Tokyo Hotels with balcony

I come to Tokyo several times a year, staying a fortnight or more each time. This time I spent seven nights at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu. The room faced Hie Shrine. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows I could see the shrine's copper roof and half of Tokyo's skyline. The décor was modern without excess; the layout flowed easily, Bose speakers hidden in the walls, another set in the bathroom ceiling, connected by a 3.5mm jack. The curtains were motorized, though you hardly needed to close them. The turndown service. I would leave in the evening and return late to find the room changed: only the hallway light and bedside lamp left on, a bottle of water and a glass on the nightstand, two chocolates beside them. The evening tea and teacup, previously stored in the cabinet, had been moved next to the coffee machine. These changes were so slight you had to think back carefully to confirm they had happened at all. The temperature and humidity had been adjusted. As if the room itself remembered your habits. Room service fell short of the ryokan in Hakone or Lake Toya, but well above the ordinary hotel. Each day I made two or three cups of complimentary coffee, played music, read, wrote. In seven days I finished three books. The research ahead began to take shape. There were drawbacks. No washing machine, but a decent laundromat ten minutes' walk away—a chance to wander the streets of Akasaka. The room provided HDMI and ethernet ports but no cables; for those who came to rest, perhaps a mercy. The minibar fridge was mostly occupied by drinks for purchase, same as the Imperial, though there was still room for my sparkling water. The day I left it was half past five and fully dark. I could barely make out the faces of the bellhop and the taxi driver. Together they loaded my luggage into the boot. I wished the bellhop a happy new year in Japanese and told her I liked her hat. She smiled and returned the greeting. As the taxi pulled out of the underground drive, I thought of the inns Kawabata once wrote about: what had to be sought in the mountains of snow country can now be reached by elevator from the B2 exit of a metro station. I have watched the Shinagawa Prince Hotel loosen quietly over time, slip a little. That kind of decline is rarely one great error. It begins the day someone forgets to leave a glass of water, neglects to move a packet of tea, omits a newspaper. As for The Capitol Hotel Tokyu: in Japanese, what I experienced over these seven days is called ちょうどいい.

I visited Tokyo with my 88-year-old father. The hotel’s location is arguably the absolute best, making it incredibly convenient to visit Tokyo’s major attractions. The hotel facilities were also highly satisfying. First and foremost, the amenities in the guest room were excellent, and the thoughtful accessibility considerations for the elderly or infirm gave us great peace of mind. For instance, the provision of a bath chair with a backrest was very impressive. The hygiene and meticulous housekeeping were of the highest standard. Furthermore, the non-slip mat provided in the bathroom clearly reflected a deep consideration for the guests' specific needs. All of this, of course, is a testament to the staff’s proactive service and attentive care. If there was one minor disappointment, I wish a wider variety of pillows had been available in the room. In this regard, I felt it fell slightly short of meeting guests' diverse preferences. Additionally, as a helpful suggestion for safety, designing bathroom doors to open outward to facilitate emergency access in case of an accident inside is a fundamental design principle for luxury hotels. While preventing accidents altogether is ideal, being fully prepared for emergencies is what sets the highest standard of excellence. On another note, despite the hotel being located within a major railway station, there was absolutely no noise. The soundproofing was truly remarkable. The breakfast offered a rich and diverse selection, beautifully balancing traditional Japanese cuisine with Western options. While ordering a more unique or specialized beverage took a bit of time, the quality and taste were highly satisfying. The other facilities, particularly the restaurants and cafes, were exceptionally calm, elegant, and quiet, providing a very pleasant experience. The food, of course, tasted excellent. However, you must ensure you have ample time to enjoy it; it can require a significant amount of time and patience before the food is served in front of you. Overall, our experience was exceptionally satisfying and wonderful. With its rich historical background and narrative, the hotel offered a deeply engaging and far from boring stay.

The hotel's location and surroundings are excellent. The only minor inconvenience was having to walk all the way around to access the garden downstairs; I'm not sure if we just missed a more direct entrance. On our second day in Tokyo, we experienced a typhoon with strong winds and heavy rain, but the soundproofing in the room was so good we couldn't hear a thing – it was incredibly quiet. Getting around was also very convenient, as it's close to the subway station, making it easy to reach popular areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza.

Our family trip to Tokyo was made much easier by this hotel—it was an excellent choice for us. They offer adjoining rooms and sofa beds, which gave us plenty of space and flexibility. The location is another big plus: set within a family-friendly park, it’s just a short walk to Tokyo Tower, great restaurants, and nearby subway stations. One thing to keep in mind: the elevators are split—floors 1–18 and 19–32 are served separately, and access to floors 18–32 requires a key card. So if you’re booking multiple room types, just double-check which floors they’re on to avoid any confusion.

A Stay That Feels Like Coming Home – My Honest Review 1. Prime Location, Peaceful Setting Tucked just a short stroll from Shinagawa Station, this guesthouse is brilliantly located for exploring Tokyo. Despite being so close to a major transport hub, the neighborhood is remarkably quiet and residential. Finding the place was a breeze – clear instructions and a distinctive exterior made it instantly recognizable. 2. Thoughtful, Characterful Interior Design This is no cookie-cutter hostel. The owner has poured genuine creativity into every corner – vintage posters, handmade handpicked furniture, and an artsy blend of retro and modern elements. I booked a single bed this time, but unlike the typical 10-square-meter hotel boxes in Tokyo, my space felt genuinely roomy. I could stretch out, lay open my suitcase, and still have floor space to do morning stretches – a rare luxury for solo travelers. 3. Fully Equipped – With Surprising Extras The amenities go way beyond basics. A full kitchen with cookware, a washing machine. But the real delight? The owner’s personal toy collection scattered around – retro figures, board games, and quirky knickknacks to tinker with. And the crown jewel: a vintage record player with a curated vinyl selection, plus a compact DJ setup. I spent one evening spinning tracks with the host personal collections – an unforgettable Tokyo memory. 4. The Host – Warm, Witty, and Genuinely Sociable The owner is the heart of this place. They greet every guest like an old friend, share honest food recommendations for the local alleyways (I tried three of his tips – all phenomenal), and even bring their little dog down to the common area in some evenings. We’d gather around, sip drinks, chat about life, and laugh at their stories. It’s that rare blend of hospitality and authenticity that you can’t book – it just happens. Who Would Love This Place? Solo adventurers who crave connection but value their own space. Digital nomads needing room to work and relax. Music lovers, design nerds, and anyone tired of sterile hotel chains. If you’re traveling alone in Japan and actually want to make friends – over a shared meal, a vinyl crackle, or a dog’s gentle nudge – this is your spot. Highly, highly recommended.

Centurion Hotel Ueno was a complete disappointment, falling short of basic hospitality standards. The deception started right at check-in: the room was explicitly advertised and booked as a ”Casual Double Bed,” but what we actually received was a cramped single bed. This blatant misrepresentation immediately compromised the comfort of our stay. The lack of care extended into the bathroom, which was a major letdown. The sink and shower area were marred by very bad, visible marks that made the entire space feel neglected and unhygienic. For a hotel that positions itself in a convenient location like Ueno, the absolute disregard for accurate room descriptions and rigorous housekeeping is unacceptable.

Very conveniently located with the metro station exit right downstairs. Bus stops with bus to Asakusa and Ueno, etc. are also downstairs or within walking distance. It is also a short and pleasant walk to Tokyo Sky Tree. Also very responsive to fix wifi connection issues. Overall we had a good and enjoyable stay. Thanks!

Location: In Maruyama-cho, Shibuya, just a stone's throw away from the bustling Shibuya station. Price: I booked during Golden Week, and you won't find another place to sleep in Shibuya for the same price. Bed: It's sized for Chinese guests, wider than traditional Japanese capsule hotels, and comes with a USB port and regular power outlets, so no worries about charging. The first picture shows the room size after removing the duvet cover. For just one night's sleep and a shower, this place is impeccable.

The room was nice and clean

The accommodation is about a ten-minute walk from the station. It's clean and tidy, and having a washing machine is a huge plus for travelers. The bathroom even has a bathtub for a relaxing soak. The only downside was that on the day we stayed, the guests upstairs kept running around, making a lot of noise! It improved after the host intervened, which I really appreciate 🙏 Kinshicho Station area is very lively, and I'd love to visit again if I get the chance!