Tokyo Business Hotel

We needed somewhere for one night after a problem with our accommodation on arrival, and eventually came here. The man told me they had one room left for 25,000 yen. That felt completely unreasonable for the room, and he seemed surprised when I accepted. The staff’s behavior was strange overall. I really wouldn’t recommend it unless you like feeling scammed.

This was the cheapest place I could find that wasn’t a dorm bunk or capsule hotel. The ensuite room was tiny, and the shower head looked like a child’s plastic toy. The communal bath was great, though, and so was breakfast.

The communal baths were a welcome way to unwind after sightseeing, and nearby shops were handy. There are public toilets on each floor, plus a washroom with free water and tea. Breakfast costs extra, but it was convenient to eat there before heading out. The room itself was very small, especially if you’re bigger or have luggage. The air conditioner was awkwardly placed, and the small space got too hot when it ran for long. The bathroom and toilet were cramped, and the room felt old and musty. For a last-minute stay during a busy, expensive stretch in Tokyo, the low price meant it covered the basics. Getting around involved a walk to the nearest local train line, and a longer one to Shinjuku station. It was hit or miss finding a receptionist who spoke English, so communication could be difficult. You have to hand in your key whenever you leave, and that wasn’t clearly explained at check-in. Guests also have to be out from 10am to 4pm for cleaning, or stay in the room all day to avoid it. The 1am lockout, with no access again until 6am, made it hard to come back after a late night at the nearby drinking spots.

The front doors are locked from 1am to 6am, which is inconvenient, and the staff’s English wasn’t very good. Breakfast was boring, too. The room smelled strange, and the AC was positioned so it blew right at my head while I was in bed. One night I came back and found a lighter in my room, even though I don’t smoke. The front desk said it belonged to the housekeepers, but didn’t explain what they used it for. Bad experience.