The B Ikebukuro Hotel

The room was very small, though that wasn't unexpected, and it didn't have a safe. It was cleaned regularly, but dust was often left around the floor's edges and corners, which may not meet everyone's standards. The bed was very stiff but could still be comfortable. I could hear some train noise, but it was manageable, and the window mostly looked out onto plain buildings. The hotel is in a decent part of Ikebukuro, close to Ikebukuro Station and right across from a convenience store. Staff were polite and helpful, though their English varied, so for more detailed questions you may need Japanese or a translator. Laundry is available, but the whole hotel has just two washers and two dryers, and one washer was often out of service, so local coin laundry may be worth considering. One issue affected my trip: on arrival in Japan, I was told my booking didn't cover the full stay, which immediately made me anxious. It was sorted out within a few hours. Even with the downsides, I'd still recommend the hotel and might stay again.

The bed was extremely hard, like a rock, and made an already rough night worse. We stayed at the b ikebukuro in January, and it was one of the most uncomfortable hotel nights I've had. The room was unbearably warm. We set the air conditioning to its lowest setting, 15°C, but it blew hot air instead. After a tiring day, we opened the window despite it being winter. An hour later it was still too hot, so I went to the front desk. They said cooling is disabled in winter and the hotel only runs centralized heating, so guests can't control their room temperature. They offered a small desk fan and suggested leaving the window open. But the hotel is on a major road, and the constant cars, trucks, and motorcycles made it impossible to rest with the window open. We had to choose between overheating and traffic noise. It's baffling: if heating is centralized in winter and guests can't adjust it, is cooling centralized in summer too? Would guests also be unable to set a comfortable temperature then? This doesn't make sense for a hotel serving international travelers with different comfort needs. Google reviews mention this issue repeatedly, including different explanations and claims that "other rooms work fine." If that's true, the information given to guests is inconsistent at best and misleading at worst. This should be clearly disclosed before booking. Temperature control and a comfortable bed are basic expectations at a modern hotel. Handing out a tiny fan and telling people to open a window onto a busy road isn't acceptable. I wouldn't stay again and would strongly caution anyone who cares about sleep or room comfort.

If you like shopping, the location is great. There are two big Donkis nearby, along with GU, ABC Mart, and more. I found everything I needed close by and didn't even have to go to Shinjuku. The hotel itself is nice, with clean, spacious rooms and easy check-in and checkout. It's quiet in the rooms, too.

For the money, I think it's a great deal if you remember that Japanese rooms are standard size. I'm 187cm and had no trouble moving around or showering. The room was good, close to the main area, and the staff were very helpful.