APA HOTEL PRIDE AKASAKA KOKKAIGIJIDOMAE, Tokyo

The hotel is directly across from Kokkaigijidomae Station (Exit 5), giving direct access to the Marunouchi Line. Tameike-Sanno Station (Ginza, Namboku, Chiyoda lines) is a two-minute walk. This quiet, embassy-heavy neighbourhood is safe and calm at night. The lively dining area of Akasaka is a 10-minute walk, and a 7-Eleven is on the route from the station. The Hie Shrine is right behind the hotel. Akasaka Station (700 m) and Tokyo Station (15 minutes by metro) are within easy reach.

Standard double rooms are very small - approximately 11 m2 - and better suited for one person or a couple with minimal luggage. The double bed is 142 cm x 195 cm and cannot be split, so twin rooms are required for separate beds. Rooms include air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker (Starbucks capsules), a flat-screen TV, a carpeted floor, and yukata. Bathrooms are tiny but functional, with a bath, shower, bidet, hairdryer, and slippers. Luggage fits under the bed to free floor space. Windows open only 10 cm for safety. Road-facing rooms and rooms near lifts can carry corridor and external noise. Heating or air conditioning may be centrally controlled, making individual temperature adjustment difficult.

Breakfast is served as a buffet with a strong Japanese focus - miso soup, grilled fish, rice, pickles, and some Western items such as bread and scrambled eggs. The hot selection may not be hot, and the breakfast room can get very crowded. Given the limited dinner availability (the hotel restaurant is frequently closed for evening meals), plan to eat in the Akasaka dining area, which has many restaurants and bars within a 10-minute walk. The 7-Eleven on the route also provides convenient snack and drink options.

The 17th-floor spa includes an indoor public bath and an open-air bath (onsen-style) with skyline views. Both are free for hotel guests. Note that tattoos must be covered with stickers provided at reception - up to two stickers (10 cm x 12 cm each) can be used. The spa water contains added radium; a sign in Japanese advises of this. The adjacent observation terrace is a quiet spot for an evening drink. The spa can become crowded after 18:00. A coin-operated laundry (¥500 wash, ¥100/30 min dryer) is on the ground floor.

WiFi is free and described as fast and stable in rooms. The front desk operates 24 hours and can help with luggage forwarding (Airporter accepted). Check-in is via a self-service kiosk; staff are available if issues arise. Daily towel and amenity replacement is delivered in a bag on the door handle unless a green cleaning card is hung out. Laundry is coin-operated (¥500 wash, ¥100/30 min dryer), but only three machines are available for the whole building, so they can be busy in the evening. Private parking costs ¥3000 per day and does not require a reservation. The property is universally accessible with a lift. Trouser presses are available on each floor. Smoking is permitted only in a designated area on the second floor.