APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower

I like APA Hotel, but I won’t stay in this tower again. The bathhouse shutting at midnight was too early, and the room was dusty enough that you could see particles floating in the light. It also got very hot with no fresh air. The window wouldn’t open, and the AC only blew heat, so we had to switch it off. Staff suggested leaving the door open, which wasn’t suitable for sleeping. The staff were friendly and provided good service. Afterward, they brought us a machine to improve air circulation, and it made the room a bit more comfortable. I’m giving the staff four stars for their effort and dedication in helping us.

The view from my 25th-floor room was gorgeous, and the room was quiet despite events happening outside. People mention the nightlife noise, but to me it was no different from any other hotel in a party city. The rooms are small, but we only needed ours for sleeping. I’d bought way too much and still fit more than four suitcases while keeping enough room to stay comfortably. The staff were super helpful, the room was very clean, and there are lots of good restaurants nearby. It’s also close to Shinjuku station and other stations. I had no complaints and will use this hotel and location again.

We stayed in December, and the rooms got really hot after the AC option was centrally turned off. Our doors were open about half the time, and we eventually got two fans after some people checked out or returned theirs. That part was unpleasant. Staff were friendly and helpful when we needed them. The location puts you right in the middle of things: lots of convenience stores, restaurants, people watching, games and gotchapons, about a five-minute walk from Donki, and a little farther to the stations and the 3D cat billboard. Luggage storage was free, which let us check out early and come back for our bags later, away from the rush. The hotel and rooms were fine, though the elevators are slow, so plan ahead at checkout. The rooms and bathrooms are tiny, as expected in Tokyo, and felt tight for two people even with carry-ons under the bed. A large checked suitcase that doesn’t fit under there could leave you tripping over it on the way to the bathroom. Our wallpaper was scuffed and peeling, but cleanliness was decent enough, so it didn’t bother us. The shower had good pressure and temperature. There’s a spa on the 28th floor with three artificial hot spring tubs on the women’s side. Each side has one washer and dryer. I wish they’d put smaller towels near the tubs: signs say you should be naked and not bring anything past the locker room, but you’re expected to dry off before leaving the tub area. With what, my locker key? Breakfast was just edible. Since most places nearby open late rather than early, there aren’t many breakfast options unless you’re fine eating konbini food over and over. The elevator poster was misleading.

Probably the worst hotel we’ve ever stayed at. The room was dirty and dusty, the elevators took a long time, and reception wouldn’t help us order a taxi when we were leaving. We couldn’t sleep either night because it was so noisy, even on the 23rd floor. The window wasn’t sealed properly, and pressing on it reduced the sound. When we called reception, they said all the hotel windows were like that due to lack of maintenance and that changing rooms wouldn’t help.