Tina Simone

Let’s get into it! (Also video reviews at the bottom)

Japan is truly an incredible country, and we had the most unforgettable trip! I honestly can’t wait to go back. During our stay, we had the pleasure of experiencing three fantastic hotels: Nol Kyoto Sanjo, Royal Park Ginza, and Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel. Each one brought something unique to the table, so let’s break them down and dive into my overall experience, including the pros and cons of each.

Nol Kyoto Sanjo: The Perfect Fusion of Tradition and Modern Comfort

Our first stop in Japan was the Nol Kyoto Sanjo, and I have to say—it exceeded all expectations. I might sound a little dramatic, but this hotel was an incredible way to kick off our trip. The hotel’s location was great and within walking distance of everything we needed, whether it was a bite to eat, exciting activities, or easy access to the train station.

What truly set Nol Kyoto Sanjo apart, though, was its beautiful blend of modern design with traditional Japanese Ryokan elements. This wasn’t just a place to stay; it was an experience in itself. The room featured a meditation pad and a wooden bath, which added an authentic touch to the modern accommodations. It’s hard to find a hotel that balances both styles so well, and that was exactly what I wanted.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a hotel that offers this kind of unique fusion, book early! These spots are in high demand. I booked nine months in advance, and this was my second option—so they fill up quickly.

What We Loved:

• Every evening, they offer complimentary sake and snacks, which was a sweet  treat after a day of exploring.
• The in-room washer and dryer was a lifesaver! No need to lug around dirty clothes for the rest of the trip.
• The room also comes equipped with kitchen essentials, perfect for cooking or warming up those snacks from the convenience stores.
• They even provide pajamas, which we made great use of during our little meditation sessions.
• A fun tech perk: the elevator automatically knows which floor you’re headed to when you scan your key card. Talk about convenience!

A Minor Consideration: Honestly, I couldn’t find any major cons. The only slight inconvenience was that when I booked through their website, I had to pay in full about nine months in advance. But that’s probably because they book up fast, so plan ahead! But they do have an extended cancellation window till about two weeks before.

Royal Park Ginza: A Perfectly Located Retreat in the Heart of Tokyo

The Royal Park Ginza was the second hotel we stayed at for about four days, and it was in a perfect location. The hotel had a very welcoming atmosphere, and the check-in and check-out process was a breeze thanks to their easy-to-use kiosks. Upon arrival, they even gave us welcome drink tickets to enjoy at the bar.

When we got to our room, our luggage was already waiting for us, which was a seamless transfer from out previous hotel. Since we were out and about most of the time, we primarily used the room for sleep, heading out early and returning late in the evening. But overall, it was the ideal spot for a quick, comfortable stay in the heart of Ginza.

What We Loved:

• The hotel is in a prime location, conveniently situated right by the train station and the Ginza shopping district.
• The lobby hosts social events and has a bar, so it’s a great spot to pregame or enjoy a low-key night out without leaving the hotel.
• The front desk offers complimentary toiletries, making it easy to grab what you need on the go.
• This hotel was the most budget-friendly option of the three we stayed at.
• The room was thoughtfully designed with modern features, like Bluetooth speakers in the shower and a projector in place of a traditional TV to maximize space.

A Minor Consideration: The rooms are on the smaller side, with limited space to store luggage, which can be challenging, especially if you’re an over-packer still figuring out where everything is packed.

Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel: Our Luxury Final Stay in Tokyo

Our final hotel stay of the trip took us to the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, a sleek and sophisticated retreat in the heart of Shibuya City. Just a quick four-minute stroll from the iconic Shibuya Crossing and the train station, this hotel immediately stood out for its prime location and luxurious vibe. The room, intentionally booked for its spaciousness, was the largest of our entire trip—perfect for comfortably repacking our suitcases without feeling cramped.

What We Loved:

• The staff were incredibly polite and attentive, offering the kind of service that elevates the experience. From the moment we arrived, the doormen not only took our luggage up but also neatly placed it in the room for us.
• Every morning, we received a complimentary newspaper—a thoughtful touch that doubled as a memorable souvenir.
• The room itself was spacious, featuring a large walk-in closet and a separate toilet, tub, and shower area. It was the perfect setup for a relaxing and comfortable stay.
• The hotel’s unbeatable location meant we could easily walk to Shibuya Crossing and the train station, putting the best of Tokyo right at our doorstep.

A Minor Consideration: While the hotel leans towards the pricier side, the quality and luxury were undeniable. I did have other hotels in mind during the planning phase, but they were fully booked—even 6-7 months in advance! That said, I have no real cons to report. The room was spotless, the staff exceptional, and overall, it was a great stay.

Let’s Wrap This Up

I know what you might be thinking: How were there no cons? Honestly, I believe it all comes down to Japanese culture. Every hotel stay felt wonderful, largely thanks to the warm hospitality, unmatchable politeness, and an incredible attention to cleanliness. It wasn’t just the hotels themselves—it was the people and the experience that made each stay feel special.

That said, it’s worth noting that we didn’t spend much time lounging in the hotels. Let’s forreal, we were pressed to squeeze every ounce of adventure into our trip! Our days were packed exploring Japan, so by the time we returned to our room each night, we were ready to crash. (We even fell asleep on the train coming back home—but that’s a story for another time!)

All in all, I believe you can’t go wrong with whatever hotel you choose in Japan. The country’s hospitality speaks for itself. Just make sure to do a little research, and you’ll have an amazing stay—whether it’s in a five-star hotel or a cozy capsule hotel.

Stay tuned for more stories!

Interested in any video reviews look below in the same order as the above reviews 👀

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFYnrj6t/

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFYn48Yw/

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFYnQvqy/