KOKO HOTEL Ueno Station

Ueno Station and Ueno Park were both about a five-minute walk away, and I used them often. Nights were quiet, and most of the day was too. My room felt small by western standards, but I could tuck my bag under the bed and had a little desk and chair for the time I was awake. The bathroom had a compact toilet with a bidet, a sink with just enough room for my kit, and a shower stocked with shampoo, body wash, and conditioner. The staff were friendly and spoke enough English to help me get oriented. It’s a simple, sleek hotel with good service and affordable prices. I had a very pleasant stay and would gladly book again.

The two-bed room was plenty big enough for us, and everything was clean, including the clothes. We really liked the atmosphere, and the lounge was useful. The umami soup was a nice touch. The service staff were kind and helpful, too. Koko hotel is very close to Ueno station, which made it easy for us to get around Tokyo.

There isn't much room to open your luggage, though that seems usual in Japanese hotels. The rooms are small, but to me this place felt a little more luxurious than other brands I've tried. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided in the bathrooms, and there are lots of amenities. They clean the room every three days; leave used towels out in the morning and they replace them, with a clean bag of towels left at your door. The hotel's in a great spot, with a Family Mart across the road and Ueno station a five-minute walk away. It’s a nice place that feels a bit more expensive than the usual brands.

The room felt dusty and damp, and I found the staff lacking in manners and any real service mindset. Almost none of them could explain things clearly in English, and whenever I went to the lobby I had to ring the bell. Luggage storage is only available until 2 PM, unlike nearby hotels that keep it available later in the day, and there’s an extra charge if you leave bags beyond that time. I won't be coming back.