Is Japan's Biggest Hotel Chain Any Good?

I stayed in Japan's biggest hotel chain for 3 nights for the sole purpose of seeing if it was any good. Honestly, very mixed feelings. And one piece of advice: Don't leave anything in the room.
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Norm Nakamura - Tokyo Creative
306 PORTAL Apartment & Art POINT, 4-17 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0031
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[@TokyoLens]

Thoughts? Leave them down below! Leave your favorite hotels, your worst hotels, your hopes and dreams, reviews and more!! Let's turn the comments into yet another plethora of useful information! Because.. Japan in a Jiff! ----- **PS IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THIS HOTELS VERY CONTROVERSIAL OWNER BELOW** Note About Owner: I had booked this hotel with the intention of highlighting some well-known literature that has historically been left in each room. This literature expresses the Nationalistic views of the owner of this hotel. Many people choose to avoid this hotel simply because of what type of person the owner is. I respect that. She’s got a reputation If you don’t know about her. I recommend you look it up. When I got to the hotel... No Book. (And trust me oh boy did I search for it lol) But in the end, despite being one of the original goals of the video, it didn’t make it in to the published content. I feel it is still information that many would want to know about, and may even base their booking decision off of. If this isn’t you, in my opinion there are still bigger places for much cheaper lol. Have a great day~

[@welfiblablabla]

My favorite Hotel I've been to in Japan so far is the Tobu Levant Hotel in Tokyo: great breakfast buffet and our room was nice and big an we got a free upgrade to a room with Skytree view 😍 Seconde best must be Candeo Hotel Hiroshima Hatchibori with it's reception and breakfast rooms on the 13th and 14th floor and an awesome view over Hiroshima. The room was big and modern and the hotel had a rooftop onsen. 🧖‍♀️🧖‍♂️ But this may get overthrown next month where we booked a room with a private onsen 😇

[@thempstead]

For Tokyo tend to stay in one of the big ones in West Shinjuku because we tend to be there for longer so tend to want something more comfortable. Outside Tokyo it's hotels of this type though. From a chain point of view I prefer Daiwa Roynet to MyStays. The latter is ok but did vary enough to be not preferred. Osaka, the Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka was interesting if only for the whole ... You have an entire church off your lobby ... On what floor?!?!?! (I don't mean a room, I mean an entire church, roof and all) and there was a good supermarket accessible from its basement. But last time I stayed at the Agora Place Namba which was very nice and convenient. The only time I had any issues was at a business hotel in Kyoto when we wanted two key cards as we were doing different things ... A quick onegaishimaus sorted that out

[@ScandiNinja]

Next time bring a Uv light and you will have free nightmares. Jk Ofc. But it would be cool if you try to Uv check a room you stay in.

[@ScandiNinja]

Btw, Was the noise bad at night from the traffic?

[@avfx]

It's japan no crime lol 98% conviction rate buddy hahhah ya fine.

[@AbroadinJapan]

APA hotel pillows have inflicted untold misery and sleepless nights upon me too many times to count.

[@TokyoLens]

I hated even calling it a “Pillow” The cake is a lie 😔 (Legit couldn’t sleep on it though lol)

[@captainnerd6452]

I actually spent a whole week in an APA hotel in Tsukiji in Tokyo, it was one of the worst stays by the end. The other chain I’ve stayed at was a Toyoko Inn in Monzennakacho Tokyo, about the same size but I’ve only spent one night which isn’t bad.

[@3m0gurl00]

I went to Japan and stayed for two weeks at the apa shinjuku gyoemmae and it was a pretty good stay though I have to agree those pillows are the worst about a week in we gave up and asked for extra pillows so we could double them up but to our surprise they gave us an actual fluffy nice pillow, so they do have them they just hide them. Also you are right about the theft Norm, we left our camera in the room since we decided to not use it while we were just going around the local area and lo and be hold the next day when we went to check for our camera it was gone and when we said something to the staff they said they would check the cleaning staff but then the next morning all they did was give us a note that said sorry our cleaning staff doesn’t have it

[@joshuabray37]

I think I ended up rolling up some towels or a jacket and supplementing the "pillow" with those.

[@ageguyera]

@@TokyoLens I just asked them for a better pillow and they gave it to me. A fluffy Western pillow!

[@mat.phillips]

Most times those card things on the wall that activate the room dont really read the door key; they'll activate with any card, just put a business card in there and keep the room key in your wallet.

[@TokyoLens]

lol honestly... usually do lol And go figure the one time I don’t... 😂

[@nikfish55]

Thanks for speaking to the controversy in the comments. I stayed at an APA once, unaware. I did however know about the dismal pillows and brought my own. Essential. If you have a chance, Dormy Inns are similar in some ways, but with different levels of niceness. The Premium ones may have nicer rooms, but the rooftop onsen at Dormy Inn Akihabara convinced me cheap business hotels can still be a treat!

[@robertdockery2824]

I've stayed in Apa and given the fact that I spend most of my time out and about and only in the room for sleeping they are okay. Just be careful of the bathroom from hell. You have to step up and over a divider between the hall and bathroom and if you are half asleep in the middle of the night it feels none too good on the toes. But I have found that in a number of hotels and not just Apa over there.

[@TokyoLens]

Lol yea those unit baths can be a really bigger. Lived in a place that had one for a solid year and I can honestly say I’m happy with small spaces if need be, but a Unit Bath is where I draw the line when it comes to home spaces lol

[@ubertoby]

The bathroom step is for two reasons. 1. They’re made separately from the room & craned in as a complete unit. 2. The Japanese have are accustomed to letting the baths overflow, hence the gully drains in the floors. The lip is the last line of defence from a wet carpet.

[@spun_01]

I've got a soft spot for Toyoko Inn though. Tiny, copy-paste rooms, some very strict rules but great memories from past trips. And they're always within a stones-throw from train stations.

[@bork0992]

When first researching a trip to Japan I think my biggest shock was the low cost for some good hotels. I’m so used to hotels below $100 being extremely unsafe or dirty (example: traveling for work and the only decent place that wasn’t a motel was $200/night). Glad to see that there are so many options for affordable prices.

[@Owlabi]

I love how some people probably knew exactly what hotel chain you were talking about before they even clicked lol. I’ve been to a few, one in Hakodate and one in Hachinohe . They were both pretty much the same, except the Hachinohe one had a bonus beetle to befriend in the car parking bay.

[@RobertMcKenzie]

I never leave the actual room key in the electrics switch box, I always shove a business card or just fold the paper sleeve most hotels give you that contain your room keys.. safer, no lock out or BS

[@ConnorJMacDonald]

My APA experience was good. I stayed at one in Chiba and Asakusa. Both were clean, and I had no issues. It was comparable to Mitsui Gardens that I have stayed at in Kyoto and a Best Western in Sapporo. My worst was the Palazzo in Vegas, for $500 plus a night, I got nachos in my bed sheets and so many skin flakes in the bath tub I felt like the dude from Silence of the Lambs wearing a skin suit after getting out. So, compared to that, APA was fine.

[@colette8022]

Whenever I stay at Internet cafés/hostels I always bring my own power strip with me so I can charge all of my electronics. Turn 1 outlet into 5 😂

[@TokyoLens]

Lol I’m amazed you’ve got space for it!! Smart carry though~ I do that when I go to Europe! Turn one power converter into 5! Lol

[@TheCLouiseA]

Hey, so from looking at this for $50 a night and you get a bath! And a nice clean room with a TV. I've paid way more out here in New Zealand for a literal dump of a room, i miss Japan.

[@avialoux]

Last time we stayed at APA Higashi Nihonbashi Ekimae we asked if they had better pillows and they said they had western pillows if we would like them. Second night was such an upgrade!

[@TokyoLens]

lol why did I not think to ask.... haha

[@guitardude4]

My travel adaptor plug has 4 USB's built right into it. That will be my trick on my trip to Japan next month. Concerned about having 2 full size cases in one of those rooms though.

[@Mattynessness]

I enjoyed my stay at APA during my trip last May. They are convenient and close to train stations. They are smaller than what I was used to but I enjoyed it overall. They gave us amenities even though we put out "no cleaning" sign. Great place to stay for cheap.

[@courtneyjohnston9444]

We have stayed at APA hotels on our 3 trips to Japan (30+ nights total) and have always been pleased. I have made a point to stay at the hotels that are rated high on TripAdvisor, but they have always been ultra clean, quiet and very reasonably priced. Although the rooms are small (for 2 adults) we make it work and are not in our room most of the time. The biggest complaint I have is the non-pillow. I bring a small travel pillow with me now :)

[@richardthegreat]

Full circle, I’ve been watching you for a few years as I’ve been wanting to travel to Japan, and now I’m watching reviews for hotels I’ve booked and I find you again, just a little younger 😂

[@dikadothings6301]

When i go to japan in 2018 i got canceled by air bnb for 4 times. it's sucks to look for another abnb that has been registered but in the positive side abnb refund all my bookings, gave me a bunch of free experience voucher, and also voucher for my stay. So i ended up saving almost $1500 just because Japan made abnb cancel my booking for 4 times.. Win for me i guess

[@TokyoLens]

Tons of stress that sounds like it paid off huge in the end!! That’s amazing~

[@fusionor]

I stayed mostly in airbnb when i visited in 2017 before the new regulations came into affect. This was in Yokohama and Kyoto in 3 different places, each very unique experiences. I think I paid about $20-30/night for each of them. First Yokohama airbnb was actually with a family that own a modern (western) style house. They had two bedrooms for rent and I stayed in the futon room. Great experience and I got to hang out with the family for a bit to chat. The second one was an apt in Kyoto right in the shopping distinct next to Gion area. Fairly small single room living space but perfect for 1-3 people if you can handle being crammed. The last was my last day in Japan in Yokohama and was a last minute booking. Probably the worst experience on that trip. It was only a 10 min walk from Yokohama station but it was in some guy's apt that he divided into 4 separate "rooms". Each room basically fit a single futon and enough room for a luggage. Also the whole apt smell of cigarette ash. I stay out most of the night at a local brewery a block away until I was drunk enough to pass out to ignore the smoke. So that was my airbnb experience. I would definitely do it again for the price. One thing I've learn from all my years of going to conventions is to bring a power strip with me now since I'm like you who carries around too many cameras and tech everywhere I go.

[@CandycaneBeyond]

I worry about booking those. Hopefully I find one in future that has enough reviews that I won't run into that

[@fusionor]

@@CandycaneBeyond Yeah. Definitely do your research. I was in a pinch so I booked it anyway. At least the guy gave me a key to my room. He did apologize profusely when he show me the room.

[@NovaFlux]

Ah yes, the "standard" APA hotelroom. I didn't mind it to be honest :)

[@TokyoLens]

It’s not without its charm~ And I was only there like 5 hours a day lol so it was more than enough!

[@narijima]

I actually just stayed at an APA, and was rather impressed. Probably the cleanest hotel I've ever been in, though I would agree with you on the pillows! Small room, but that was all I really needed since I was pretty much just there to sleep. My Japanese friend, however, sounded thoroughly skeptical when I told her where I was staying, and seemed surprised that I thought it was nice.

[@meithemediator]

Off topic but I really like that shirt. Not sure if I say before, not that it's important, lol.

[@TokyoLens]

Lol it’s very important Not as important as coffee... but important nonetheless lol

[@jwoodyr1]

I agree .... very cool shirt.

[@auberginearcher7610]

I had to watch the video twice because I was too interested in that cool shirt the first time! Love a guy that can rock florals 🌸

[@flyffpsy]

I've been in alot of japanese hotels and the most only want to know the room number. I think it is very easy to enter another room.

[@TokyoLens]

Yea... never leave anything in the room ever lol

[@petibuns]

About the lack of security on getting replacement keys, it's not an APA Hotel exclusive. I had the exact same thing happen to me during my stay at Hotel Keihan in Kyoto. They just asked me for my room number and that was it. I get that ID verification might be tricky if you leave your ID in the room, but I was still surprised it was so easy and I quickly wondered how easy it would be to ask for keys to rooms that aren't mine.

[@victorianeastender]

Is anyone here had issues with their airconditioners? We stayed one time in December for a night because we have to be in Osaka for an exam that would start very early. It was particularly hot that day, and there is no way to change the AC function from heater to cooler. We asked the front desk if there is anything we can do about it, sadly there is none. Apparently, they have a centralized AC system that's why we can't change the settings. It's so hot, we tried opening the windows. But there is no breeze that night whatsoever, all we got is the noise coming from the construction of the APA hotel were staying. It's coming in our room from the window we opened (that can only be opened like up to 3-5 inches 🤦‍♀️) And the TV is practically useless. We wanted to watch shows but the volume can only be raised to 30, the distance of the tv from the beds make it imossible to hear anything from it. The construction noise effortlessly covers up any sound that is coming out of the television. I had good impression for APA hotels after my first stay in one of their hotels in Hokkaido. Looking back, we were there in February in the midst of winter. Maybe the reason we were sooo comfortable staying in there then was because we never opened the AC (heater/cooler) throughout our stay. :(

[@rajivg9997]

lol I stayed in this exact one and wandered down the balcony to get some nice timelapses of the highway last year. Quick walk to Osaka castle though but definitely hit the family mart right around the corner!

[@TokyoLens]

lol good ol' Family Mart~

[@KirstenReusch]

Toyoko Inns. Nice. Not too pricey. Breakfast was included in room price and a tasty spread. Secure. Roomy - though if you aren't in your room the majority of the time, roomy is less important. I think I would've been sitting on the edge of the bed working at that desk in your room. :) That's a great view of the highway and a parking garage, lol. Loving the pillow commentary. I had a pillow in a Japanese hotel that was top half "firm", bottom half "soft," and neither was comfortable. I think I wound up using my rolled up hoodie as my pillow.

[@FBNdude]

My experience with APA hotels has been very different. Free bottle of water every day of your stay, love that chair with wheels on each leg. I had bought a plate etc so I could make my own meals instead of eating out every day and the hotel staff actually washed my dishes every day. That was in the Nippori ekimae in Tokyo. I've also stayed in the Sugamo ekimae (ekimae is "station front") and will go back there this year. Great location in terms of restaurants and there's a Seiyu a block away (not really hotel related, but awesome). That being said, I was in $100 rooms, so that may be a factor.

[@bertman4]

It's pretty good deal. I like the one in Asakusa that has the daiyokujou (grand bathing room) essentially a fake onsen, on the top floor, IIRC.

[@AdamHouston]

That’s the only APA I’ve stayed at. I had crashed my bike a couple of days before flying out to Japan and my leg was still weeping so I didn’t test the bath, but there was a constant flow of guests coming and going. I’ve stayed in worse than that APA, but generally I’ve had better experience and value elsewhere.

[@WizardOfOss]

After using mostly Toyoko Inn for years (I still love those!), now I'd say APA is the chain hotel I use most, mainly because many have an onsen. And the APA Hotel Asakusa Tawaramachi Ekimae is now my favorite hotel in Tokyo, with a convenient location but mostly because of its rooftop rotemburo! Compared to other chain hotels like Route Inn, Superhotel and the aforementioned Toyoko Inn, the one thing I don't like is that they don't offer a free breakfast buffet, and what they do offer is way overpriced. But nothing a Yoshinoya or konbini can't solve. And of course there's the issue of the guy behind the whole business, who does have some rather worrying views on Japanese history during the war.... And a little secret: many rooms have closet with an extra pillow, and otherwise just ask for one. Or next time go to a Superhotel where you can often choose from 20 types of pillows...

[@Ralesk]

Again, I love the outtakes :D If you ever feel like staying in a hostel setting for some odd reason, I had a great time at Ark Hostel in Edobori Osaka. Oh and apropos of pillows: at least it's not noisy like the ones in Hotel Palace (Kiyokawa, Taito, Tokyo), which I avoided for that single reason when I saw some reviews about it XD

[@TokyoLens]

all about those outtakes!

[@Mackyism295]

We started at an apa hotel and asked for thicker pillows and they gave it to us. Also my hotel plug hack is to bring a power board with me in my suitcase when travelling :)

[@TokyoLens]

now THAT is good info!~ Thanks eh~

[@dattmay]

Honestly there’s something to be said for an easy, cheap, small hotel like this. A nice place to sleep (that isn’t a capsule hotel) before moving on the next day. The really important thing, though, is having a good mattress/pillow and security. So maybe some room for improvement for APA…

[@CandycaneBeyond]

I love Hilton hotel. They are usually about $120 night. Walk into hotel it smells like sweet flower cleaning supplies and fresh baked cookies. (There are cookies at front desk to purchase)

[@Gadahax]

Seems like a safe cheap option for a 1st time trip to Tokyo, in other cities like Osaka or Kyoto I'm sure you could probably find something more interesting

[@HnD-zk9qq]

Just got back from Japan last week. We stayed at an APA for the first half and it was good for the price, but not if you have bags (we had a standard sized check bag, a roller carry on bag and a couple small backpacks). We ended up changing the second hotel from APA to a Hotel MyStays Premier. They had a sale going on so the price wasn't much more, but the quality was much much better.

[@Chrisb8s]

I work in the hotel industry. Yes they should always check if before giving out a new key. The balcony thing is a little creepy. When we visited Kyoto I stayed in an air BNB with my wife and son. Right in the Gion district we enjoyed it. I think it was $54/night for a small house.

[@islygon]

Just found this video. I stayed at an APA hotel in Akihabara in December and again in January. I thought it was just fine. Funny part was, I thought the bed was fantastic compared with the brick hard beds I had at Tokyo Disney, a suite in the high end Hilton in Shinjuku, and a couple of local hotels in Kyoto... except that pillow! I told a friend of mine that APA managed to provide the best bed and the worst pillow all at once! Either way, your video made me miss Japan even more... I can’t wait until I can return. Thanks!

[@pev789]

I stayed at a sotetsu fresa inn and it was lovely! Coming from Cali I was afraid it was gonna be small but it was decent size! And it came with a bonus little room i think it was set up to be a kareoke room lol

[@fairabbigailgrace]

The pillow looks to be for side sleepers. The arch in the middle is where your shoulder would go. While a side sleeper, I also have neck issues so I need something with a little more thickness to support my neck. The pillow I have now is awful....my sister and mom swear by it, but it kills my neck. I'm going to go back to my neck pillows. While using the neck pillows I've woken up with less migraines than my current pillow...I wonder if they have the side sleeper and neck support combined into one...I will have to look into it. :) Oh, btw I change my name in hopes that it's easier to pronounce than DysautonomicAng. lol :D Have a great day Norm!!

[@elflass5544]

I freaked out at the shared balcony. Also, what a wacky pillow. Are origami cranes common "gifties" in hotel rooms? I got one at a hotel in Tokyo. Love the bloopers!

[@majutsushisliceoflife]

I stayed at an Apa Hotel in Asakusabashi Tokyo during my recent visit there, and finding out you can get a room key just by telling them the number and not having to show any ID is a bit unsettling..(Glad I took my DSLR with me every time I went out.) There was no balcony outside the window, so I didn't have to worry about someone sneaking in the room. My first night in Tokyo, I stayed at the Hotel Sunroute Patio Omori in Shinagawa, and they gave me an old fashioned key.

[@gregorylawson5827]

I stay in this same size room 11 m² at the APA Hotel in Higashi Nihombashi. Can't beat it for $53 average a night!

[@berrykage]

Hey! I'm also in Osaka but in an Airbnb near the Osaka Station.

[@michaelcherry8952]

A perfect subject for "Japan In A Jiff". You would be hard-pressed to spin this one out to 10 minutes! I don't travel much (or at all) but the thing about a hotel room for me is, basically, can I sleep in it? It's a pretty poor trip (ESPECIALLY to another country) if you spend all of your time in your room. Is it clean? Is it reasonably comfortable? Can I afford it? O.K. then. Yes there are more comfortable options for the same cost, but at least you have this as an alternative virtually everywhere. I'm really enjoying these short videos. Your insights are valuable, given your experience.

[@Nurfa.iqah.1]

Hi Norm! Firstly, nice tshirt!😆 I love business hotels coz its standard. Like the amenities are usually the same, u have your own private bathroom, sometimes tv, etc. The only time i ever used APA was in Asakusa (and that time the building was new!) The APA asakusa was a good experience for me but your experience is making me think twice abt APA now😥😥 My go to is Toyoko. I’ve had my fair share of good and bad experience with Toyoko but it has and will always be my first option when I’m looking for accommodation. (The bad exp usually is customer service but thats very rare) I don’t think i will stay away from business hotel in general tho, as it always provides me what i need in an accommodation. But anw, nice video!! Good to have new perspective and keep ourselves safe everywhere we go. 👍🏻

[@hydrakn]

Never had an issue with APA Hotels. Never saw one with a shared balcony before. Security seemed fine, but every 3 days I think the law is that they have to clean the room even if you do a bang up job yourself. I am planning to stay at a non-chain next time but finding something quality under $100/night USD seems difficult in Tokyo. I do recall hearing the chain is looked down on for the political views of the owner, but I never saw books in the room.

[@Shanyandao]

I've never heard about this hotel chain, but it was very interesting! Also love the floral shirt!

[@mangoo4749]

I stayed at APA hotel in Shizuoka and I didn’t like their central AC/heater system. It was pouring in June that day and they could not switch it to heating mode. It was a really cold night.

[@hmuz8388]

I ve been to many Apa hotels in japan, but the one in Nagasaki takes the fcking cake...the worst room I ve stayed in in years!

[@gracemadness8992]

My partner and I stayed in one in Akiba, it would have been great for a couple of days but their website didn't give room dimensions & it was way too small for a 3 week stay! The price & having a bathroom was ace though. Also an opening window would have helped it was so hot in there.

[@TokyoLens]

oh god 3 weeks... (o.o)

[@gracemadness8992]

@@TokyoLens 😆

[@taroshibuya7011]

Hi Tokyo Lens last time i stayed in an APA hotel, i had to move because the place didnt have individual AC control. IT was central and all you could control was the fan. Japanese have the room temp so hot, i was cooking (im used to cold climate). Was this an issue with you? Have they got individual temperature controls fitted now?

[@nickrees5079]

Stayed in 3 apa rooms tokyo and Kyoto, found the rooms perfectly clean and toiletry replenished every day.. I did the same with my card, I was given new card and the old one de activated and had to return old one or get charged.my only problem was working the washers ! Staff were excellent and always helping out the thick foreigner lol.

[@MageThief]

Every time I see or hear about APA hotel I think of the big banner ad for APA Hotel in Kitakami (iwate), that banner had the face of the owner with one of her hideous hats 😂 Your arms getting quite big now Norm :)

[@TokyoLens]

Lol “the hideous hats” Nailed it 😂

[@MageThief]

Ah it is his wife, Fumiko Motoya, why use her as a symbol for a business!!??

[@tomman27]

Hey Norm, I am here in Tokyo til tomorrow. I always stays at Richmond Hotel Asakusa Premiere right next to Don Quijote. Great neighborhood and great food around. Big enough room and paid around $50 a night for 8 nights this time. If you wanna pay there is amazing breakfast too (but I usually go to Matsuya for egg with rice with natto for less than $3. Anyway Richmond hotels are a chain all over japan also. (Oshiage right next to Skytree has a bit bigger room also). Can't wait to come back sometime soon...

[@TokyoLens]

awwww did I miss ya? That's too bad Hope you had a great trip eh!

[@tomman27]

@@TokyoLens I did thanks Norm. Although this virus thing is getting crazier... thank god I had no problem coming back to New York.

[@Codelinkz_]

Awesome video, love the bloopers as always :D. I've gone for the cheap option for hotels when I come to Japan as well so it's most likely similar to this

[@dutchiedonuts]

Thanks for sharing your experience . I've stayed at two APA's while traveling around Japan. One was in Kamata, the other was in Sendai. Basic size room like yours, great amenities, great staff, decent price, and my pillows were a little better than yours. 😉 Just a fun fact about the card slot for room. You can put a business card in there and electricity will stay on. Especially when you have something in the fridge that you don't want to spoil. Or just in case you forget your room card. (been there, done that as well)😆 Great video and keep up the great content Norm. 👍👍🙂

[@kungfool69]

wife and i are the opposite. Three trips to Japan and we have only ever stayed at AirBnBs. We love to stay with them as they are mostly unique and deep within the local areas and back streets. If you need my referral code for an AirBnB discount, let me know ;) Just read reviews per room to get an idea how good they are. Some even come with cats!

[@franco3584]

That's a Hell of a Deal for $50. Despite the disadvantages.

[@welfiblablabla]

Looks like APA Hotel 🤔 have been in one in Osaka and one in Tokyo and don't plan on going to one again. I've learned that when I'm on vacation I like to enjoy at least a little bit of luxury, even if this only means a slightly bigger and cleaner room

[@TokyoLens]

Yea this was small even by my standards lol Pretty much the smallest you can go without going capsule! Hahaha

[@welfiblablabla]

@@TokyoLens Agreed. To me it felt to be targeted at business men who don't want to go to a capsule hotel.

[@TokyoLens]

Sounds about right~

[@Vanbg13]

Also, how did you find Osaka? I fell in love when I went, and I'm spending even more time there this year (last time I stayed in Hotel Monterey le frère, it was real fancy, and the hotel room was huuuuge. This time I'm opting for an Airbnb, might update with my thoughts on it afterwards, I'm going in late October)

[@lauragossert6282]

Lol That looks like my ideal pillow. Almost nonexistent. I'm a tummy sleeper. 💁

[@perdomot]

Well, this is a timely video as I booked my first APA hotel for my next trip in June. Gonna be staying in Komagome for the first time and I got it for just $35 on Agoda my fave hotel site. I stayed at the Asakusa Central Hotel near Senso-Ji last trip and you had to turn in the key to the front desk. When I would come back, I would just tell them my room number in Japanese and they gave me the key immediately. Only one person checked the PC to confirm my name. THIS is why room safes exist. LOL

[@TokyoLens]

lol oh god how I wish there was a room safe in this hotel mind you I can also see someone being getting the key for your room and being like "oh so sorry, I also forgot the combo I set for the safe!" lol

[@stormwarning9182]

I stayed in Airbnb in Kyoto and Tokyo. The one in Gion Kyoto was a traditional home with Tatami room which really added to the experience. Friendly hosts gave us helpful info, organised wifi and maps, and gifts when we left. Stayed in a hotel for last few nights in Osaka before flight home so we had convenience of room service/cleaning. Apa would not be on my list. You looked tired Norm, probably the pillow!

[@bennyang8049]

I stayed in this hotel chain in Tokyo before. I am still very happy because i have been in Hongkong and the rooms are even smaller and the bathroom is way tinier

[@albedo0point39]

Japanese business hotels are great value for overnight - but as a tourist I don’t like the way they close floors off for cleaning during the day. Often they do expect you to be out of the hotel from 10 till 3... so if you were expecting to return to drop shopping off or take an afternoon nap you can be refused entry.

[@JoseTwitterFan]

Stayed at a Holiday Inn Express in Osaka recently. They use the same key card system as APA.

[@minson56]

My new found love Over the last 2 years of travel to japan is the Tokyustay chain. Their newer hotels in Tokyo and Fukuoka all promote modern and new furnishings and have in-room modern washing machines.

[@sweetarchangel6748]

Here for the bloopers :p Great video as always, cheap doesn't always equal good. One to avoid when the kids and I eventually make it to Japan.

[@helvetiqa]

Dormy Inns have different pillows you can ask for at the check-in desk depending on what you prefer! The one we stayed at in Niigata was a Premium and had an open-air onsen bath on the roof too ♨️

[@NortherlyK]

$50 of cozy tiny room. Bring your own pillow and you're good to go. I bet you could scale the building with a balcony like that. When I travel, I bring a power hub with me just in case. I'd pick this over capsule for value.

[@Balverin2]

Regarding room key: even in Germany it's the same. Never thought a thing about it. Im on the road from Monday through Friday and never had something missing from my room

[@adaligogh4049]

I think I'm going to look into airbnb options when I travel there.

[@IkuTree]

Just realised that I've actually never stayed at a hotel while in Japan... Airbnbs, hostels, capsule hotels but no actual hotels. Huh. Guess I'll just have to rely on your videos!

[@TokyoLens]

Or maybe I’ll have to learn from your example and start spreading around the love to a wider range of categories!!

[@MSmith-Photography]

It's time for a BALCONY PARTY! WOOOOOO!!! 🕺💃🎉

[@TokyoLens]

Lol I’m pretty sure Mike was joking 😉 😋

[@MSmith-Photography]

@@TokyoLens Yeah. Balcony parties aren't fun. Not enough room to dance.

[@brooksnorthcutt668]

The caution remains

[@MrZaggy]

AirBnB has never failed me in Japan - have stayed in some 'Good' to 'Exquisite' places. The only issue I ever had was that one place was supposed to have Unlimited WiFi, and for some reason I could barely get anything... (Just had to go to the Local Kombini or Starbucks or McDonalds, to do my 'larger downloads') But I stayed in a place in Tokyo, out near Kamata last trip, which was 4-5 times the size of that Apa room, for a little more than the price of an Apa room. Incredibly fast net, kitchette/laundry, bath, two double beds, three Kombini's within 300m... and so many cats to befriend! :) Also had excellent luck in Nagano and Osaka. AirBnB is definitely worth a go!

[@TokyoLens]

I really need to get out and try one soon (^_^) Thanks so much

[@sasuke1243]

I feel like It's good to know where a good, cheap place to just use as a sleep base is, and where to fancy, this is an adventure in of itself places to stay are. Cause Id lvoe to stay at a ryokan on vacation, but thats like... 2 nights! so its good to know where to stay when you're just holding your stuff, and sleeping.

[@TheActualDP]

Stayed at APA Hiroshima recently. Got a room with a view of a concrete wall. It's like they were legally required to put a window in.

[@bitsandbytes16]

I've never stayed in an APA Hotel, but I reckon Toyoko Inn are pretty good. Also, if you're ever in Kobe, I stayed at Escale Kobe, which was super-cheap yet had really comfortable futons (I stayed in a Japanese-style room). It's also very close to a Kobe subway station, so it's easy to ride the subway into the city centre. And yes, they have a shared bath (which was rather nice, actually). What they don't have are private bathrooms/toilets for the cheapest rooms. Had the best night's sleep of my roadtrip at that place.

[@budzhusky]

Hey Norm. That pillow was funny. Love watching your bloopers 😅😅

[@TokyoLens]

lol thanks eh... there are always just sooo many bloopers

[@budzhusky]

@@TokyoLens I'm glad you read your comments. You're one of a kind there. BTW I had to postpone our trip there because the theme parks got shut down. I'm so bummed right now. I should of been on the plane half way there. Oh well, I'll just have to live through your videos until September. 😊😊👍👍

[@clydekawanishi7998]

Considering the cost of most hotels in Japan APA is reasonable. Yes its small but it has a lot of amenities. Just stayed in a hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico at a higher cost with less amenities. I think I think I used my hoodie underneath to give me more of a lift. Location is one the key points, usually next to a metro system vs trying to locate a Air B n B usually in a residential area with Japanese address system at night.

[@beanie72]

I got a great deal last year at a new APA hotel in Osaka too for ¥4500/n and it was clean but no public bath. I liked how you could store your bags under the bed, smart idea and for the pillow I think mine was different because it was comfortable.

[@potters_bbq]

Loved Osaka, will be back as soon as possible. ( how many followers Norm 👍👍👍👍) .

[@Mysticpoisen]

APA is a pretty standard business hotel. I try to avoid them though. They have a history of supporting some extreme nationalists a la the Nippon Kaigi. Seriously, take a look at some of the literature in the room, it's right there in the open. Straight up revisionist history.

[@bluuvan]

APA is a safe choice, I've stayed in number of them all around Japan. Clean rooms, quite good amenities, English TV channels and often public baths available on premises. It's easy to agree with you. That being said, you left out the controversial bit, each room has a propaganda book and the Chairman of the Group is known for his controversial comments.

[@bertman4]

Bloopers would be great as Patreon only views.

[@TokyoLens]

lol had originally thought of it!! But between the secret podcast, all the weekly livestreams, and the vids for the video watchers, there's so much Patreon-original content over there that I figured they are a nice way to wrap up each video lol

[@mayam7752]

Thank you for the video! I didn't know anything about APA hotels besides the fact that I have a booking there next month.

[@TLOWNSU]

I was about to book an APA Hotel for my 1st day in Japan in January next year. Ended up going with GATE. Seems like I made the right choice

[@kenisretiringtojapan9229]

Thank you for the APA review. It's always been an option for us when traveling to Osaka or Tokyo. Room & Bed is about all you get. 95% of the time, we're out and about.

[@ebonysebony405]

I haven't stayed in APA yet, they are my last stop on my March/April trip this year. I have stayed in 2 capsule hotels and the amenities were great BUT the mattress was so thin in both places that it felt like you were sleeping on the metal plank! I used my blanket in both places for extra mattress support!

[@TokyoLens]

"sleeping on a metal plank" legitimately imagined exactly that lol I am a fan of a firm mattress, but I dont know if I'm metal-plank level just yet Hope your trip goes great eh!!

[@ebonysebony405]

@@TokyoLens Well I can save you the preparation! You'll never be ready for a metal plank as our bodies only get older!!! I loved the convenience and cheaper price, but was not worth the back stiffness!!

[@Astran0th]

I've been in Japan a month ago and my favourite Hotel probably was "The Lively Honmachi Osaka". It wasn't too expensive, but it had a quite classy, very modern look. Staff spoke perfect english and it also had quite spacious rooms compared to other hotels in Japan.

[@FogboundTom]

I enjoyed spending my time in APA hotel in Shinjuku, had room in the basement right besides the public bath and ice machine :), but beds are quite uncomfortable for sleeping...my wife didn't even use the pillow .

[@Roodj1]

I believe that walkway that you can go to any room with at the start is a expectation bias on the builders. Laws are rather strict and unforgiving so the chance of the local population doing something we could as a western culture see rather easily, they do not necessarily see.

[@RLRPhotography]

I’m going to try Hotel Hokke.

[@49ers1975]

out of the 3 hotels we stayed while in japan ...i liked apa the bed is big and the pillows were big and held its form, shape....it didn't become flat.....i just didn't like the bathroom it was so tight.....and i didn't like how the water faucet is shared between the shower, sink and all...our all of it was connected..it made showering kind of miserable.......but aside form that i liked it...the hotel is nice and clean and has the spa and massage included and has laundry...

[@mirrormimi]

1:07 I actually said hello back, wth

[@pipster06]

I stayed in a great AirBnB apartment in the middle of Akihabara in 2017 (just before the change in law). It was only just under £40 a night as we booked a full 7 days and was so convenient! I'm a little gutted as they took the listing off since then (although I've seen it on another site like AirBnB) I'm a little put off due to the law and if they technically shouldn't be listing it (it's only up to 6 months a year they can rent out now due to JTA?). I've toyed with booking APA before, but yet to try it. I do prefer having an apartment though (due to having a kitchen). Thanks for the insight. I don't mind basic hotels, as long as it makes my trip cheap and I can enjoy the sightseeing more! I just hope the other APA's have a more stringent security when it comes to key misplacement!! Maybe do another video if you have to stay in a different one? ;D

[@richie5392]

I've stayed at APA Hotel ＆ Resort Nishishinjuku Gochome-Eki Tower and APA hotel Sugamo and yes those pillows are not the greatest, in fact I had to fold it in half just to get my head elevated so that I can breath properly and have a restful sleep. Also the toilet position gave me very little leg room so my knees would be touching the wall when I sat down. Overall I really liked both of the APA hotels that I stayed at, the staff were helpful and they cleaned the rooms regularly. I didn't know about the views of the hotel owner so I'm gonna have to do some research on that.

[@ageguyera]

i stayed at that one too. I can't believe none of you just asked for a better pillow!! : ( They have comfortable Western pillows available!

[@Peekingduck]

Stayed at APA a bunch of times. The one in Narita is the best of the ones in their chain.