RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo : Family Accommodation in Japan
Tokyo isn’t just a city. It is a megacity, so for the first time visitor deciding on a hotel can be anxiety provoking. Tokyo hotels are notoriously small and expensive. Knowing a little about the city train lines, the difference between City Hotels vs Business Hotels and having a firm budget in mind should help you navigate the plethora of options available to you.
We started hunting of the perfect room for our family months before our departure date, keen for a hotel rather that AirBNB so we would be forced to eat out each day. I also liked the idea of having our beds made each day. Ideally, we wanted enough beds to accomodate all four of us and enough room to move around.
Know Your Budget – Keio vs RIHGA
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Our budget for Tokyo was $300.00 a night, but I had not allowed the extra expense of travelling during peak cherry blossom time. Soon our budget was lifted to $400.00. Again and again, Keio Plaza Hotel was recommended across all the forums. Even my work colleagues suggested it as the best accomodation for families in Shinjuku. Unfortunately, we would need two rooms which blew out the budget (it worked out to around $600.00 a night). I was so tempted.
As I searched and searched I started thinking that perhaps I needed to lower my expectation until I discovered RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo. It was hovered round $350-400 a night but for that we were able to book a Junior Suite Twin Room which offered a 527-sq-foot (49-sq-meter) room with garden views. Better yet, the kids would both receive a bed each.
Getting to the RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo
If you look up the room you will quickly see that it is located in Shinjuku-ku. What can come to a surprise to some people booking the hotel is that it isn’t in Shinjuku city but rather the ward (which is denoted by the “ku” at the end). The ward covers a much larger area. To get here by public transport you take the JR loop to Takadanobaba station (a couple of stations beyond Shinjuku station and, to my delight, the birthplace of Astroboy). From Takadanobaba there is a courtesy shuttle straight to the hotel a few times an hour. It’s super easy once you get the hang of it.
So whilst some travellers may find escaping the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku for a quite location a drag, we found it refreshing. Our suite overlooked the gorgeous gardens and our room was spacious despite the unusual layout of the additional beds for the kids. The staff were amazing, catering to our every whim, and housekeeping always left our room pristine.
The toiletries are amazing at the RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo. Each morning items are replenished. You will find: shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, elastic hair ties, cotton swabs, shower caps, tooth brush and toothpaste, hair brush, razor and shaving cream, soap bars, hand soap, ladies’ skin care products all set out for you each day, as well as free bottles of fresh water. Each day pyjamas, bathrobes and slippers are replaced if worn.
Hotel Amenities
When we are travelling we rarely eat inside the hotel. We like to walk around the local neighbourhood and discover new finds (being a university area there are a plethora of options if you go for a little wander). However, if you like the convenience of hotel dining you will enjoy your stay here. You have the options of casual dining at Dining Ferio which offers a broad range of a-la-carte items; Chinese Restaurant Royal Rytho; Japanese Restaurant Naniwa (Kaiseki) and Japanese Restaurant Naniwa (Teppanyaki). I suggest trying to find a breakfast included tariff.
Whilst we didn’t make use of it, the RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo also features a 25 metre pool and fully equipped gym. It comes at an extra cost but looks like a great place to work out.
Check in / out
What I love about Japan is their check out times. Check in is generally from 3.00 pm at most hotels across Tokyo. Most excitedly I was pleased to discover that checkout is usually at midday. RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo is no exception and check out is super easy, I love that we could take our time on the morning of our departure.
Our Overall Thoughts
Whilst the RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo is a little further afield, it really isn’t that far. It’s in an amazing location with large rooms and wonderful staff. The beds, whilst all king singles in our suite, are super comfy and the room is cleaned daily. You will have a plethora of toiletries at your finger tips and super fast WIFI to keep in touch with everyone back at home. We will book this hotel again when we return to Tokyo.
We booked the RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo through Expedia as they offered the best price for our dates.
Looking for other options? I found You Could Travel’s article on Tokyo for first time visitors really helpful.
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