HOTEL LISTEL SHINJUKU, Tokyo

The immediate area is calmer than the Shinjuku Station core, yet close enough to the action for easy nights out. Nearest metro stations are within about 10 minutes on foot; Shinjuku Station is a 20-minute walk for rail and bus connections. A 7-Eleven is directly across the street, and the surrounding blocks are full of bars, restaurants, and shops. Airport access is straightforward: the limousine bus serves both Haneda and Narita directly, and the Narita Express also reaches Shinjuku, while Skyliner requires a transfer. With a big bag, the walk from Shinjuku Station is manageable.

Units range from single and semi-double rooms to twins, with either one or two beds. Queen rooms measure around 16 m2, which is generous for central Tokyo, but standard twins are small and large suitcases often have to open on the bed. Bathrooms are functional and compact, and some have a step up from the bedroom. Some rooms are in an annexe building separate from the main reception and breakfast area, while upper-floor rooms can have city views. All rooms include heating, air conditioning, a sitting area, ironing facilities, a trouser press, free toiletries, an alarm clock, and towels. Beds are generally comfortable; furnishings and carpets are dated in places. Windows open in some rooms, and video-on-demand movies are available for an extra ¥1,000.

The restaurant offers Japanese and European cuisine. Breakfast is a buffet served daily from 07:00 to 10:00 for ¥1400 per person, with Japanese staples such as rice, miso soup, and curry alongside a more limited selection of pastries, egg, and toast. Dinner runs from 18:00 to 21:00 Monday to Saturday. The breakfast room is compact, so coming early gives more space and the widest choice. The surrounding streets are dense with bars and restaurants, including ramen, chanko nabe, and curry options within about half a kilometre.

Massage can be arranged at the hotel for a fee, and there is no pool or fitness centre. For recreation, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is about 10 minutes on foot, while Kabukicho and the surrounding dining and entertainment streets are within easy walking distance. The hotel's position means the busiest nightlife is close but not directly outside the door. On-site drink vending machines cover late-night refreshment, and the area offers plenty of walking-based sightseeing during the day.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but no pocket Wi-Fi is provided. The 24-hour front desk stores luggage free before check-in and after check-out, and offers lockers, currency exchange, and safety deposit boxes. The building has key card access, CCTV, and 24-hour security. Staff receive Yamato Transport packages before arrival and can arrange luggage delivery from the hotel. Daily housekeeping, an ironing service, and a trouser press are free; laundry and dry cleaning cost extra, and coin laundry is on site. Taxi dispatch carries a ¥500 fee. Business facilities include fax/photocopying and meeting/banquet rooms for an additional charge. Private on-site parking must be reserved in advance and costs ¥3300 per day. Accepted cards include American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, and UnionPay. No airport pickup service is provided.