Hotel Blue Empire In Shinjuku — Hotel in Tokyo

Pros: Location was good; close to public transportation and stores. Facility was clean.

Cons: Everything else. Hotel staff didn’t communicate that check-in desk was at a DIFFERENT hotel, on a DIFFERENT street! We looked around, climbed the tall narrow stairs and finally we saw a sign, on the side of the bldg this pertinent info that should have been communicated beforehand. Since it was raining and we had no car there, it was very challenging with suitcases to go back and forth between 2 locations. Check in is at 4pm and check out is 11am. Granted we got there way too early than 4pm but we were not prepared when the guy at the desk gave us an attitude and said...to think we have a room ready time is "impossible." Okaaay. So, we left our bags and went to get something to eat. When we came back no room was still available. The check in area has no real lobby. Just 2 stools next to a guest room! At 3pm we were happy when they said a room was ready. After we finished the necessary paperwork to check-in that's when we were told we had to pay extra $10 per hour to check in. Because we were extremely tired from long travels, we paid. They also required $100 “cash” deposit. The room was small but it was clean so it was fine. But there was a loft. However, guests aren’t allowed to use it. I posted the pic and their explanation for this. (Warning: Try not to get offended.)

There’s a notebook in the room, right next to the remote controls for TV and air conditioner. The book has a price list of items that the hotel could potentially charge the guests if the items listed are damaged. We wanted to use the washer and dryer but didn’t. We didn’t want to pay for it just in case. The computer, keyboard, and router were right next to the big sink where they can easily get wet. The TV was located where you can’t watch. It was not a problem for us since we didn’t use it. We just used the very basic that we needed. I was even afraid to use the toilet! Listen, instead of being treated like paying customers, this place made us feel like we were imposing on them. That’s how bad it was.

Also, be careful not to leave a bunch of trash because they also have a note that says they will charge you extra for trash. Extra charge also for smoking in the room. There was a small safe in the room for valuables but it was not mounted to the floor or wall. We didn't put anything in it. We traveled for 2 months in Asia and we had NO issue whatsoever with hotels and their staff until we got to this place. Do yourself a favor. If you don’t want to feel like walking on an eggshell or feel like you’re imposing, DO NOT stay at this hotel. There are thousands of other hotels in Shinjuku. One more thing, the door has 4 locks inside! It made me question if the neighborhood...

There are no lifts. Outdoor stairs lead up to 2F. Just 2F. Room is longish with the width being the the size of two mattresses next to each other plus a few inches. There is a washing machine and kettle in the room and a microwave. Cups were small paper cups. BYO if you like a hot drink. No cutlery. The heater in our room didn't seem to heat up well at a regular moderate temperature setting, Had to turn it up very high to get any effect. Maybe all the heat went up to the loft above us. Clothes took ages to dry. There are 2 bath towels and hand towels for 2 and robes for each of us. There is a sink for the "kitchen" area and a sink in the room. Shower and toilet are in their separate areas. There is NO front desk here. To check in and out you have to go to Hotel Empire to check in and out. Check out takes time as they will check the room before returning the deposit. A huge pain when you want to catch the 5.10am train to the airport for an early flight. You have to allocate time for this. The mattress was very comfortable. Internet was great. Power sockets (not USB ports) are all over the place. Including one I found accidentally that was hidden by the mattress on the wall near the end of the bed. If you stay consecutive nights you can have a mini clean if you stick the "make up my room" sign before 10am. They will make your bed, change the towels and robe, and empty the bin. Overall it's still a 4 stars because it's pretty much there, just a few things which we had to work around or do without which we had at other hotels but a big plus was a washing machine in the room. There is also a security camera for...

Rooms are serviceable, like most hotels they are deceptively small. Be sure to turn on hot water with the wall-mounted device by the sink!! You can adjust the temperature threshold with it as well. Again, the rooms are actually deceptively smaller than the pictures - though you probably won't be spending a lot of time in your hotel room. No natural light. Laundry machine is in the room, but no dryer so you may want to plan for air-drying when you can. The location is perfect (despite what looks like an illegal garbage dump outside the hotel) you are very close to the beating heart of Shinjuku. Truly amazing location with great bars and restaurants and not far from shopping. Very close to station. Highly recommend if you're going adventuring - if you are not planning on spending the day exploring then this hotel may...