Tokyo's BEST Kept Secret: APA Hotel Nishishinjuku - Unbelievable Views!
Tokyo's BEST Kept Secret: APA Hotel Nishishinjuku - Unbelievable Views! - A Review That's Brutally Honest (and Hopefully Helpful!)
Alright, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the APA Hotel Nishishinjuku. Forget those perfectly curated travel blogs – this is the REAL deal, flaws and all. And let me tell you, this place is a trip.
First Impressions (and a Tiny Freak-Out):
Okay, so "BEST Kept Secret" might be overselling it a tad. It's a HUGE, gleaming building, practically begging to be noticed. But hey, the views… oh my god, the views. More on those later. Finding the entrance wasn't exactly a breeze, and the lobby felt… efficient. Not exactly overflowing with warmth, but hey, you’re in Tokyo. Efficiency is kinda their thing.
Accessibility:
This is HUGE for me, and I know it's important for many. Good news: ADA Compliant: Yes, indeed! There are elevators, ramps, and dedicated accessible rooms. This isn't always a given in Japan, so major props to APA for making it happen.
Also… Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge]? Yes and yes! And the car power charging station is a lifesaver in a city like this! Airport transfer available!
Rooms and the "Unbelievable Views" Hype (Worth It?)
The room itself? Tiny. Seriously. I'm not exaggerating. You could probably touch all four walls at once. But listen, it's Tokyo. Space is at a premium. However, everything is so cleverly organized, and surprisingly, it didn't feel claustrophobic for long.
The real star, of course, is THAT view. Seriously, folks, it's worth the price of admission. I sprang for a high-floor room, and honestly, it felt like I was floating above the city. Tokyo unfolded before me, a dazzling tapestry of lights and life. That is why they advertise it as "Unbelievable views". It's not hyperbole. It's accurate.
The Nitty Gritty - Cleanliness, Safety, and the Rest:
- Cleanliness and safety: Spot on! The room was spotless. The room sanitization between guests is a definite plus. They had hand sanitizers plastered everywhere, and I saw staff constantly cleaning. Felt very safe. Anti-viral cleaning products were utilized, yay!
- Safety/security feature: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour], and Front desk [24-hour] made me feel super secured.
- Internet Access: [Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!]: Check, check, and double-check. The Wi-Fi was surprisingly reliable, which is a lifesaver when you're lost in translation trying to order sushi at 2 AM. Internet [LAN]? Yes… but honestly, who uses that anymore? Internet, Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas all solid.
- Room Amenities (The Little Things): I’m a serious coffee addict, so the coffee/tea maker in the room was vital. Free bottled water is always a win. They even had an alarm clock, which I actually used (gasp!). The bathrobes were a nice touch.
- Things that are important: Air conditioning. I’m not sure how anyone lives without it in Japan, it’s hot and humid! All the amenities are available (Mirror, Slippers, Shower, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Food Odyssey):
This is where things got… interesting.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes, they had one. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast. It was… functional. Not Michelin-star worthy, but filled my belly and got me going. Breakfast takeaway service is available.
- Restaurants: The restaurants. I did try the Asian cuisine in restaurant but ended up using Room service [24-hour] more, as they had A la carte in restaurant, and the option for Alternative meal arrangement, which was necessary at some points. Coffee/tea in restaurant, and Snack bar that's always a plus.
- Poolside bar: No experience here.
- Food delivery: I used this A LOT after adventures that included Happy hour.
- Safe dining setup: The pandemic has really made the team cautious with how they handle things.
Relaxation Station (Or, How I Tried to De-Stress in a Crazy City):
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: Sadly, I can't make any comment on these.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I intended to use the gym. I really did. But between the neon lights, the amazing food and sleep deprivation, the gym never happened. Maybe next time…
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: No experience here.
- Massage, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap: I never tried these.
- Ways to relax: I found a lot of time to relax with the great Terrace on sight.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Helpers):
- Daily housekeeping: Immaculate. Always.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Super useful.
- Convenience store: Okay. This is Tokyo. A 7-Eleven is never more than a block away. But hey, for those late-night Kit Kats, it's handy.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Good to know they're there.
- Concierge: Friendly and helpful, although, bless their hearts, sometimes a bit flustered.
- Luggage storage: Absolutely.
- Business facilities, Business center, Xerox/fax in business center: Useful for those who, you know, actually work.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Available.
For the Kids and Babysitting and other fun stuff
- Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal, Babysitting service: Very interesting, I did not experience this.
Things to Do (Besides Admiring the Views):
- Things to do: The APA Hotel Nishishinjuku is a great base for exploring Tokyo. The location is good for accessing public transportation.
- Getting around: Taxi service, Airport transfer, Valet parking, Bicycle parking, Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge], Car power charging station.
The Verdict (Is it REALLY the Best Kept Secret?)
Look, the APA Hotel Nishishinjuku isn't perfect. It's not a luxury resort. But it's clean, it's (mostly) efficient, and those views… swoon. For the price, the location, and the accessibility, it’s a solid choice.
Here's where it gets real:
- The quirks: The rooms are small (I can't stress this enough!), the lobby is sterile, and the breakfast is… well, it's breakfast.
- The saving grace: The views. Seriously. And the convenience. And knowing it's safe.
Would I go back? Yes. Absolutely. Especially for the price point.
Final Grade: 8/10. (Minus points for the small rooms, plus points for the killer views.)
BOOK NOW! Tokyo's BEST Kept Secret - APA Hotel Nishishinjuku! Offers You:
Escape to Japan Without the Stress:
- Unbelievable Views: Wake up to breathtaking panoramic vistas of Tokyo's sprawling skyline at this APA Hotel location! (Trust us, the photos don’t do it justice.)
- Comfortable & Convenient: Experience the essence of Tokyo without overspending. Clean, modern rooms equipped with everything you need.
- Accessible & Convenient: With elevators and ramps, car charging and free on-site parking, and airport transfer, it’s easy for anyone to enjoy the city.
Value That Can't Be Beat:
- Special Offer! Book your stay within the next 7 days receive:
- Guaranteed Room with Phenomenal City Views: Upgraded room to ensure you can soak in the cityscape.
- Free Breakfast Upgrade: Get the highest available breakfast upgrade.
- Contactless Check-in/out: Get an early check in and check out!
- Excellent Location: Explore iconic neighborhoods like Shinjuku, with easy access to public transport and many attractions.
- Peace of Mind: Enjoy 24-hour security, daily disinfection, safety features.
**Don't miss out on experiencing Tokyo like a local. Book your stay
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Tokyo: My Love-Hate Affair (with APA Hotels) - A Trip Report
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your pristine, bullet-pointed travelogue. This is a messy, glorious, jet-lagged confession from my week in Tokyo, specifically based out of the… well, efficient confines of the APA Hotel & Resort Nishishinjuku-Gochome-Eki Tower. Let's be honest, the name alone is a mouthful.
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread in a Box
- Time: 8:00 AM (or what felt like 3:00 AM)
- Location: Narita Airport to APA Hotel (Shinjuku-Gochome)
- Transportation: Airport Limousine Bus (blissfully numb) --> Taxi (mild panic attack about the fare, but the driver was so polite I couldn't complain)
- Activity: Arrive, Check-In, Attempt to Unpack (Spoiler: Fail Miserably).
- Mood: Disoriented, thrilled, and bordering on claustrophobic.
So, off the plane I stumble, fueled entirely by airplane peanuts and the vague promise of ramen. Narita is a beast. So organized, so clean, so… overwhelming. Finding the Limousine Bus to the hotel was a win, a small victory against the crushing weight of international travel. The bus ride was a blur of cityscape, and let me tell you, the "nap" I took was the equivalent of a coma. Woke up feeling like I'd aged a decade.
The APA Hotel? Oh, the APA Hotel. Let's just say "compact" is an understatement. My room was… a portal to a future where people live exclusively in space shuttles. The bed was literally touching three walls. But hey, it had a heated toilet seat! And a view. Sort of. I glimpsed a sliver of the city between skyscrapers – a tease, a cruel joke. Unpacking was an exercise in Tetris-like efficiency. I’m pretty sure I lived out of my suitcase the entire trip. It was that kind of a place.
- Evening: Wandered Shinjuku. Got hopelessly lost. Ate mediocre convenience store sushi. Felt intensely lonely, but also strangely exhilarated by it all.
- Quirky Observation: The vending machines are EVERYWHERE. I developed a genuine love for canned coffee. Pure black. It's like liquid rocket fuel for the jet-lagged soul.
- Emotional Reaction: Initial shock tempered with a grudging respect for Japanese ingenuity. The tiny room felt like a metaphor for my own life – small, sometimes cramped, but holding the potential for something amazing.
Day 2: Shibuya Scramble & Utter Overwhelm
- Time: 9:00 AM (ish)
- Location: Shibuya crossing, Hachiko statue, trying really, really hard to absorb the chaos
- Transportation: Subway (learning to navigate the labyrinth)
- Activity: The Shibuya Scramble! Tourist central. People everywhere. Almost too many people.
- Mood: Awe, anxiety, and a burning desire to buy a weird, flashing toy.
Today, I faced the beast: Shibuya. Oh, Shibuya. That scramble crossing… it's the stuff of legends. Seeing it in person? Forget about it. It's sensory overload on a grand, glorious scale. I was swept along with the tide of humanity, bobbing like a cork in a sea of humanity. I definitely broke that little “no staring” rule I always try to adhere to whilst traveling. It was so amazing I just couldn’t help myself.
Spent way too long at the Hachiko statue, feeling a bit maudlin. All that loyalty and… my dog's probably back home eating like, a whole container of kibble. I wandered around, shopped a little, just mostly watched people.
- Evening: Drove a go-kart through the streets of Tokyo dressed as a Super Mario character.
- Quirky Observation: Japanese fashion is a beautiful, bizarre, and utterly inspiring tapestry of weirdness and cool.
- Emotional Reaction: A profound feeling of connection to the city. Like, despite my bewilderment, I was finally getting it.
Day 3: Harajuku: Sugar-Filled Dreamscapes & Existential Crises
- Time: 2:00 PM (I slept in. Jet Lag. Don't Judge.)
- Location: Takeshita Street, Harajuku.
- Transportation: Subway (getting the hang of it, mostly)
- Activity: Takeshita Street. Sugar, sugar, everywhere!
- Mood: Hyper, delighted, a little bit nauseous.
Takeshita Street…well, it's as crazy as everyone says. This place is a rainbow-colored explosion of sugar, cuteness, and general mayhem. Pancakes taller than your head, cotton candy the size of a small poodle, and enough sparkles to blind a unicorn. I ate all the things. Then I needed a lie down to recover.
- Evening: Attended a traditional tea ceremony (attempted). Almost spilled hot tea on myself. Clumsiness is universal.
- Quirky Observation: So. Much. Pink. And glitter. And… I secretly loved it.
- Emotional Reaction: Exhausted. But in the best possible way. Finally, I felt a part of the madness.
Day 4: Tsukiji Outer Market: Tuna Dreams & Culinary Adventures
- Time: 6:00 AM (Yes, I woke up at 6:00 AM in TOKYO!)
- Location: Tsukiji Outer Market
- Transportation: Subway (a seasoned pro, at least I think so)
- Activity: Sushi for breakfast. Need I say more?
- Mood: Hyper-awake, hungry, and slightly suspicious that I was still dreaming.
Tsukiji Outer Market. The holy grail of seafood. I got up EARLY for this. The smell of fresh fish alone… I might have shed a tear or two. I ate tuna so fresh, so perfectly sliced, that it was a religious experience. I watched people bid at the auctions. I squeezed through crowds, feeling a profound respect for the people who have been doing this for years.
- Afternoon: Got lost. Again. In a small alley. Found the best ramen shop. The owner barely spoke English, but we communicated perfectly through the shared language of noodles.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer dedication to quality and freshness in Japan. It's not just about the food; it's about the experience.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. I mean… sushi for breakfast? Yes. Just yes.
Day 5: Ginza Glamour & My Budget's Bitter Lament
- Time: 10:00 AM (Attempted to look chic)
- Location: Ginza, shopping heaven, and hell for my bank account.
- Transportation: Subway (still alive, somehow)
- Activity: Window shopping. Sigh.
- Mood: Broke. But happy.
Ginza is beautiful. Elegant. Expensive. I walked the main street, gazing at the designer shops with a mixture of awe and the quiet desperation of a woman who needed to buy some groceries. I may have bought a very small, completely useless souvenir. No regrets.
- Evening: Karaoke. My singing voice is best described as "enthusiastic." The locals were polite, I think.
- Quirky Observation: The impeccable service in Japan. Seriously, I had to ask for a specific brand of beer and the bartender went out of his way.
- Emotional Reaction: A feeling of deep satisfaction.
Day 6: Hakone: Finally, Nature! (And a Lot of Tourists)
- Time: 8:00 AM
- Location: Hakone (mountain scenery!)
- Transportation: Shinkansen (bullet train - finally experiencing something fast!), local buses, and a pirate ship
- Activity: Scenic lake cruise, art museums, onsen (I chickened out. Don’t judge.)
- Mood: Relaxed, invigorated, slightly bored by the sheer volume of other tourists.
Hakone was a much-needed escape from the urban jungle. Mountains! Lakes! Scenic views! I took a cruise on a pirate ship – yes, really. It was absurd, slightly cheesy, and completely delightful. Spent some time in an art museum. Then… I almost went to an onsen. Almost. But the thought of being naked in front of strangers gave me a major anxiety attack, so I skipped it. Maybe next time.
- Evening: Back to the APA. Ate instant ramen in my tiny room, reflecting on the journey.
- Quirky Observation: The bullet train is unbelievably efficient, but it's also surprisingly… quiet.
- Emotional Reaction: The kind of exhaustion that comes from doing too much, but also the contentment that comes from having done it.
Day 7: Departure & The Tiny Room I'll Actually Miss
- Time: 9:00 AM
- Location: APA Hotel, then Narita
APA Hotel Nishishinjuku: You've Got Questions, I've Got Opinions (and Probably Some Regrets)
1. Okay, Seriously, Are Those Views *Really* Worth It? Because I've Seen 'Views' Before...
WORTH IT?! Oh honey, let me tell you. I was skeptical. I’d seen the Instagram photos, the perfectly framed sunsets, the… well, the *stuff*. I thought, "Yeah, yeah, another skyscraper hotel promising the moon and delivering… well, probably a slightly cloudy Tuesday." Boy, was I wrong.
Walked into that tiny, efficient room (more on *that* later), swung open the curtains, and… BAM. Tokyo sprawled out before me like a glittering, pulsing, concrete and neon dream. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building was right there, practically close enough to wave to. I spent a good half hour glued to that window, just… *gawking*. Seriously. I’m not exaggerating. I even considered skipping dinner just to watch the city lights come on. (Regretfully, I did not skip dinner... More on that later too.)
So, yeah. The views are worth it. Prepare to be emotionally compromised. And maybe bring a good camera. (I forgot mine. Rookie mistake.)
2. The Rooms... I Keep Hearing About the Rooms. Are They *Really* That... Compact?
Compact? That's one way to put it. Let's just say, if you're claustrophobic, *prepare*. My first thought was, "Did they build this room *around* the bed?" Seriously, you could practically reach everything from the bed. You have to strategize your luggage placement. It's like a glamorous game of Tetris, only with your suitcase and your dignity.
The bathroom? A marvel of miniature engineering. Everything *works*, it's just... cozy. I'm pretty sure I bumped my elbow against the shower wall at least three times. But hey, at least it's clean. And that's the thing. You’re trading space for that epic view. Think of it as glamping, but VERTICAL. And with air conditioning. And a tiny, slightly bewildered-looking fridge.
3. The "APA Hotel" Experience. I've Heard Rumblings of... Uniformity. Is This True?
Alright, let's get real. APA is a *chain*. There's a certain… predictability. The decor is, well, let's say "efficient." The beds are firm. The toiletries are… standard. The TV is… tiny (but you can watch the news, which is good… or maybe not, depending on your politics, and I'm staying out of that). Think of it as a well-oiled machine of hotel-ness. But... this is where it gets *quirky*. Because that uniformity *also* means consistency. You *know* what you’re getting. And in a city as chaotic and overwhelming as Tokyo, that can be… comforting. Like a warm, slightly less-than-spacious hug.
Also, that little green tea they give you? That's good stuff. Stock up. You'll thank me later when the jet lag hits you like a ton of bricks.
4. Okay, Let's Talk Food. Are There Restaurants Nearby That AREN'T... APA-Adjacent?
YES! Thank GOD, YES! While the APA hotel might have its own in-house options (I *did* try the breakfast once… let's just say it's functional), the Nishishinjuku area EXPLODES with deliciousness. You're in prime ramen territory, *tons* of tiny, incredible izakayas (the tiny, friendly, casual Japanese pubs), and even some surprisingly good Italian and French restaurants.
My biggest regret? Not eating more street food. Seriously, go out and explore. Get lost. Try everything that *looks* good. Don't be afraid of the vending machines (they have *amazing* coffee, FYI). The area around the hotel is a foodie paradise. Don't limit yourself to the hotel's options! That would be a *crime*.
5. Transportation From the Hotel? Is It Easy to Get Around?
Relatively! The hotel's location is pretty darn convenient. You're within walking distance of Shinjuku Station, which is a major hub. You can get *anywhere* from there, even if you're slightly terrified of the Japanese train system (don't be, you WILL figure it out).
The subway is your best friend. Buy a Suica or Pasmo card (trust me, makes your life a million times easier). Be prepared for crowds though. Seriously, the concept of personal space goes out the window during rush hour. Embrace the squeeze. It's part of the experience. And remember to look up sometimes – the architecture in Tokyo is incredible.
6. Dealing with the Room Size Again: Any Tips for Not Feeling *Completely* Claustrophobic?
Okay so, mini-rant incoming: The room *is* small. There's no way around it. And sometimes, at 3 AM after a long day of navigating Tokyo, the walls do feel like they're closing in. My first tip? Embrace the ridiculousness. Laugh at the tiny space. It's part of the fun, right? (I say, frantically trying to open my suitcase).
Second tip: Maximize vertical space! Unpack as soon as you get there. Use ALL the hooks. Utilize the tiny desk. And maybe, just maybe, spend as little time in the room as humanly possible. You’re in TOKYO! Get out there and *see* things! The claustrophobia will fade away when you're gazing at the Shibuya crossing, or at a robot restaurant, or basically anywhere that ISN'T the tiny room.
And finally… Open the window (if you can). Breathe. Enjoy that view. And remember why you're there.
7. The *One* Thing That Stands Out? One Unforgettable Moment?
Ugh, fine. I'll be honest. It wasn't the ramen (though that was amazing), it wasn't the temple (though that was moving), it wasn't even the Robot Restaurant (though that was… an experience). It was… the sunrise.
I woke up, still jetlagged, at like 5 AM. Dragged myself to the window, half asleep, expecting… nothing. Then *BAM*. The sky exploded inHotel Hop Now
