Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro

When traveling with kids, always opt for a larger hotel room. The last day, Sisoka was fully booked, so we switched to the hotel across the street. The 27-square-meter room was just too small. We didn't sleep well on the last night; the bed was tiny, and with three suitcases, there was hardly any space to walk. Plus, there were frequent banging noises at night that lasted for quite a while, which was really annoying. On a positive note, the hotel's afternoon tea was quite good.

The hotel is very clean, and the front desk service is excellent. Tobu Department Store is right downstairs, which is super convenient for shopping. The subway station is also easily accessible, and there are plenty of dining options nearby. The area around the hotel is quite lively. The only minor issue was a slight musty smell in the room hallway.

My daughter chose Ikebukuro this time, allowing us to experience another bustling side of Greater Tokyo, though it can't quite compare to Shibuya and Shinjuku. The hotel has a great location—nestled in a quiet spot despite being in a lively area, just a few minutes' walk from both the subway station and commercial streets. With two or three 7-Elevens and FamilyMarts right downstairs, it's extremely convenient. Service standards of this chain hotel are good, though the bellhop was a bit indifferent. The room is considered quite spacious for central Tokyo, kept very clean, and serviced daily. The urban concrete jungle view from the high floor was actually quite nice 😄. Both Disney and Hakone are definitely worth visiting. Tokyo has plenty of delicious food; Ichiran Ramen came out to about 60 RMB, which is ridiculously cheap.

I stayed in a premium twin room on the 18th floor for the first three days. Due to a typhoon, my flight was canceled, so I extended my stay by one day and moved to a different room type. The air conditioner was noisy all night and affected my sleep. The soundproofing was also very poor; I could hear even the slightest movement from next door. The hotel's service was still good, as they helped me move my luggage to the new room.

The location is super convenient, right outside Ikebukuro Station, and the airport shuttle bus stops right at the entrance. You're immediately greeted by Tobu and Lumine department stores, and just a short walk away are Seibu, Bic Camera, and many other shops, making it a one-stop shopping experience that saves time and effort. The staff are warm and polite, and housekeeping is prompt. Aside from being a bit dated and the decor not being the newest, this location and price are highly recommended.