HOTEL MYSTAYS Higashi Ikebukuro — Hotel in Tokyo

My stay at Hotel Mystays Higashi-Ikebukuro was very pleasant. Even before my trip, I messaged them to ask about their facilities, and they always replied quickly, making my planning easier.

I took the limousine bus from Narita Airport to Ikebukuro and got off at the Sunshine City stop. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the hotel. You can also get off at Sunshine City Prince Hotel — that’s fine too. Google Maps wasn’t very accurate when showing the way from the bus stop, as it led me through a nearby park. Later, I realized it would have been easier to just stay on the main road. I recommend reviewing the route ahead of time so you won’t have trouble finding it.

I booked through Agoda but paid in full with cash at the hotel. Check-in was fast, and the staff could communicate well.

The room used a card key and the door automatically locked when closed. Inside, there were slippers, hangers, a fabric spray, a shoehorn, and a full-size mirror. The bathroom was clean, with a bath mat, two face towels, two bath towels, toothbrush sets, sterilized cups, full bottles of soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, plus an extra roll of tissue. Both the sink and shower had hot and cold water options.

There was enough space to fully open a large suitcase. Under the bed, there’s storage space for smaller suitcases. The room also had an air purifier, microwave, electric kettle, two glasses, two mugs, green tea, a hair dryer, and a fridge with a small freezer compartment. The table was large enough for makeup, skincare, or eating, and the TV was placed on it too.

Lighting included a lamp with both warm and white light, and there were two chairs — one with a backrest and one without. This was helpful for sitting without messing up the bed.

Wifi was exceptionally fast and I didn't encounter any problems or issues regarding this.

An extension cord and charging cable were provided, so no worries about outlets.

The bed was perfect for one person but might feel tight for two if they’re not slim. Two bathrobes were also provided. I found the bed and pillows comfortable and slept well.

On the second floor, you can pick up free amenities like coffee, tea, creamer, toner, facial wash, cleansing oil, cotton pads, razors, ponytails, and more. There are also vending machines for drinks and a money changer. The second floor also has a lounge, a comfort room, and a laundry area.

The laundry room had around five washers and six dryers. Washing cost 300 yen for 30 minutes; drying cost 100 yen for 15 minutes. Detergent costs 100 yen from the vending machine, or you can bring your own. If you need coins, you can exchange money at the reception. The machines work well — just make sure to set the right time and heat.

Since I booked a weekly plan, towel and linen changes cost extra. You can also wash your towels yourself. Room cleaning is available for a fee. You take out your own trash; there are clear instructions on where to dispose of it.

The elevators worked well, and I never had to wait long. The hotel is closer to Otsuka Station than Ikebukuro Station. You can take the tram nearby to Otsuka if you're tired or carrying a lot. Around the hotel, there’s Matsuya, 7-Eleven, Lawson 100, MyBasket, and Sugi Drug. Some stores are across the road, but you might need to walk a bit to find a safe crossing. A 24-hour grocery, Seiyu, is also nearby.

The hotel entrance locks at midnight for security, but you can enter anytime with a passcode.

Checkout was fast and easy. I checked out early in the morning to catch the limousine bus to the airport. A tip: go early to the bus stop because the bus leaves exactly on time and arrives a little early to load luggage.

Overall, it was a hassle-free and enjoyable stay. I loved having a microwave inside the room so I could easily heat up food. Many hotels only have a microwave in common areas, so this was a big plus. I would definitely love to stay here...

Excellent experience at this mid-range hotel and would definitely book here again if we want to stay in Ikebukero. 15 minute walk to Sunshine City and 10 minute walk to Otsuka station.

Stayed for a week in a semi-double room. Was originally worried about the bed size being too small but had no issues with feeling squished in bed and felt exactly like a standard double to me.

The room is small by American standards but wouldn’t consider it too squished. I never felt like I lacked room and was able to manuveur two smaller and one larger suitcase (along with backpacks) without issue.

The layout of the room is one of the better ones I've seen. They manage to fit a full length mirror in the hallway of the room that lets you see your outfit without having to back up into the wall (don't sure what physics is at play there but I was kind of impressed).

Shower is amazing. Water comes out as a mist (so it's not loud!!) that also has good water pressure. The room comes with robes, slippers, hairdryer (low powered motor but still useable), fridge, microwave, heater and AC, common chargers and a window that opens to the outside for fresh air. They also have a whole list of items you can "rent" (ie. borrow, no need to pay for use) like hair straighteners and umbrellas.

Could hear other guests if they were being loud but everyone was mostly quiet. Also didn’t hear sirens or traffic but my room was further away from the street.

There is an expectation of independence in the experience. Garbage needs to be taken to the dumpster downstairs and towels switched out yourselves. Had no problem with it and actually prefer this to the American norm of daily...

We booked for Superior Semi Double (With kitchen) (15 m²) - Non-Smoking Rooms for 2 persons. Plus: -Great price to value -Located near several station with different routes/train line (Yamanote from Otsuka, Toden Arakawa from Otsuka Ekimae or Mukohara, Marunouchi from Shin Otsuka), also there are bus stops near there. -Many food selections near the hotel, you can choose whether to go fancy or just a simple restaurant. -Near Sunshine City Mall and Higashiikebukuro shopping district. HUGE PLUS because there are so many shopping location for souvenir, anime/manga/game goods, foods, and also planetarium/aquarium for entertainment. -7 Eleven is just accross the street so easier if you need to buy something -Staffs and email Customer Service are very helpful, they can speak English, and they try to accomodate your needs. -You can borrow so many things that usually needed for traveller/tourist -There's laundry place in the 2nd floor near receptionist, no need to go outside to do laundry, just need ~400 yen to buy soap and to use washing machine and heater -There's baggage service provided by another company (airporter), so you can send your baggage from/to airport directly when you check in/out -Kitchen with microwave and refrigerator inside room really helps if you want to save your food -Wifi works perfectly

Minus: -Located near Toshima Fire Station so sometimes you'll hear siren sound in the midnight -Not so great window view (for those who looks for scenery) -No water...