クリスタル高田馬場 401

Very convenient location - 2min walk to the Tozai line and maybe 7mins to the main station (Yamanote, Tozai, and Seibu). A lot of food options in a one or two block radius, a 7-Eleven and a Family Mart on the same block as the apartment, and a little grocery store (Seijo Ishi) right at the end of the block. Check in was really easy - Just retrieve the keys from the lock box with the code you're given, and grab the room manual from the desk (I somehow missed this when I arrived and didn't see it until I was checking out! Just make sure to pick it up.). This is a modest little apartment, but great for me as a solo traveler. Room is a good size for one or two adults, or maybe a family with one or two kids, but that might be a little tight. In-room laundry is always a big plus, and detergent was included under the kitchenette sink. There is a rack with a few hooks at the entrance to hang your clothes to dry, but if I stay here again I'll bring a clothesline to make it a bit easier. There's also a handheld steamer to freshen up clothes should you need it. Shower included body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. So unless you're really picky with that stuff there's no need to pack your own. There's a basic kitchenette - mini fridge/freezer, sink, hotplate, microwave, and a little table. Again - great for me as a solo traveler. There are some western utensils and chopsticks, as well as a kitchen knife (under the sink) and a cutting board. There's also a balcony outside the bedroom that is nice to just kind of watch people on the street walk by, and also serves as an emergency escape route. Just be sure to bring shoes out so your feet don't get dirty, and take them off before you re-enter (the bedroom is tatami floor so definitely do not wear shoes on it!).

No elevator, but if you're able-bodied that's only a slight annoyance when you're carrying your luggage on arrival and on departure. Not a big deal, but keep it in mind if you have a disability or otherwise will have trouble making it up to the fourth floor (or just stay in one of the lower-floor apartments). The hot water only lasts about 10-15 minutes, so if you're staying with others make sure you take quick showers and don't linger in there and waste water. Again, not a big deal - just be mindful. Other than that, my only request would be a fan in the room to make clothes drying a bit faster. Tokyo is humid, so it takes a whole day to air dry your laundry. An oscillating fan or box fan to get the air moving would be a big help. Overall no serious complaints to worry about, here!