1. Prime Locations
This popular Japanese hotel brand has many hotels near train stations, restaurants, shops, and popular neighborhoods. My husband and I stayed at the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku Premier and loved our location and views! From our room – we could catch glimpses of Mt. Fuji and the fall foliage in the nearby park. It’s in a quiet location, but walkable to Shinjuku Station and all the fun areas in Shinjuku – such as Golden Gai, the 3D cat screen, and Omoide Yokocho (the famous alleyways in Tokyo).
2. Good Value
Even though tours and dining are an excellent value for those traveling from the U.S. – accommodations are more expensive in relation to other prices in Japan. The Daiwa Roynet brand is comparable to Courtyard by Marriot, with the Daiwa Roynet Premier being a little more upscale. They offer better views, are in popular neighborhoods, and have a more modern design.
3. Rooms/Amenities
Hotel rooms in Japan are notoriously small, compared to U.S. standards. Our room was cozy in size; but extremely functional with a wall of desk/counter space, large windows for those Tokyo views, a small closet, and refrigerator. Keep in mind mattresses in Japan tend to be on the firmer side. I loved all the little extras; along with coffee, tea, toiletries, slippers – they provided pajamas! I enjoyed slipping into those and getting comfy after long days on our feet. In the lobby – they also provided an area with all kinds of complimentary items one may have forgotten.
4. Dining Options
I highly recommend choosing a hotel with a breakfast included option during your trip to Japan. It’s nice to start your day (you’ll be doing a lot of walking!) without the decision making of where to eat. The Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku Premier has an excellent breakfast buffet with numerous fresh choices for western and Japanese palates. Most Daiwa Roynet hotels also have a 7-11 attached. This is such a handy feature, as it’s the spot to load up on snacks and beverages in Japan! And no… the egg salad sandwich isn’t overhyped. 🙂
5. Nice Bathrooms
The bathrooms are nicely appointed and decent in size compared to other Japanese midscale hotels. The shower is in a separate “room” and as is customary in Japan – the toilet has all the “bells and whistles”. 😉 We quickly learned all toilet seats in Japan are heated (even in public restrooms!). It’s also well stocked with everything one may need such as hairdryers and toiletries.
Even though the Daiwa Roynet brand is geared toward business travelers – they are also ideal for tourists due to their locations and amenities. These aren’t luxury hotels – but a solid option in a mid-scale price range.
For more inf on traveling in Japan; click to read “15 Tips for Visiting Japan”.
Until the next adventure – bon voyage!
Kris
