HOTEL CEN, Tokyo

The hotel sits in Tokyo's 'Little Korea' district, on a lane that is quiet at night yet close to the vibrant Shinjuku area. Shin-Okubo Station (JR Yamanote Line) is a 5-minute walk, providing direct connections to Shibuya, Harajuku, and Tokyo Station. Higashi-Shinjuku Station (Toei Oedo Line) is also nearby. From Narita Airport, take the Keisei Skyliner to Nippori, then the Yamanote Line to Shin-Okubo (total ~90 minutes). The Limousine Bus to Shinjuku Station is another option, followed by a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride. Haneda Airport is about 23 km away. The hotel is adjacent to a cemetery, which some find noticeable from rooms with windows on that side. The surrounding area is packed with Korean restaurants, convenience stores, and a Don Quijote store about 5 minutes away.

All rooms feature a double bed (140x197cm) and are best suited for solo travelers. Couples will find the space tight-only one carry-on suitcase can be opened at a time; larger luggage may fit under the bed. The bathroom is separated from the bedroom by glass walls with pull-down blinds (limited privacy). Some rooms face the cafe courtyard with a wall directly outside, limiting natural light. Road-facing rooms can be noisier. Rooms have no TV. The air conditioning can be dusty; ventilation is minimal, so rooms may feel damp. A few rooms on the ground floor have windows facing a wall. The bathroom has a loud exhaust fan that cannot be turned off separately. No tea or coffee provided in the room.

The on-site CEN CAFE (open 08:00-21:00 daily) serves a continental breakfast with bread, pastries, yogurt, and hot drinks. Hot dishes (e.g., bagel with bacon) are also available but have limited vegetarian options. Lunch and dinner offer American and Italian dishes. The cafe doubles as a bar in the evening and has a pleasant sun terrace. A vending machine with drinks and snacks is also available in the hotel.

The hotel has a sun terrace adjacent to the cafe, and a second-floor lounge area with couches and tables, which also provides access to the coin laundry. These spaces are valued for relaxing after a day of sightseeing but are not large. No pool, spa, or fitness facilities.

Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Luggage storage is free on the day of check-in/out and costs ¥500 per item per night for longer periods. A coin laundry (with washer and dryer) is on the second floor-note that dryers have been noted as less effective. The hotel has a lift, 24-hour security with CCTV, and key card access. Reception is staffed during the day but closed overnight (00:00-06:00). No parking is available. Pets are not allowed. Accepted payment methods include American Express, Visa, Diners Club, JCB, and MasterCard.