Tokyo's BEST Kept Secret: APA Hotel Ikebukuro - Unbelievable Deal!
Tokyo's BEST Kept Secret? APA Hotel Ikebukuro - Unbelievable Deal! (Or Is It?) - A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – and potentially some lukewarm matcha – on the APA Hotel Ikebukuro, the so-called "unbelievable deal" that's been whispering in the travel forums. My gut, my wallet, and my perpetually jet-lagged soul all demanded a deep dive. So, here's the raw, unfiltered truth, marinated in a week's worth of ramen and questionable decision-making (mostly good, though!).
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First Impressions & Accessibility: Cramped But…Convenient?
Let's be real: Accessibility in Japan can be hit-or-miss. The APA Ikebukuro? It tries. They have facilities for disabled guests, and elevators, which is a genuine win. Wheelchair accessibility is…present. It’s doable, but maneuvering a wheelchair in Japan always feels like a level in Mario Kart. Tight squeezes, unexpected steps, cobblestones that’ll jiggle your fillings out - be prepared. The entry is definitely passable, and the staff (24-hour Front desk, bless their cotton socks, were always super helpful), but getting around the city from here requires some serious pre-planning.
The Room: Microscopic Minimalism (And the Battle of the Bed…and the Bathroom*)
Okay, picture this: you've just arrived in Tokyo, buzzing with that "I'm in Japan!" adrenaline. Then you hit your room. My room, a non-smoking one (thank god!), was… compact. Let's call it "cozy." It was less a room and more a meticulously organized closet with a bed. And about the bed… it was firm. Like, "I could perform neurosurgery on it" firm. The Extra long bed was welcome, but the overall space? Think Tetris, but you're the block that doesn't quite fit.
The bathroom was the main event: Small. Everything was packed (including the toiletries, thankfully). The bathroom design was efficient, though. I was glad for the shower, which gave me a refreshing space to wake up from my 6-hour jetlag. I also appreciated the hairdryer and the slippers.
They do offer some perks, like complimentary tea and free bottled water, nice touches for a budget stay. If you're a tech addict, I appreciate that Internet access – LAN and Internet access – wireless is accessible.
The bathroom phone still weirds me out. Like, who's calling me?
Cleanliness & Safety: "Shiny, But…"
Okay, they nailed this one, mostly. Cleanliness is key in Japan, and the APA doesn't disappoint. My room was spotless. Staff are on it with Daily housekeeping. I felt really safe with the 24-hour Security and the CCTV in common areas. The Fire extinguisher was a comforting sight. Rooms sanitized between stays and they had Individually-wrapped food options and the staff were really good about social distancing and safety measures. Like, they really tried. The Anti-viral cleaning products gave me peace of mind. They had the regular stuff like Smoke alarms. I didn't see the First aid kit, but I didn't go looking.
The "but" is the sheer volume of people. This is a popular place, which impacts traffic in the halls and elevators.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Ramen Runs & Questionable Coffee
The APA offers several dining options, and let me tell you, I ate. The Asian breakfast was a decent start to the day (though the coffee… let's just say it needed rescuing with a sugar packet or two). The Breakfast [buffet] was decent. Restaurants are plentiful. There's a Bar and a Coffee shop for your caffeine needs.
The real fun? The nearby Ikebukuro area is a culinary explosion! I had more incredible ramen experiences than I could count. There's a convenience store on-site (essential!), too, perfect for late-night snacks and those weird, delicious Japanese Kit Kats.
More Rambling on Dining: I tried the Western breakfast one morning. It was… fine. Nothing to write home about. They do have room service [24-hour], but I never used it. Perhaps I was too busy wandering.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the Bureaucratic
Got a lot to cover here. I appreciated the concierge and the luggage storage (essential after a long flight). Cash withdrawal was easy. Dry cleaning and Laundry services were available, though I didn't use them. There is Air conditioning in public area and Elevator, making it less stressful! They had an Invoice provided. The Meeting/banquet facilities were present. Oh, and they had a safe deposit box.
What felt a little less convenient: There was a fair bit of paperwork at check-in. I was glad for the Check-in/out [express] option, but it still took a bit, and it felt a little impersonal, but hey, it’s efficient. On the other hand, the staff was always helpful and tried to make the process and my stay as easy as possible.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa? Meh… Fitness Center? Double Meh
They advertise a Spa/Sauna. I saw it. I briefly considered the Pool with view, but I was too tired. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was tempting. The options were limited. If spas are your jam. I would maybe skip it. They have a Fitness center, but I was too lazy after the plane to check it out.
Quirky Observations and Emotional Reactions:
- The Bed: I developed a love-hate relationship with that bed. It was firm, but I slept like a baby. Mostly because I was so exhausted.
- The Location: Ikebukuro is a vibe. Chaotic, lively, and packed with amazing restaurants and shops. The hotel's proximity to the train station (convenient!) also explains the crowds.
- The Staff: Consistently polite and helpful. Even when dealing with my sleep-deprived, directionally challenged self.
- My Overall Impression: You know, for the price, it’s a steal.
Final Verdict: Is it the Best Kept Secret?
Look, the APA Hotel Ikebukuro isn't a luxury experience. It's efficient, clean, and in a great location. It's perfect for budget travelers or anyone who prioritizes convenience and location over space and frills.
It's not a romantic getaway, nor is it a destination in itself. But if you're looking for a solid, affordable basecamp for exploring Tokyo, and if you're willing to embrace the compact living, then YES, the APA Hotel Ikebukuro is a pretty darn good deal. Just don't expect a pillow menu. Or a room the size of a small apartment.
My recommendation? Book it. Embrace the chaos. Eat all the ramen. And enjoy the adventure!
(Post-Review Ramblings)
(I'm still trying to deprogram the "room as closet" mentality. Does anyone know where the "I need more space" button on the elevator is?)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the wonderfully chaotic world of my trip to Tokyo, specifically, the glamorous (and let's be honest, probably cramped) confines of the APA Hotel Ikebukuro-Eki-Kitaguchi. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travelogue. This is the real, unfiltered, jet-lagged, ramen-fueled truth.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Toilet Seat Panic
- 11:00 AM (ish) - Landing at Narita (NRT): Okay, so technically, the flight landed on time. But navigating customs after a 12-hour flight is like wading through thick, sticky molasses. I swear, the line for passport control was longer than my grocery list. And the sheer number of people…it was a sensory overload. I was already starting to feel like a sardine in a tin.
- 1:00 PM (ish) - Train to Ikebukuro: The Narita Express was surprisingly smooth (thank God), and the scenery whizzing by was a blur of concrete and promise. Finding my way to the hotel (which, according to Google Maps, was a short walk from the station) was another adventure. I swear, every street in Tokyo looks the same. Finally, I stumbled upon the APA Hotel, a towering beacon of efficient hotel-ness.
- 2:00 PM - Check-in & The Toilet Seat Incident: First impressions? The lobby was…well, it was a lobby. Functional. The room? Tiny. I mean, tiny. But clean, blessedly clean. And then I discovered the magic of the Japanese toilet. Heated seat! Bidet! But the control panel? A constellation of buttons I couldn’t decipher. I spent a solid five minutes just staring at the thing, afraid of accidentally activating some sort of orbital laser. Eventually, I just…gave up. I'll conquer that beast later, after a proper shower.
- 3:00 PM - Wanderings & Ramen Revelation: I needed food, desperately. Hunger pangs were gnawing at my soul. So, I braved the streets of Ikebukuro. The first hour was a blur of neon signs, bustling crowds, and overwhelming choices. I almost got run over by a bicycle (a common theme, I fear). But then, then I found it: a tiny ramen shop, tucked away down a side street. The broth was a symphony of flavor, the noodles perfectly al dente, the pork meltingly tender. It was a religious experience. Seriously, I think I saw angels.
- 5:00 PM - Jet Lag Strikes: Oh, boy. The exhaustion hit me like a ton of bricks. I staggered back to the hotel, collapsed on the bed, and promptly passed out.
- 8:00 PM - Awake and Starving (Again): Okay, so I woke up at 8 pm. What!? Then I remembered, there was a Family Mart just downstairs. Instant noodles became my best friend. Also, it was then that I finally, FINALLY, figured out how to operate the toilet. Victory!
Day 2: Culture Shock and the Pursuit of the Perfect Capsule
9:00 AM - Breakfast Blunders: The hotel breakfast was… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly a culinary masterpiece. I'm pretty sure the "scrambled eggs" were made of some unknown substance. I opted for a rice ball, which, thankfully, was edible.
10:00 AM - Meiji Jingu Shrine: Today, I'm going to be "cultured", I thought. So, I headed to the Meiji Jingu Shrine, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. The towering trees and hushed atmosphere were a welcome respite from the urban jungle. I even tried to meditate. Keyword: tried. My mind was still a whirlwind of ramen cravings and toilet seat anxieties.
12:00 PM - Harajuku's Rainbow Riot: Okay, Harajuku. This place is WILD. Think sensory overload meets a candy-colored dreamland. I saw girls in elaborate costumes, street performers belting out J-pop, and enough sugar-infused treats to send me into a diabetic coma. I bought a ridiculous, oversized crepe and promptly spilled it down my front. Humiliating. But also… unforgettable. This is what travel is all about isn't it? Embracing the mess?
2:00 PM - Shibuya Crossing & The Dog That Changed My Perspective: Ah, Shibuya Crossing. The iconic scramble crossing. The sheer volume of people is astounding. I crossed it, I filmed it, I felt like a tiny ant in a bustling colony. I then saw a tiny dog, wrapped in an adorable outfit, strutting across. It was so calm, and at peace. It didn't seem to care about anything. And I thought, I want to be like that dog. I need to find the Zen of this trip.
4:00 PM - Capsule Hotel Quest: I've always been fascinated by capsule hotels. I figured, why not? So I spent hours trying to find one that wasn't booked solid. After a phone call that was a disaster (my Japanese skills are… nonexistent), and a wild goose chase from one end of the city to another, I found one.
- The Capsule Hotel Experience: A Confession of claustrophobia? I had mixed feelings about this one, or perhaps, I had a giant meltdown. The hotel was a futuristic space, filled with rows of glowing capsules. My capsule was tiny, but surprisingly comfortable. I crawled inside, closed the door, and… panic. The walls seemed to close in. I felt a wave of claustrophobia wash over me. I wanted out. I felt like I was trapped in a giant, metal coffin. This feeling grew by the minute. I opened the pod and stared blankly ahead. I felt trapped. I'm supposed to be a happy traveler, right? I'm seeing the world! But after 3 minutes of the claustrophobia, I crawled out, and ran to the front desk. I was ready to head back to the APA Hotel. I felt like I didn't belong in this, and it wasn't for me.
8:00 PM - Okonomiyaki Rescue: Feeling defeated and in need of comfort food, I found a small restaurant near Akihabara. I devoured okonomiyaki - savory pancakes that I could top with whatever toppings I wanted. Each bite was a comfort blanket for my soul. This was my happy moment.
Day 3: Akira and Tokyo Station
- 9:00 AM - Akira. I watched Akira. What do I say? I saw it. It was…something.
- 10:00 AM- Tokyo Station: Lost in the Labyrinth: Tokyo Station. It is a beautiful disaster. A massive, sprawling complex that makes Grand Central Terminal look like a dollhouse. Finding your way around is a feat of engineering. I spent what felt like hours wandering the endless corridors, trying to find the right platform. I failed. I asked for help. Finally, I found my train.
- 12:00 PM - Return to the APA Hotel: After a day of travel, I found comfort in my hotel.
Right now, it's 2 am. I can't sleep. My stomach is rumbling – instant noodles are calling. But the city is quiet. It's a moment of peace amid the chaos. And perhaps, just perhaps, I'm starting to understand a little bit of this wild, wonderful, and occasionally terrifying place. Tomorrow? Who knows. That's the beauty of it, isn't it? Goodnight, world. or rather, good morning, Tokyo.
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APA Hotel Ikebukuro: The "Secret" That Everyone (Probably) Knows About... or DO THEY?!
Okay, Okay, What *IS* This "APA Hotel Ikebukuro" Thing, Anyway? It's Not a Secret, Is It?
Alright, let's get this over with. APA Hotel Ikebukuro. It's... a hotel. In Ikebukuro. You know, *Tokyo*. And yes, technically, it's not exactly a "secret" anymore. Seriously, the internet has ruined everything. But for a certain *type* of traveler – the budget-conscious, location-obsessed, doesn't-give-a-hoot-about-a-massive-room individual – it can be a pretty solid deal. Emphasis on the *can*. We'll get to the *why* of that later.
Think of it as the IKEA of hotels: functional, relatively cheap, and you're gonna build your own experience. Good, bad, or somewhere in-between, it's all you, boo.
They Say It's an "Unbelievable Deal"! Is It? Or Just, Y'know, a Hotel?
Emphasis on the "unbelievable" is a stretch. Let's be frank: "unbelievable" usually means "small." Rooms are known to be... compact. Like, you could probably touch all four walls at once if you're tall. Seriously, my first trip, I practically had to climb *over* my suitcase to get to the bed. It's a lesson in minimalist living. However! The price is usually quite appealing, especially if you're hitting Tokyo during a busy season. I once snagged a room for like, $50 a night. Fifty bucks! That's, like, two fancy coffees and a decent lunch! So, *deal*? Potentially, YES. Unbelievable? Temper your expectations, friend.
Think of it this way: you're paying for the location (Ikebukuro is a *great* base for exploring), not for the luxury of sprawling out like a starfish.
The Room! Tell Me About the Room! Is It a Closet or a Prison Cell? ARE THERE EVEN WINDOWS?!
Okay, deep breaths. The room… It's... manageable. Think of it like a well-organized space capsule. Everything has its place. The bed? Comfy enough. The bathroom? Small, but functional. The shower? Hot water, hooray! The *view*? Well, let's just say my view was a brick wall. On the tenth floor. Made me feel like I was starring in a David Lynch film. But hey, I wasn't there to admire the architecture, was I? (Although, I've seen more impressive architecture from a prison cell, but that's a different story) The window... Yes, there *are* windows. Usually. Pray you don't get assigned the "room with a view" of the internal ventilation system.
Pro-tip: Bring earplugs. Even with all the windows closed, the city's noise seems to permeate everything. And, if you're a claustrophobe… well, maybe consider a different hotel. Or, you know, therapy.
What's So Good About Ikebukuro, Anyway? Is It Just Another Overcrowded Tourist Trap?
Ikebukuro? *Love* it. It's a fantastic hub. Seriously, it's my go-to recommendation for friends visiting Tokyo. Huge train station (it's practically a city unto itself), easy access to everywhere. You can get to Shinjuku in, like, five minutes. Shibuya? Maybe ten. Plus, it's got *everything*. Seriously, shops, restaurants (from cheap ramen shacks to seriously amazing sushi), entertainment… I even found a Cat Cafe *and* a Hedgehog Cafe (don't get me started on the hedgehog cafe... I'll never be the same). It's a vibrant, exciting, and always-bustling district. It's also genuinely more affordable than other areas, so budget-friendly travelers, rejoice! You can stumble out of the APA after a long day and *bam*: food, fun, and people-watching galore. It's a winner.
What About Amenities? Does it Have a Pool? A Spa? Free Breakfast? (Don't laugh... I had to ask!)
Okay, realistic expectations, remember? No pool. No spa. Free breakfast? Nope. You *might* get a small, sad desk in your room. They might have a vending machine with some questionable snacks. And, like, a kettle. That's pretty much the extent of it. Don't get me wrong, it's not *bad*. The basics are covered: clean rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and friendly (though sometimes a little overwhelmed) staff. It's all about the essentials, baby! What they *do* offer varies from APA to APA, so check the specific hotel. Some do have restaurants, some even have onsen, but don't expect anything fancy.
Pro-tip: There are *tons* of amazing convenience stores (like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart) nearby, so you can grab snacks, drinks, and even decent pre-made meals for cheap. They're a lifesaver!
Is the Check-In Annoying? I'm Terrible at Talking to People.
Ah, the joy of check-in. The language barrier can be a hurdle, but they *usually* have someone who speaks some English. The one time I went, the front desk person… bless her soul… tried to explain the hotel's point system to me in a very rapid-fire Japanese I barely understood. It was, well, an experience. I stood there, smiling blankly, nodding, and feeling like I was in a Japanese game show where I was guaranteed to lose. It ended with me just paying and hoping I got a decent room. And yes, I *did* get a decent room. So, the check-in itself usually runs smoothly.
They're very efficient, though sometimes a little cold. Keep it short and sweet, smile a lot, and have your passport and reservation handy. Don't forget to ask for extra towels. You'll need them.
So, Should I Stay at the APA HotelWander Stay Spot
