Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo — Attraction in Tokyo

My wife and I spent our last 5 nights in Japan here. On our previous two stays here we had no complaints, however this time we had two unpleasant incidents that have put us off staying there when we are next in Tokyo.

We arrived there by taxi from Shinjuku station in the evening after a particularly long day’s travel which included a visit to the mountain shrine at Yamadera. We had quite a bit of luggage so the driver kept my backpack in the front passenger seat with the remainder in the boot. We paid in cash and as I was moving the luggage from the road to the front of the hotel the taxi departed. It was at that time I realised my backpack was missing. I expect the driver forgot to remove the backpack from the front (but it’s possible someone grabbed it from the toad as I was moving our luggage from the roadside).

I asked the clerk if they could review the security footage to confirm what had happened but was informed they had no cameras monitoring the front of the hotel, despite having many of them inside and at the rear. I asked them why they had no cameras at the front since this was the most likely place guests could have luggage stolen during arrival/departure but was only met with blank looks.

I asked if they could assist in locating the bag but they told me I would have to call the company myself...a futile exercise since I cannot speak Japanese. At that point I left it since we still had to get some dinner and it was getting late. The following morning I requested the same clerk to contact the taxi association as he spoke Japanese but none had been reported. I then spent the bulk of the next morning filing a report at the police station via a phone interpreter.

When we checked out of the hotel we accidentally left behind 2 pairs of sunglasses. I clearly remember I kept them on a high ledge near the TV during our time there and somehow missed packing them...probably due to the rushed and early start to get to our return flight.

When we arrived back in Australia and unpacked the next morning we discovered they were missing and called the hotel. They claimed neither pair was found by housekeeping. I find that very hard to believe and suspect they were taken by the non-Japanese cleaning staff, though I of course cannot probe it. We checked all our luggage multiple times and found neither pair.

Monitoring all areas of the hotel including the rear but not the front shows they only have concern for their own loss/liability and not that of their guests. Despite the hotel being relatively good value, well located, good sized/well appointed rooms (for Tokyo) I will not be staying there again due to the poor security. If you do stay there, remain Vigilant as if you suffer a loss, you will be...

This clean, practical hotel is conveniently located to train stations. The rooms are large for Japan, along the lines of an average American hotel room; you can check the sq ft online to choose the type of room that suits your needs. Each room has a kitchenette with a toaster, electric kettle, microwave, refrigerator, stove top and sink. There is also a modem in each room for free secure (and fast) WiFi. The AC is very quiet and works well. There is a small bathroom with a tub/shower and a Toto toilet. The bathroom sink is outside with a vanity mirror to store your toiletries. There is a decent sized closet with an ironing board and safe box as well as a couple of floor to ceiling cupboards with shelves to store your clothes. The loveseat/sofa converts into an additional bed, and the studio queen has a partition that you can extend between the bed and sofa for more privacy. There is a desk against the wall as well as a small table in front of the sofa.

There is a coin operated laundry facility and small gym on the first floor. This is great if you travel light and need to wash your clothes. The washer automatically dispenses soap when you wash your clothes, all for a cheap 300 yen. The dryer is 100 yen.

The hotel is on a street that is very quiet at night since it is mostly business and residential. It is pleasantly and surprisingly quiet for Shinjuku! There is a 711 conveniently located steps away from the hotel, and there is a Lawson’s food mart also nearby. This is great because it gives you an option to use the kitchen in your room instead of eating out for every meal.

I would highly recommend the hotel especially if you have small kids. It is reasonably priced, the kids can sleep on the sofa bed, and the kitchen makes it very convenient. It’s a great value...

Room was very spacious, enough to open up 2 large luggage's if needed, lots of functional storage space and small desk space for make up if needed. We used the little table as a small dinner table at some point so that was a nice. Bed and pillows were very comfortable. Not much to watch on the TV, mainly all Japanese channels but we did not use this much so not really a problem.

Kitchen was a nice touch, they even washed our dishes which we didn't expect at all. I also liked that the sink was separate from the shower area, water pressure in the bath was good as well.

Staff were very friendly and helpful - helped me with luggage transport to Osaka, calling taxi, accepting my pocket wifi package etc. They did not allow an early check in but help onto our luggage while we went out. Coin laundry machines were available. They provided free detergent and the dryer in the laundry room is not that great. We did 1 hour of dry time and our clothes were still bit wet so we ended up air drying the rest in our room. I believe they had a sign indicating it would take 2-3 hours to fully dry.

Location - this hotel is about a 10-15 min walk to the shinjuku-gomme station. Although not SUPER far, this felt like forever especially after a long day out. After 2 days, we figured out there's actually a bus right in front of the hotel that takes you to main Shinjuku station. Although its an extra transport cost, it will save your feet - TAKE THE #61, the bus stop is right in front of the 7/11 and it takes you all to Shinjuku Station which I believe is the end stop or you can get off earlier at Shinjuku-gomme station

Staff 5/5 Location...