JR East Hotel Mets Musashisakai

We booked at the last minute because we needed somewhere affordable. It’s a clean, professional, no-fuss business hotel right by the train station, with plenty of good restaurants nearby for late-night food. If you just want a simple, clean place outside central Tokyo, this works really well.

The room wasn’t huge, but it was clean, with an impressive window. Even though the hotel is beside the tracks, we heard nothing from outside. The internet was fast, with no trouble connecting or interruptions. It’s a bit away from central Tokyo, but easy to reach from Shinjuku and Tokyo station. Having coin laundry in the hotel was a big plus, and there are two breakfast options, Japanese food or a cafe breakfast. The bed and pillows were very comfortable, though my husband found the bed a bit short and had to sleep diagonally. Receptionists were polite and helpful. We arrived a little before check-in time, but they let us into the room and even gave us a free upgrade. When I asked to exchange a large coin for smaller ones for the laundry, the receptionist did it right away. There’s no designated smoking room in the building. You have to use the smoking “container” outside the station, which isn’t open around the clock. If you smoke a lot, that could be annoying. I’d still recommend the hotel and would stay again.

It’s right by the train station, with easy access to Tokyo station, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and other major places. Restaurants, eateries, and department stores are all within walking distance. The basement of Ito Yokado is just a minute away and has all kinds of ready-to-eat food. If you’re traveling on a budget, you can pick up lunch or dinner there and bring it back to your room. After 5:00pm, cooked dishes and sushi plates are marked down by 10% to 30%.

We stay here when we're in Tokyo for work. The rooms are compact by US standards, but they work well here, and ours was clean, quiet, and comfortable. It's so easy to get around, with the train right there and a bus stop out front. Shopping for everyday essentials is easy too. Breakfast has a pretty good range of options and is conveniently located.