APA Hotel Ueno Ekiminami

The room is a standard Japanese size, so keep that in mind. For a longer stay, they assign rooms on the very top floors, which are quiet. Amenities like coffee, sugar, creamer and towels can be replenished each morning if you run into the cleaning staff. They also require you to leave your room for cleaning twice a week. That's a bit annoying, though I guess it helps keep your things organized. The location is excellent, near train stations, Ueno Park, Ameyokocho, convenience stores, bars and restaurants, shops, and the Takeya grocery. Prices seem higher than at a typical budget hotel because of that. The lobby gets a bit cramped with people leaving luggage for early check-in or late check-out. With a reservation, check-in is standard: scan your passport at the kiosk and it assigns a room. Staff are friendly and speak great English if you need help.

The room was clean and a good size for a solo traveller. Self check-in was convenient, and the location is great, right in the middle of everything and just a few minutes' walk from Ueno station.

I’ve traveled around Japan many times because I love it. My mum is over 80 and has never been there, and she doesn’t drink milk. I recently learned she isn’t allergic. Because of World War II, she never had the chance to have milk, even as a baby. I hope she changes her mind and visits beautiful Japan one day, so I can let her try her first taste of fresh Japanese milk.

The room was clean and comfortable, and the staff were friendly. It’s also easy to get to subway stations and plenty of places to eat.