beds were comfortable with fluffy sheets, and the TV had lots of options. The hotel is easy to reach from the stations, with Kutamae station around the corner, and there are konbini and a supermarket nearby. The service could be better. The booking desk was crowded and staff were running around. They seemed unsure about the booking process, and we didn’t get instructions about where to go. During my seven-night stay, I barely saw other staff. Still, it was an overall five-star experience.

Our room faced the riverside and Tokyo Skytree, and waking up to the Skytree at sunrise was beautiful. There are plenty of convenience stores nearby, so the location is handy for food and everyday needs. The level 12 onsen is a nice facility, but it’s small, probably comfortable for about 8-9 people, so it can get crowded and timing matters if you want to relax. Tattoos aren’t allowed, though you can ask the front desk for a cover sticker if you have a small one. A couple of things could be better: the hotel’s main road entrance has no ramp or slope for luggage, so you have to go around to the back, which is awkward with suitcases. Also, the elevators don’t need an access card, so anyone can select any floor, which didn’t feel very secure. It was a good stay with a great view and convenient location, but access and security could be improved.