Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo-Akasaka

Getting around was easy from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo Akasaka, with several stations nearby and Akasaka Station's Chiyoda Line Exit 7 just a minute away. Akasaka Sacas and its roughly 100 cherry trees are an easy stroll, and Akasaka Sanno Hie Shrine is a short walk uphill. The Standard Double is only 14m², but it has a 160cm Simmons bed, dual-firmness pillow choices, bedside controls, and an air purifier. The hotel was renovated in 2023. I also liked the lobby amenity station: you can pick up cleansing oil, SPF50 sunscreen, face masks, bath salts, fabric refresher, waffle pajamas, a hair straightener, and an ionic steamer. The building's water purification system makes the tap water drinkable, so there's no usual bottled water. We had gyoza at the adjoining Chinese restaurant, where a robot cooks from over 1,000 recipes. Watching the consistent, golden pan-fried gyoza being made was oddly fascinating. Breakfast at Uchima Coffee (UCC) on the first floor was thick-cut butter toast and smooth Arabica iced coffee. Akasaka Sacas has a sakura illumination from late March to early May. Hie Shrine's goshuin are available daily from 8:00 to 16:00; its 132-step stone staircase has an escalator alongside it. The hotel connects to Akasaka Station's underground path, which is handy in the rain. The waffle pajamas are popular enough to buy at the front desk. The annex next door has separate toilet and bath and microwaves, which may suit families or longer stays.

The staff were friendly, and the hotel was clean and quiet. The room, especially the bathroom, was very small, though that seems common for many hotels here. It's in a peaceful neighborhood, close to a train stop for quick subway access and within a reasonable walk of several areas.

There’s a FamilyMart just a couple of doors away, and the hotel is right across from the train station, with a beautiful shrine and plenty of food nearby. The rooms were clean, and I liked the free extras: hairbrushes, toothbrushes and toothpaste, tea, razors, and even pajamas. Everything about the place was amazing.

After long days out, it was such a relief to cross the road from the station entrance and be back at Sotetsu. The location was the highlight, and the service and amenities made this one of my favorite stays in Japan. Our room was clean and about average in size compared with other Japanese hotels. We had no problems during our six nights and would absolutely stay here again.