KEIKYU EX HOTEL Takanawa

The rooms are tiny, which is pretty much what you expect in Tokyo, but there’s a roomy lobby where you can leave your bags at the front desk before check-in or after checkout. The hotel was clean and reasonably priced, with easy access from the train station and lots to do within walking distance.

I only ended up here because the better hotels were fully booked during Golden Week. It’s a small, dated business hotel, and there isn’t much of a tourist-friendly feel. The rooms are dark and the air conditioning is centralized. They charged a lot for a place that felt worth less than half the price. I’d only stay if there were no other options.

I’ve stayed here many times when visiting Tokyo. The hotel is just a few minutes on foot from Shinagawa station. It’s not big, but the room is clean and the bed is comfortable. I usually book a twin because those rooms are more spacious. The temperature control is the downside. The air conditioning is managed centrally, so you can’t adjust it in the room. If it bothers you, opening the window is the only option. Luckily, the area is fairly quiet at night. I’ve noticed plenty of hotels in Japan work this way, so it’s worth checking before booking.

Getting around is easy from here: Shinagawa station is a short walk away, with Shinkansen and plenty of other trains serving Tokyo and beyond. The 24-hour reception staff were consistently friendly and helpful, and breakfast was fresh, tasty, plentiful, and served attentively. There are only two set choices, though, one Western and one Japanese. My standard room was narrow, including the bath, but fine for the price. It had free Wi-Fi, a TV, and tea and coffee making facilities. Room service was faultless, and free luggage storage is available. Late checkout can be arranged for a fee, currently 1,100 yen per hour, for up to four hours or 2 p.m. Sound insulation from the corridor and neighboring rooms could be better.