Jr-East Hotel Mets Koenji — Hotel in Tokyo

...including a Marriott in Stamford, CT that i am still willing to trash nearly 30 years down the road because it was so noisy. Not even sure it's still there, but since you can book a weekend night (in fact, THIS weekend) for $109, i suspect it is the same one.||||But I digress yet again. Just outside the north exit of Koenji station, a few stops from Shinjuku and not all that far from Tokyo station on the busy Chuo line, I was a bit apprehensive of noise problems. Fear not. Even though my room was directly overlooking the train station (did I mention it was the busy Chuo line?), I had to actually press my ear against the inner window (of course it's double-paned, thick glass with 6-inch separation, and tightly sealed.||||Maybe I'm going on a little much about the soundproofing, but all I really care about in a hotel room when I am traveling on business is quiet, hot water, clean sheets (at least to start- I'd rather save water than change them every day during an extended stay, and Mets has a green magnetic card you can put on the door if your sheets are clean enough), and internet, wired or wireless. Don't care about hotel restaurants; a little breakfast is nice, and Mets has a hot one, and cappuccino/espresso to boot. A waffle-maker is a little much to ask for in Japan.||||Rooms not as tiny as some I have been in, but typical for Tokyo; about half the size of the one I just came from in Beijing (FX; a little more than half the price).||||Otherwise, not much to say about this place. Reception handed me a key when i went to check in at 2:45; I've had to wait 5 minutes when I've tried to check in 4 minutes early in Japanese hotels, so this extraordinary flexibility was welcome.||||I'm told it's a slightly bohemian neighborhood, and there were more street musicians than usual, but didn't really get a chance to experience the neighborhood as business was elsewhere...

disclaimer: I stayed in this hotel in 2014 but combined reviews from 2 of my accounts : ||I've been to Tokyo about 10 times in the past 5 years. We normally stay in Ginza or Shibuya / Shinjuku. We wanted to stay in a bit more of a " real" neighborhood and see the daily life yet be close to everything. I could not have aksed for more then the Hotel Mets. Being a yankee fan I was happy not to see any " NY Mets" decorations! ;) ||The hotel is a cut above the average business hotel. great location above the Chou line JR station.. soo many shops, and even a public bath house a few blocks away. A great neighborhood and a clean, modern and well designed hotel. our room was $150 including tax and breakfast and at peak times and with a bad exchange rate! .. so not too bad . If you are looking for a fun place to stay that is not the typical tokyo thing and want a clean, modern, good size room ( for Tokyo) and great tokyo neighborhood experience I highly suggest the Mets Koenji. Please note I am VERY picky jaded...

I stayed at the Mets during September 14 and tried to book again just now however it was full. Situated right on top of Koenji station of the Chuo Sen line- this Hotel is very popular, clean , extremely convenient , and with good staff. Rooms are newish, comfortable beds and good shower/toilet. Not much room in Bathroom to spread out cosmetics etc, however I made do . The room I had was smallish and I was staying alone in a Semi Double type bed. There is absolutely NO SOUND from outside at all. No train noise and situation is right in the centre of the suburb which as adorned with large varietiy of traditional shops unlike busy Shinjuku. Next door is Asagaya which is another wonderful traditional shopping district. A leisurely walk 25- 30 mins? . The shopping in Koenji is Fantastic ! Vintage clothing etc , great restuarants- small cosy and yummy. Will be staying again next week in this area and shall provide a follow up...