WASHINGTON R&B Hotel Ueno-hirokoji

This is my second stay at this hotel. I'm taking advantage of my layover at Hong Kong Airport to finally get this review written. 1. **Location & Transportation: Full Marks!** The location is truly impeccable. I specifically chose this hotel because I needed to take the Skyliner to Narita Airport the next day. It's less than a 10-minute walk to Keisei Ueno Station, and directly across from Keisei is the JR station, making transfers with luggage incredibly convenient. Plus, it's very close to Ueno's best breakfast spot, EGG BABY CAFE! 2. **Surrounding Amenities: Extremely Rich** Just across the main road from the hotel is PARCO, and convenience stores, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, and coffee shops are all readily available. Eating, drinking, playing, and shopping are absolutely stress-free. However, one thing to note for parents with children: there are many izakayas nearby, and at night you'll see quite a few women in revealing attire soliciting customers on the street (even though there are signs indicating it's illegal, they still do it). It might be a bit awkward when passing by with kids. 3. **Amenities & Facilities: Self-service** Disposable amenities (toothbrush, toothpaste, facial cleanser, toner, lotion, razor, tea bags, coffee) can all be picked up from a small table next to the front desk, which is quite eco-friendly. 4. **Service & Details:** The front desk attendant's expression was rather indifferent when I spoke English, but when a Japanese guest spoke Japanese, she was all smiles. The hotel might need to improve training on service equality. However, considering she was willing to assign me my preferred room, I'll let it slide. Also, the accommodation tax needs to be paid at a self-service machine next to the front desk. The machine has Chinese prompts, so the operation is relatively simple. 5. **Room Experience:** The room size isn't small, and there's a luggage rack that allows you to open half of a 28-inch suitcase. The air conditioning cools down very quickly and is central AC. The single room truly has "single person amenities" – only one pillow (the granules inside weren't very smooth), one mouthwash cup, one hand towel, one bath towel... The bath towel was a bit small and couldn't fully wrap around me, but it was fine for one night. A big plus is that there's no step between the toilet and the bedroom floor. However, there's no trash can in the toilet, which is quite inconvenient. I had to throw my used disposable underwear into the trash can in the bedroom. This would be even more inconvenient for women during their menstrual period. **Summary:** Minor flaws don't detract from the overall experience; the location is indeed excellent. I would still choose to stay here next time.

I've stayed here for several years in a row, and everything is great. It's conveniently located, right across from a department store, and there's even an Ippudo ramen shop nearby.