Sky Heart Hotel Koiwa

The room felt uncomfortable as soon as I arrived. It was old-fashioned and had an unpleasant smell, and because I booked at the last minute, I was stuck there. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone who wants something a little different.

I've stayed here twice for two to three weeks each time. The room is spacious, and it has a humidifier, AC, unit bathroom, electric kettle, and TV. The staff are caring, and there are markets and restaurants nearby. Keisei Koiwa station is very close, while JR Koiwa station is about a 20-minute walk away. For the price, this hotel is a gem, especially in a city as expensive as Tokyo. I live in another pricey city, and in NYC, the same money would get you a shared room and bathroom.

The neighborhood has a homey, family feel, and the locals are really friendly. It's calmer than central Tokyo, and I had a great time here. I'd stay again. The hotel is right by Keisei-Koiwa station. If you have a JR Pass, there's a bus stop a 5-10 minute walk away, then it's a 15-20 minute ride to JR Koiwa Station. A 7-Eleven with quick snacks and an international ATM is also about a 5-10 minute walk away, and Gourmet City has food and other things you might need. It's an inexpensive, pleasant place to stay if you're out seeing Japan. The beds are comfy, and the room was nice, with one bedroom and a single twin bed that was big enough for two people, even for me as a 300lb guy. The bathroom is small but sufficient, and they give instructions for using everything. The washer and dryer are on the 3rd floor. Washing costs 100 yen for 35 minutes, and the dryer runs for 20 minutes. There are two door signs to show whether you want the room cleaned. Some staff speak English and others don't, but they try hard to help and are wonderful. You probably won't spend much time in the room anyway.

The main hassle is getting into the hotel: you have to climb stairs at the entrance, since there's no elevator. That could be inconvenient with a lot of big suitcases. If you're moving on to another city and don't want to handle your luggage, you can ask the staff to send it to your next destination. The hotel is in the suburbs of Tokyo, right next to Keisei-Koiwa station, which has an elevator. There are lots of restaurants nearby and a shop for food and other things. Some staff speak English, some don't, but they still do their best to help. My room was big enough and had an air conditioner, small fridge, electric kettle, table, and TV. It was clean, though it smelled of cigarettes when I arrived. Towels, a toothbrush and toothpaste were provided, with soap and shampoo in the bathroom. The bathroom felt too small for me, and I didn't find the bathtub comfortable.