APA Hotel Yamanote Otsuka Eki Tower

"I was hesitant since I have read mixed reviews about the APA hotel chain. After some research as preparation for my trip to Tokyo and after reading several reviews, I narrowed down to this one and I am glad I did!\n\nLocated just a short walk from the Otsuka station on the Yamanote Line, it was very convenient in so many ways: It is such an ideal location cuz it is quiet but not so isolated. And it is only a few stops from all the key touristy areas like Ueno, Ikebuhuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc. And it takes literally a minute or 2 to walk from the hotel to the JR station to get the Otsuka station. The neighborhood is nice and quiet, with alot of nearby restaurants and convenient stores every different directions (Family Marts, 7-11s and Lawsons). Plus right at the Otsuka station, there is Jins, Uniqlo, Atres Vie center with supermarkets, bakeries, unique Hokaido speciality items, and more. Yes, the walk to the hotel from the JR station is uphill but not too steep, so keep that in mind with your luggages.\n\nThe hotel itself is very nice. Yes, the room is small as that is the standard for Tokyo, but the service is outstanding! The room is small, feels a little claustrophobic if you don’t like tight spaces. They do not have a closet, or shelves, other than a small desk, so if you have alot, it may be challenging. We kept our clothes in the luggages which are stored under the bed or in the entry way for easy access but it can be an inconvenient trying to access your luggages all the time. They have slippers for you but those can be flimsy. The bed we had was a double and we slept comfortably for 2 (we both are about 5 feet tall and about 125-130 lbs). The pillows aren’t the most comfortable but if you get an extra one, that may help.\n\nRegarding services/housekeeping: They clean your room every 2 days whether you want them to or not and they will knock on your door between 10:30-11am if you haven’t left the room by then. One good amazing thing is, they replenish your towels, robes and toiletries DAILY by hanging those items right by your door, in a bag. We ended up with fresh towels and new robes EVERY DAY!\n\nOn the 20th floor, there are Onsens you can use. The onsens are separated by sex, so mens and womens are separate and far as Onsen etiquettes, you do not wear your swimsuits in, just your birthday suits, FYI. Also on the 20th floor, there are washers and dryers there, a microwave, ice machine, change machine (for coins) and a vending machine for non-alcoholic drinks. Security for this hotel is nice too because you’d need a key card in order to use the elevators to go up and down. On rainy days, they have umbrellas you can use but these go fast, so you have to get it early in the lobby.\n\nThe check in process is easy and checking out can be expressed if you’ve already settled your bills in advance. You just drop off the room key cards into a box they have in the lobby and off you go. that’s it.\n\nI am so very glad my first experience with an APA Hotel was such a good experience. I was worried due to some lower ratings but this one seems to consistently have good ratings and now I can see why. This was my home base for the 14 days we stayed and we had a great view on the 17th floor!"

"A cleaner came in my room even I didn’t put the sign that I want them to clean up the room so I complained about it to them because I have cash on the table and expensive stuff in my room. They said it says on the TV that the cleaner comes in every three days even though customers don’t put the sign on. Okay so who thinks we need to check on the TV for the important information? Who expects that? It’s really important to mention in person. Anyway, I didn’t feel safe because they could steal stuff or my money from my room. I have seen other reviews that a customer got stolen stuff by them so it could happen here. I don’t know how much money I put on the table so it might have stolen by them. I have no idea. I also have put my lingerie where if people who come in can see. I felt so awful. They should have mentioned in person when customers check in that the cleaner comes clean the room every 3 days even though customers don’t put the sign. It’s disappointing."

"All according to APA standards. Room is 11 square meter. No noise even if the station if very close. Location is good and convenient. Bonus : public bath at the top floor. Breakfast looks standard Japanese/occidental one."