Super Hotel Ikebukuro-Eki Kitaguchi

The location is excellent, just a 5-minute walk from Ikebukuro subway station. There are also plenty of restaurant options nearby, especially many Chinese restaurants, which is perfect for anyone craving Chinese food.

The hotel is a convenient 6-7 minute walk from Ikebukuro Station's underground exit A20. However, coming from the airport bus stop, it took us about 15 minutes. Dining and shopping options are plentiful and convenient near the hotel; it's also very close to some specialty shops. There are many hotels of similar scale in the vicinity, most of them advertising their own hot spring baths (onsen). After comparing several options, this hotel stood out for its value for money, primarily because it offers triple rooms, which are quite rare in Japan. However, upon checking in, we felt that this type of triple room is really only suitable for families with children under 10. With my 15-year-old son, we were effectively three adults, and the room was so narrow that only one person could pass at a time. The window couldn't be opened, making it feel quite cramped and stuffy. The room layout was minimalist, but it came with plenty of power outlets and even a multi-head charging cable. Since there's a hot spring bath (onsen), most guests hardly used the in-room bathroom. Given the space constraints, walls in budget hotels are typically thin, leading to potential soundproofing issues. However, during our stay, everyone was very considerate, and we didn't notice any disruptive noise. Compared to other hotels, the onsen here has extended opening hours, so you can still enjoy a relaxing soak even if you return late. The bath uses carbonated water. While the pool isn't large, the water quality was impeccably clean. Many of the hotel's thoughtful details are truly commendable. For instance, women checking in receive a complimentary, exquisite beauty and skincare amenity kit daily, with two options to choose from. There's welcome juice at the front desk. Additionally, every day from approximately 4 PM to 8 PM, a complimentary self-service drink bar is available on the 2nd floor, which is wonderfully refreshing after a bath. Furthermore, each floor features a 'pillow bar' where guests can select their preferred pillow, put on a fresh pillowcase, and return it after use. Regarding room cleaning services: For consecutive stays, guests have the option to forgo daily cleaning, in which case they receive two complimentary bottles of water and fresh towels. If cleaning is desired, the 'Please Clean' sign must be displayed on the door before 10 AM, and service can only be performed after guests have vacated the room. The hotel policy strictly states that cleaning cannot be carried out while guests are present in the room. Moving on to breakfast: it's primarily Japanese style. While the variety isn't extensive, it's very comprehensive and sufficient to cater to most palates, with the small pastries/breads being particularly delicious. We had read previous reviews mentioning less-than-friendly front desk staff, but we personally didn't experience that at all during our entire stay. While they weren't overly enthusiastic, they were unfailingly polite and professional, always answering our questions thoroughly. In summary: this hotel truly stands out among similar budget-friendly establishments. A plaque in the lobby proudly displays its recognition as a 'Most Popular Hotel' for several consecutive years, a title it genuinely deserves. Aside from the triple room being excessively small and feeling rather cramped, all other details and facilities were excellent. For a stay of two people or fewer, who plan to be out exploring during the day and simply need a comfortable place to sleep at night, this hotel comes highly recommended.