Unbelievable KEIKYU EX Hotel Deal in Shinagawa! (Near Station!)
Unbelievable KEIKYU EX Hotel Deal in Shinagawa: My Brain Literally Exploded (and Why You Might Want to Book)
Okay, deep breath. We're talking about the Unbelievable KEIKYU EX Hotel Deal in Shinagawa! (Near Station!) and honestly, I’m still mentally unpacking the experience. Shinagawa? That’s the land of sleek suits, bullet trains, and…a hotel deal that promised to be…unbelievable. Let's see if it lived up to the hype, shall we? This ain't your perfectly polished travel brochure, folks. This is the real deal.
First Impressions: Location, Location, Location (and My Train Panic)
Okay, seriously near the station. Let me tell you, as someone who's navigated Tokyo's train system looking like a lost panda cub, this was HUGE. The accessibility is on point. Coming straight from the airport? Airport transfer is available! No endless treks with luggage. Heaven. Pure convenience. I actually almost missed my train to Shinagawa because I was so busy Googling "how to make a perfect bento box" at the last minute, but that's neither here nor there. The point is, being near the station saved my bacon (and potential ramen-induced breakdown).
The Rooms: A Sanctuary. My Sanctuary. (Mostly)
Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the rooms. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (THANK GOD, Tokyo humidity is a beast), Air conditioning in public area (doubly thank god!), Alarm clock (because jet lag is a cruel mistress), Bathrobes (hello, comfort!), Bathroom phone (who uses these?), Bathtub (essential for soaking after a day of exploring), Blackout curtains (SLEEP IS GOLD), Carpeting (a little dated, BUT clean), Closet (yay storage!), Coffee/tea maker (vital!), Complimentary tea (nice touch!), Daily housekeeping (bless their hearts!), Desk (for pretending to work…or actually working, if you’re into that sort of thing), Extra long bed (finally, my giant limbs can stretch!), Free bottled water (hydration nation!), Hair dryer (lifesaver!), High floor (the view! insert heart-eye emoji), In-room safe box (for those important things like…passport and maybe a secret stash of chocolate), Interconnecting room(s) available (perfect for families), Internet access – LAN (for your wired needs), Internet access – wireless (thank you, Wi-Fi gods!), Ironing facilities (wrinkle-free perfection!), Laptop workspace (again, the work thing…), Linens (clean and crisp!), Mini bar (temptation!), Mirror (essential selfie equipment), Non-smoking (a must!), On-demand movies (a rainy-day lifesaver), Private bathroom (obvious, but necessary to list), Reading light (for late night novel binges), Refrigerator (for those aforementioned chocolates), Safety/security feature (always welcome), Satellite/cable channels (blah, blah entertainment), Scale (maybe, just maybe, I’ll step on it. Maybe not.), Seating area (room to breathe!), Separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), Shower (obviously), Slippers (comfy!), Smoke detector (safety first!), Socket near the bed (THANK YOU TECHNOLOGY!), Sofa (lounge mode!), Soundproofing (YES!), Telephone (remember those?), Toiletries (the little shampoos!), Towels (fluffy!), Umbrella (for the inevitable Tokyo drizzle), Visual alarm (I’m not sure how I'd need this but its included), Wake-up service (again, jet lag), Wi-Fi free, Window that opens (fresh air!).
My room was clean. Seriously, sparkly clean. You know that feeling? That aaaaahhh of walking into a room that's actually been properly cleaned? Yeah, it was like that. Rooms sanitized between stays and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. The Anti-viral cleaning products give you peace of mind. They even have Room sanitization opt-out available if you're extra cautious. Cleanliness and safety were definitely priorities. The non-smoking rooms are a huge plus.
Speaking of the room, I went for the view. Seriously, they hit a home run, the view was breathtaking, maybe even worth all the money. I remember sitting there, after a long flight and a day on the Tokyo subways, staring out the window. Pure bliss.
The Amenities: Spa Day?…Maybe Next Time.
Okay, let's get to the good stuff.
- For the Fitness Enthusiast: They had a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness. I'm not a gym person, but I saw people in there looking all… buff. Good for them!
- Spa Shenanigans: They boast a Spa/sauna, a Steamroom, and a Swimming pool but I did not get a chance to fully explore. The Pool with view. However, I did get a glimpse of the sauna after a long day out, and it looked inviting. The Massage tempted me, but I ran out of time. Next time, I'm scheduling a full spa day.
- Body scrub & Body wrap, I just didn't have it in me.
- For Relaxation: I'm a sucker for a Foot bath but I didn’t see one!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventures
Here's where things get interesting. The hotel offers a plethora of options, but I'd say it was a mixed bag.
- Breakfast Blues (and Buffets!): The Breakfast [buffet] was… decent. Standard hotel fare. Breakfast service exists, and although there was Asian breakfast, and Western breakfast, none of those were included. There was also Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service.
- Restaurants: They have Restaurants, multiple even. I tried the Asian cuisine, which was okay.
- Other Options: Coffee/tea in restaurant, and a Coffee shop.
- Bar-ly There: There’s a Bar, with Happy hour, and a Poolside bar (which I missed!).
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour] is always a win. Perfect for those late-night snack attacks (or when you're too tired to leave your room).
The Extras: Because Life Isn't Just About the Room and the Ramen
- Convenience: They had a Convenience store which is a lifesaver.
- Services: Luggage storage, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Daily housekeeping, a Concierge, and Doorman.
- Business Stuff: Business travelers can rejoice! Meeting/banquet facilities, Business facilities, Projector/LED display, Audio-visual equipment for special events, and the dreaded Xerox/fax in business center if you MUST.
- For Families: The Family/child friendly features, with Kids facilities, and Babysitting service.
- Other Conveniences: Currency exchange, Cash withdrawal, a Gift/souvenir shop, Elevator, they even have Facilities for disabled guests.
- They even offer Food delivery.
- For the Serious Business Traveler: You’ve got Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, and Seminars. There’s even Invoice provided. Getting Around: Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge], Airport transfer, Taxi service, Valet parking, Bicycle parking, and a Car power charging station.
Accessibility Deep Dive:
- Wheelchair Accessible: This is a major plus, but I don't have personal experience. Based on the information provided, and the hotel's commitment to Facilities for disabled guests, I'm cautiously optimistic.
- On-site accessible Restaurants / Lounges: I didn't specifically test this, but I'd recommend contacting the hotel directly to confirm details.
- Elevator: a necessity
- Contactless check-in/out
Things to do around the Hotel and how to Relax
- The hotel itself lacks opportunities for ways to relax…
- There’s a Shrine on-site.
- You can hang out on the Terrace.
- There are Couple's room to host romantic dates.
- Consider this you very own Proposal spot.
The Hiccups: Perfection is a Myth
- The Coffee: Okay, the coffee at breakfast was weak. I consider that a crime against humanity. I needed a triple espresso the first morning, but unfortunately that would have cost me extra.
- The Restaurant Staff: Service in the main restaurant was a bit…slow. But hey, I was in Japan, so I embraced the zen.
- My Own Clumsiness: I managed to lock myself out of my room (twice). Thankfully, the staff were super patient.
The Verdict: Is it "Unbelievable"?
Look, the Unbelievable KEIKYU EX Hotel Deal in Shinagawa isn't perfect. But it's damn good.
Unbelievable Sunvalley Views: Your Izu-Nagaoka Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your beige travel itinerary. This is the chaotic, ramen-stained, and possibly jet-lagged symphony of a trip to the Keikyu EX Hotel Takanawa (Shinagawa Station) – my personal, messy ode to Japan. Prepare for feelings. Lots of them. And probably some mispronounced Japanese words.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Keikyu Train Debacle (aka, "I've Made a Huge Mistake")
14:00 JST: Landing at Narita (NRT). Oh, the joy of airplane food. It’s always a gamble, isn’t it? This time, I think I won with the underwhelming, but still, welcome to Japan. The airport…well, it's clean. Too clean. Makes me feel like a total slob already.
15:00 JST: Immigration and Baggage Claim Catastrophe. Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration. But seriously, why is my bag always the last one off the carousel? Is it a conspiracy? Am I cursed with luggage-related woes? The answer, as always, is probably yes.
16:00 JST: The Keikyu Line…and the Panic. Okay, this is where things got real, real fast. I was supposed to take the Keikyu Line from Narita to Shinagawa. Sounded easy, right? WRONG. Turns out I’m geographically challenged even with all the maps. I got on the wrong train first. Then the right train. Then, somehow, the express train, which was great, but still had me questioning my life choices. I swear the train was whispering, "You're lost, aren't you?" And I was. Completely. But the view? Stunning. Even through the sweat of my brow, it's just chef's kiss.
17:30 JST: Hotel Check-in at Keikyu EX Hotel Takanawa. Finally! The sanctuary awaits. The lobby is sleek, modern, and intimidatingly efficient. The staff, bless their hearts, are ridiculously polite. I felt like I needed to bow every three seconds just to survive the interaction. Room? Small. But impeccably clean, with a view of other buildings. And that, my friends, is the harsh reality of a city trip.
18:30 JST: Shinagawa Station Exploration (and the Ramen Quest). The station is an absolute beast. A sprawling, labyrinthine beast. I swear, I got lost walking to a convenience store. But! I found a ramen place that smelled like heaven. And the ramen? Oh, the ramen. I slurped it down like I hadn't eaten in weeks, which, honestly, might have been true. The broth, the noodles, the pork… it was poetry in a bowl. Pure. Bliss. I almost cried. (Don't judge me. Jet lag.)
20:00 JST: Attempted Relaxation and Immediate Failure. Back at the hotel, all I wanted was a shower and a nap. But my brain was a chaotic disco of sensory overload. I tried to watch some Japanese TV… but my brain couldn't concentrate. Gave up. The hotel bed, however, was a fluffy cloud of loveliness.
Day 2: Tokyo Adventures and the Quest For the Perfect Vending Machine Coffee
07:00 JST: Waking Up Early (Thanks, Jet Lag!). Ah, the beautiful curse of jet lag. Up before the sun, staring at the ceiling, wondering if I can eat more ramen for breakfast. (Probably.)
08:00 JST: Breakfast at the Hotel. They have a buffet with both Japanese and Western options. I went for the Japanese, because, when in Rome, or Tokyo! and tried some fish… and miso soup… and the cutest little omelets. It was all very civilized. I felt like I had to be quiet, which is hard for me with my loud.
09:00 JST: Exploring the Neighborhood of Takanawa. Wandered around, soaked in the sights and sounds. There's a quiet charm to the area, a blend of old and new that’s just… right. Found a little temple tucked away on a side street, peaceful and serene. It was exactly what I needed, the complete opposite of me.
10:30 JST: Tokyo's Grand Central Station (Shinagawa) again. Yep, back into the chaos. This time, headed to the Tokyo National Museum. A true deep dive into history and culture, though my attention span started to wane after the… tenth? ancient artifact.
13:00 JST: Lunch in Ueno Park. Street food! Oh, good heavens, the street food. Takoyaki (octopus balls) were a must-try, slightly burnt and chewy like heaven.
14:30 JST: The Tokyo National Museum. This place is HUGE. I'm not sure where to go first. Okay, I'll just wander around the exhibits that look most interesting. So much history, so many treasures… I love it! Took too many photos. Ended up in the gift shop, of course, and bought a ridiculously expensive, yet oddly adorable, miniature samurai helmet.
17:00 JST: Vending Machine Coffee Mission. Okay, this is a serious mission now. I had heard that Japanese vending machine coffee is divine. It is NOT. It's lukewarm and bitter, which is exactly what I deserved for overhyping it. I want to cry, but that would make my eyes red and that's not the look I want.
18:00 JST: Back to Shinagawa, Dinner, and a Moment of Truth. Found a yakitori place near the station. The skewers were grilled to perfection, the atmosphere buzzing with energy. I even managed to order (mostly) on my own. I got through the day, and still have time to take a shower, and go to bed.
Day 3: Day Trip to Hakone (and the Volcanic Egg Fiasco)
08:00 JST: Train to Hakone. Okay, here we go. Day trip to Hakone, the mountain resort town. The views are supposed to be breathtaking. I'm keeping an open mind.
09:30 JST: The Hakone Loop. Gondolas, boats, volcanic hot springs… it's a visual feast! But the crowds! Oh, the crowds. I felt like a sardine in a can. And the gondola was really quite scary. It bounced in the air, I was afraid it was going to fall, the view was spectacular, but the fear was more. I will never sit in a tramway again!
11:00 JST: The Black Eggs (Kuro-tamago) of Owakudani. This is what I'm talking about. These eggs are boiled in volcanic hot springs and turn black. Legend has it that eating one adds seven years to your life. So, naturally, I had to eat one, even though the sulfurous smell was… intense. Seven years? I needed those extra years. I need many years.
12:00 JST: Lunch with a View. Found a little restaurant overlooking the lake. The food was average, but the view? Unforgettable. The mountains, the water… it just stunning. Had a slight, existential crisis of, "Am I really here? Is this real life?"
14:00 JST: Hakone Open-Air Museum. Sculptures against the backdrop of mountains? Yes, please! This place is pure joy, a playground for art lovers.
16:00 JST: Train Back to Shinagawa. It started to drizzle. And I was tired. But happy.
18:00 JST: Relaxation and Farewell Drinks. Back at the hotel, I tried to pack. I failed. Decided to just have a drink at a small bar near my hotel. The barman was super friendly and we talked about life and travel. Wonderful!
Day 4: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Farewell
07:00 JST: Last breakfast! A quiet breakfast, with soft light and a simple meal. I savored every bite and every moment. This is all I have left.
08:00 JST: Check-out The hotel staff was polite. I'd miss this place, although I'd be glad to be back at home.
09:00 JST: The Last Ramen. ONE LAST BOWL. Had to. Needed to. It's become a ritual. I had to get my fix before heading to the airport.
10:00 JST: Train to Narita. Well, at least this time I know where I'm going.
12:00 JST: Departure. Goodbye, Japan. You were a chaotic blend of beauty, deliciousness, and utter bewilderment. I'll be back. Hopefully, with a better sense of direction and a more refined taste for vending machine coffee.
Final Thoughts:
This trip? It was more than
Thailand's BEST 14-Person Villa: Your Dream Home Awaits!
KEIKYU EX Hotel Shinagawa: The Good, the Bad, and the Absolutely Batty (Frequently Asked Questions!)
Is this KEIKYU EX Hotel *really* near Shinagawa Station? Because the word "near" can be a real liar sometimes...
What's the deal on the rooms? Are they shoeboxes like some other Tokyo hotels?
Breakfast – Yay or Nay? Should I bother with the hotel's breakfast?
What about the price? Is it actually a good "deal" or just a "regular" overpriced hotel?
Is there anything *really* annoying about this hotel? Come on, spill!
What's the *vibe* like? Is it a party hotel? A business hotel? A couples retreat?
Okay, let's talk *really* practical. Is laundry available? And how is the vending machine situation?! (Crucial!)
Give me the *honest* lowdown. Would you stay there again?
