Sakura Cross Hotel Akihabara — Hotel in Tokyo

I am writing my first TripAdvisor review ever.||||I was a hotel management for some big names and am a frequent traveler now, especially to Japan (at least 4-6times a year). I have to say I hated to write bad reviews and voicing any hospitality publicly, but this time I think I should.||||This hotel looks chill and new, location is fair (it’s pretty close to Akiba JR station the Yamamote line, convenient to most overseas tourist.) But this hotel definitely lack the flexibility and hospitality, at least not hospitable as general Japan hotel/hostels/B&B I stayed at, and of coz not to mention international hotels/inn level.||||Here’s the reason I said so, I will give you a full story in point and as fair as possible for future visitors consideration:||||- I have a non-refundable prepaid booking via booking.com (yes, I am totally aware of||the booking T&Cs)||||- Typhoon Hagibis is forecasted to hit Japan. It the strongest typhoon hitting Japan in past 60+years.||||- Japan government and airlines announced to shut down major rails and airports, including Haneda and Narita (the two major Tokyo airports).||||- Only JAL and ANA cancelled total 1100 flights to/from Tokyo.||||- Some major sport event including F1 and Rugby World Cup are postponed. ||||- Most major Japan cities, or at least Tokyo, is pretty much sealed to prepare for the typhoon.||||- I am traveling with ANA from Vancouver, and only have 2 direct flights to Tokyo daily. Both cancelled.||||- In such condition, I requested the hotel to cancel my booking. So that I don’t waste my room nights and the hotel room can serve other guests who are stuck in Tokyo due to the typhoon.||||- Hotel rejected regardless me providing air tickets and flight information.||||So, I understand it’s non-refundable and prepaid. But the typhoon sealed Tokyo that I couldn’t go no matter much I want to travel to. The hotel doesn’t seem to run by or own by Japanese, the hospitality level is just totally different (I am sure due to my background). And it’s not like a language and communication problem, as the English they use in their email is not the English in typical Japanese hotels.||||So, all in all, here’s my conclusions for your own consideration,||||- this place seems nice and neat||- the location is fairly good.||- no comments to the hospitality of on site staff (since i wouldn’t make it to Japan)||- hotel management lacked the flexibility and hospitality to handle guests’ requests.||||||Advice to the management and owner of the hotel.||Please don’t try to rip off your guests. You should have considered to allow cancellation in such occasion, and use the cancelled rooms accommodate those who are stuck needing a room...

Overall, I think this is excellent hotel, we had a great stay in Tokyo. The hotel is a kind of service apartment, it is perfect balance between luxury and cost performance. We would choose this again if we have a chance to stay in Tokyo again.

-Location We could use 4 lines of main Tokyo train lines incl. JR and Tokyo metro, it brings us to everywhere in Tokyo, nearest station is 1 min on foot. Some convenience stores are around, easy to get there 24h. It’s easy access to Akihabara electric appliance store yet Hotel’s surroundings are quiet and calm, so your sleep won’t be bothered.

-Room Because of recently launch, the room was super clean and modern, and we could enjoy Tatami space as well. Everything is very thoughtful, it was comfortable. Especially Towels! These towels are from Imabari which is well-known brand as Japanese high-quality towel, it was the softest touch I had experienced ever... Aa for beds, it was not hard but not too soft, it was just nice. The comforter was very soft and light weight kilt. I believe it should be a famous brand too.

-Facilities There is no staffed counter for check in and check-out, we just directed to our rooms and open combination lock door by password code which provided by Hotel. It’ s time saving. It is very stress for me to bring card key so this system was the best way since we don’t need to be worried about losing keys. And nobody came in to the room during our stay, this is also very good for me, it was like my...

This hotel is a self checking hotel. You will get bombarded with emails to provide all your personal details (including passport details) via an email link. I didn't trust it, so I opted to check in using the iPads at the entry. We stayed in the Family Suite. The room was large enough for us and looked quite nice. The hotel is also situated within walking distance to Akihabara, so access to food, shops and train lines are all close by. That's where the positive points end.

As soon as we entered the room, the entire room stunk of mold. You could visibly see the mold in the bathroom. We had to run the exhaust fan in the bathroom the entire time we stayed there to lessen the smell. The top bunk had a big yellow stain on the sheets, so my child decided to sleep down with us. The room is not sound proof, so every car (or motorbikes on Saturday night) can be heard loud and clear. The hotel does provide you with ear plugs though. I also found it weird that the mirror in the shower was down at crotch level.

As for service, our towels were changed and bin was emptied... and that was about it. You never really see anyone. When checking out, a random staff member appeared out of nowhere and kept pushing for us to review the hotel right there and then in which I told him no, we have to get to our next destination. Considering the amount of money we paid per night for this accommodation, I cannot...