by Bryce Marley
Today we have Japlanning's latest hotel review of a classic Japanese business style hotel that is central in Tokyo, and has become incredibly popular with international travelers in the past 5 years. Lets take a look at the Hotel Sunroute Plaza, Shinjuku.
Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku is part of the Sunroute Hotel chain that can be found all over Japan, and are known for their hospitality, cleanliness and efficiency in the Japanese hotel market. Located just minutes from the South Exit of Shinjuku station, it is one of the most conveniently located hotels in the area. From the hotel, you are mere minutes walk from the station, electric district, and the buzzing centre of Shinjuku, yet it's location is quieter at night, so you won't be kept up by the street sounds.
The Hotel is first visible when walking down the road by it's clear large sign, then you walk up the driveway through the doors into their 2-story lobby. Entering the lobby, you will notice the Hotel's restaurant Vilazza and a large seating/communal area to the left. At the end of the long lobby is a wall to wall reception, which always seemed to be manned to its full capacity.
The entire lobby has a contemporary feel that is fresh, and in no way dated. Seasonal flowers and centerpieces are featured throughout, and this is also where you access their elevators to parking, laundry, your room, and the conference and wedding facilities.
Check in was, as always, quick, friendly and easy. This isn't the first time I had stayed here, however it was for some of the Japlanning team. The Sunroute has a great loyalty program that they alway mention, and is free and quick to sign up. DO IT! It gets you points to use against return visits, but the most important part was you get a late check out! Instead of the standard 10am check out, you can check out as late as 1pm, a great free perk! Once checked in, we found they had met our request and gotten us all rooms that were together, fantastic service on the check in front.
Now onto the rooms.
Our rooms were on the 14th floor of the building, there are ample lifts too so you never have to wait long to get to your room. We weren't far from the elevators, and the floor's hallways can seem a bit of a endless maze, however they are all clearly signed and mapped out so don't fret. We had two rooms a Standard Double room and a special ladies room.
The standard double was on the corner of the building, and a bit larger than the normal rooms, with a queen size bed. Now remember: this is a Japanese business hotel, the room is tiny by western standards, however they use the space well. Walking in, the room is spotless and clean with the built-in bathroom on the right, the main space is taken up mostly by the bed and side tables, however there is room for a few suitcases, and spacious enough that you won't be stepping on eachother's feet the whole time. Natural light comes into the room through the large window, which also has a wonderful view of Shinjuku's bustling skyline, a bonus!
The amenities in the rooms were ample: a refrigerator which was great for the hoards of drinks and snacks you pick up from the local konbini next door. You also have tea and coffee supplies, and a small desk. In the bathroom you get the usual amenities that Japan seems to come standard with: Toothbrushes, combs, shavers ear cleaners and more. Entertainment-wise, a LCD TV, however all Japanese channels. Really, to get any western channels you need to stay at a western chain in Japan. No worries however, this is a place to sleep for the most part!
The bed was the right balance of firmness and cushiness to please most people, and I had a great nights sleep. They also have pillow options which is a godsend, especially if you want a nice soft pillow with a bit of height.
The ladies room is a variation on the standard single room. It comes with a double bed, not too much space, however the bathroom has a window that opens up over the bed, so gets natural light into the bathroom - a rarity for most hotels! The ladies room is more about the amenities: You get the standard supply that all rooms at the Sunroute get, however the bonuses are wonderful! For starters you get a air purifier in-room, humidifier, herbal tea sets, a facial mask and a foot massager (which has to be the greatest amenity after a full day walking all over Tokyo!)
Both rooms were fantastic, they are clean and fresh, and use the limited space so well. Of all the Japanese business style hotels we have stayed at in Tokyo, we all agreed this was the roomiest and most comfortable.
The hotel Sunroute Plaza has over 600 rooms and was recently refurbished from head to toe, they have rooms for all traveling parties -- from the single room for the solo traveller, to the doubles, and even triples, which are perfect for families.
For dining, there is the main restaruant, Villazza, which has a buffet breakfast, and an a la carte restaurant at night, with traditional Italian cuisine served. On the second floor of the lobby, you will find a café and bar, serving more casual fare, and drinks into the night. You will also find the premier bar Bar Ku Kon, which is popular with locals for an after work drink.
The hotel has office facilities with a computer room which is open to all staying at the hotel, you can jump online, or print anything you need, there is also a lounge and TV in here too for relaxing.
The hotel also has an airport limousine stop, so if you're taking the popular airport service to or from the hotel, you will be taken right to or from the door. There is also a Driveway attendant on-hand most hours of the day, who can flag down a taxi for you at a moments notice.
The greatest features of this hotel really has to be its location, for its cost, you will be hard to find a clean comfortable hotel this close to central Shinjuku. It's just a 3 minute walk to Shinjuku station and next to the hotel is an entrance to the Tokyo Subway lines. You are surrounded by world class shopping and the exciting entertainment, and fun of Shinjuku.
The Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku was a fantastic stay for our last Tokyo trip: centrally located, amazing staff, and clean and comfortable rooms that aren't claustrophobic all make it easily Japlanning's choice for a cheap business style hotel in Tokyo. If your worried about any language barriers then put Sunroute Plaza to the top of your list, all the staff speak flawless english.
If you want to book, be sure to go directly through their website, as you can get great deals that are the cheapest rates available which will typically also have breakfast included.
The Sunroute is a solid 3-star hotel in the bustling center of Shinjuku with a peacefulness that will make you forget your in one of the busiest cities in the world.
Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku offers a best rate guarantee over any travel agents or websites. To book this hotel or see what rates they can offer, please visit their official website click here.
Hotel Sunroute plaza is located just a 5 minute walk from the JR Shinjuku Station South Exit at 2-3-1 Yoyogi, Sibuya-ku Shinjuku.
Bryce Marley stayed at the Hotel Sunroute Plaza at his own expense.