Keikyu Ex Hotel Minatomirai Yokohama

I loved the Minatomirai area, even though some reviews were very negative about the neighbourhood. There's great urban design, green spaces, and coffee places right around the hotel, plus a terrific new mall, Mark IS, within a 10 minute walk. For families or anyone who's already seen Tokyo, it's a great area. The Keikyu train museum across the road was really cute for kids, too. The rooms, onsen, and service all live up to the pictures and good reviews. I'd definitely come back to Yokohama and stay here again.

The hotel is hard to find by car or taxi because it's tucked inside an office complex and is nearly impossible to locate on maps. Once inside, I found the staff very kind and always smiling, with unlimited welcome tea and drinks in the lobby. The view is beautiful from the 26th-floor lobby, and the rooms are new, clean, and planned to use the space well. On my second day, the Wi-Fi kept cutting in and out, so I couldn't work properly or watch internet-required TV.

The room quality was excellent, and the view from the 26th floor and above was top notch. The location is handy for K-Arena, Anpanman Museum, and Doll Museum, with a great view of Yokohama, though there isn't much shopping nearby and the area feels more corporate than touristy. The front desk seemed sparsely staffed and not especially accommodating. Lots of people were asking about early check-in and directions, and it wasn't clear who would be helped first. It seemed self check-in and check-out were preferred. Luckily, the restaurant beside the lobby had a short lunch wait, so we ate before checking in. The 28th floor smelled strongly of sewage when we arrived, perhaps from a leak or venting issue, but the smell was gone the next day, so I assume it was resolved. Rideshares and taxis had trouble reaching the garage lobby door, which is off the street and out of view, so arranging a ride in advance was difficult unless you were already on the street. I paid about $250 a night through a third-party booking, with breakfast excluded. Breakfast for two cost another 50,000 Yen. There are several other hotel options in this area I'll check before returning to Yokohama.

I was back in Yokohama for a 10-day business trip and stayed here on my business partner's recommendation. The hotel had just celebrated its first anniversary, and the facilities felt new and well maintained. Its location worked especially well for me, with the Minatomirai business and shopping district and my office both an easy walk away. The room was compact, as you'd expect in Japan, but thoughtfully laid out and fully equipped, including a bathtub. The view over Yokohama was stunning, especially at night. For longer stays, there's a laundry room with three washer-dryer machines. You can pay by coin, Japanese mobile payment, or Japanese credit card, and the front desk can exchange coins. I loved being able to check the laundry progress on the TV in my room, which was a first for me and really convenient. Each floor has a public area with a microwave beside the vending machines, plus an ice machine. There's also a public bath for guests who want a hot-spring-style bathing experience. Breakfast can be added as a bed-and-breakfast package and is served in a restaurant with a beautiful view. I didn't choose that option, so I don't have photos to share. Check-in and checkout are done at lobby kiosks, and the process is straightforward and efficient. For a modern, clean, efficient, good-value stay with easy access to restaurants, public transport, and the central Yokohama business district, this is a hassle-free choice.