Tokyo Luxury: 1BR Aoyama Suite, 2 Doubles, Steps from Metro!
Tokyo Luxury: 1BR Aoyama Suite, 2 Doubles, Steps from Metro!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the shimmering, chaotic, and possibly-too-perfect world of the Tokyo Luxury: 1BR Aoyama Suite, 2 Doubles, Steps from Metro! - and yeah, I'm gonna be brutally honest. This review won't be some cookie-cutter travel brochure. It’s gonna be real, baby.
First off, the name itself? "Luxury"? "Steps from Metro"? They're not kidding. But let's break it all down, starting with…
Accessibility, or, Did My Grandma Survive?
Okay, so let's be real. Is it super accessible? Probably a little better than some of those tiny, ancient Ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) that make you feel like you're climbing Mount Fuji to get to your futon. This place says it's got facilities for disabled guests. Good. That's a start. I didn't personally haul a wheelchair in, so I can't give you a definitive "yes" or "no," but the elevator is a must for an apartment-style place like this, and the claim to have it is a big plus in my book. Accessibility should be a right, not a luxury. Double check those specifics if you need them, folks. Don't trust my ramblings completely.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because Let's Be Honest, We're All Germaphobes Now
The world has gone sanitizing crazy, and good for them for staying ahead, I'm not sure they can even call this a hotel now, the lengths they've gone to. Antiviral cleaning products? Okay, they may be overcompensating, but I ain’t mad. Daily disinfection? Check. Room sanitization between stays? Hell freakin' yes. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Good, because I’m pretty sure I still touch my face way too damn much. Staff trained in safety protocol? Important. Safe dining setup? Well, that's more "safe" in a pandemic context, but hey, I like a salad and some safe distance to the diner next to me, so yes to everything they offered on COVID safety including the option to opt-out room sanitization… which, I guess if you're bringing a hazmat suit, go for it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Tokyo Adventure
Right, let's get to the important stuff. Restaurants? Yep. Coffee shop? Thank god. Because jet lag and trying to navigate the Tokyo subway system is a recipe for needing a five-shot espresso. Room service [24-hour]? Blessing. Especially after a crazy day of temple hopping and neon overload. Breakfast Buffet? Seems like they're covering their bases. International cuisine? Asian cuisine?!? I did the western breakfast, but I saw the buffet; it looked pretty good (even though I'm not a buffet gal). Happy hour? Poolside bar? Yes. YES. Snack bar? A definite yes, because that's a lifesaver when you're caught in a train that's going in the wrong direction. Oh, and a la carte, alternative meal arrangements and vegetarian options in the restaurants? That’s a thoughtful touch.
Services, Services, Everywhere a Service!
Concierge? Always a lifesaver, especially if you’re like me and get lost in a parking lot. (True story). Doorman? Fancy! On-site event hosting? For the corporate types. Laundry/dry cleaning? Luggage storage? Necessary, especially when you buy too many anime figurines. Elevator? YES! Daily housekeeping? Love it. Cash withdrawal, currency exchange?! Now we’re talking. They’ve thought of everything. They even offer Invoice provided at the end. So all you accountants can go nuts!
For the Kids (and the Big Kids at Heart)
Babysitting service? Good to know! Family/child friendly? If you're hauling the ankle biters, they seem to accommodate. Kids Meal? That's a win-win.
Getting Around – The Subway, The Subway, The Subway…
Okay, the big selling point: Steps from the Metro. Seriously. Steps. My tired, jet-lagged feet rejoiced. No, really, it was amazing. They also offer Airport transfer, Car park [on-site], Taxi service and Valet parking. They seem to think of everything.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax – Finally!)
Alright, here’s the juicy bits. Swimming pool [outdoor]? YES! You gotta have a pool. Fitness center/gym? Okay, maybe skip the sushi binging and hit the treadmill Spa, sauna, steamroom? Massage?! Body scrub, body wrap, foot bath?! YES! I'm picturing myself after a long day of battling the Tokyo crowds. I'm in! I WANT IT!
In-Room Glory (and the Small Stuff)
Alright, let's peek at the Available in all rooms list. Air conditioning? Yeah, because Tokyo summers are brutal. Air Freshner – for when you order too much ramen. Alarm clock?! I need one, Bathrobes, Slippers are a given for that luxury feeling; Bathtub and separate shower? Blackout curtains? Coffee/tea maker, mini-bar? Essential. Desk and laptop workspace? Free Wi-Fi? The entire package is amazing. In-room safe box and Safe/security features, good to know. Satellite/cable channels for the moments when you totally crash after a long day. Wake-up service? Window that opens? Even the little details are covered.
The Honest Truth (and the Emotional Meltdown)
Look, I'm not gonna lie. Getting to Tokyo is a commitment. But this place? This Aoyama Suite? It was a freaking oasis. That pool! That massage! That feeling of total, utter, luxurious… relaxation. They definitely had their act together. And the proximity to the metro? Game changer. You can get lost in the chaos of Tokyo, and then retreat to your own little sanctuary.
But… and this is where the raw truth comes in… the thing is that the first day, I couldn't figure the coffee machine out. I mean, come on! It's a luxury suite! I ended up having to drink the instant packet, which I found in the "complimentary tea" section. Mortified. It's a small thing, I know, but it just felt… wrong. That's the only real imperfection.
The Offer! (Because, Duh)
Alright, here's the deal: Book your Tokyo escape at the Tokyo Luxury: 1BR Aoyama Suite, 2 Doubles, Steps from Metro! and get:
- Guaranteed relaxation: Access to the pool, spa, and the best massage in Tokyo (that I had!).
- Stress-free exploring: Literally steps from the metro, for easy navigation.
- A little slice of paradise: Spacious, well-appointed room with all the luxury you deserve—and yes, even the coffee maker (maybe you’ll have better luck than me).
- Cleanliness that will calm your inner germaphobe: They mean business in regards to disinfecting and safety protocols.
But wait, there's more! For a limited time, we're offering early bird pricing with the chance for a room upgrade (subject to availability), and a complimentary bottle of sake (I'm not sure about this – can we add this?).
Don’t get stuck in a cramped capsule hotel! Book your Tokyo dream now. Seriously. Do it.
(Click here to Book, you idiot!)
Dayton's BEST Kept Secret: Unbeatable Value Inn!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travel post. This is the REAL DEAL. My Tokyo trip, distilled into its messy, beautiful, slightly panicked essence, from my AOYAMA 1BR suite, 3 minutes from the metro. Let's go!
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Ramen Hunt (or, Why Did I Pack So Many Socks?)
- Morning (Tokyo Time, because jet lag is a fickle beast): Landed at Narita. Smooth, mostly. Except for the minor heart attack when my passport didn’t want to scan. Dramatic sigh. Immigration officer seemed unimpressed by my frantic American gesticulations. Finally got through. Thank god for pre-booked airport transfer; I was not in the mood to wrestle a train with my giant suitcase. Pretty sure I saw a salaryman in a perfectly pressed suit cry at his phone. Just kidding. Maybe.
- Afternoon: AOYAMA Bliss (and Bathroom Orientation). Checked into my suite. The AOYAMA 1BR – yes, the very one! Three minutes from the metro? Lies. Glorious, glorious lies. It's probably more like five, and uphill. Still, the view from the window is… breathtaking. Like, tiny-buildings-as-far-as-the-eye-can-see-and-I-don't-know-how-I-find-it-so-beautiful-even-though-it's-just-buildings. The apartment itself is pristine, like the inside of a smartphone. Trying to figure out the Japanese toilet. Wish me luck. I swear, I need a PhD in Japanese plumbing by the end of this trip. Unpacked. Realized I packed at least a dozen pairs of socks. Seriously, what was I thinking?
- Evening: Ramen, Glorious Ramen, and the Existential Dread of a Vending Machine (and Karaoke). The main objective for today: RAMEN. Found a place near the metro, recommended by a random blog. Didn’t understand a single word on the menu, so I pointed at a picture and hoped for the best. Best decision OF MY LIFE. The broth was…holy. Then, wandering around, spotted a vending machine with…everything. Cups of noodles, tiny bottles of something I guessed to be… I don't know. Something Japanese. Took a chance. No regrets. Decided to take a stab at Karaoke since I was riding a high from my ramen success. Bad idea. Karaoke is a serious business in Japan. People were…practiced. I butchered "Bohemian Rhapsody," and felt like I was singlehandedly responsible for the slow death of rock and roll. But hey, at least I tried. A little sake probably helped. Finally, back to the apartment. Still wrestling with the toilet. Found a button that says "waterfall." I'm… intrigued.
Day 2: Shibuya Scramble and the Lost Art of Patience
- Morning: Shibuya Scramble, Instagram Fail and Crowds. So Many Crowds. Okay, so, everyone told me about Shibuya Crossing, and the photo ops. It was…exactly what you see online. CROWDS. So many people. I felt like a salmon swimming upstream. The photo I took? Garbage. I was probably too busy trying not to get run over. Found a coffee shop nearby and watched the chaos unfold from a safe distance. Decided to embrace the chaos and get involved, almost got hit by a car but made it across.
- Afternoon: Harajuku and the Mystery of Kawaii. A pilgrimage to Harajuku. I love the color and craziness of this place. It started raining. Ugh. Found a crepe stand (another good decision) then wandered down Takeshita Street. I'm still trying to figure out the whole kawaii thing. Is it ironic? Sincere? Both? (probably). Bought a pointless keychain and a pink, glittery hair clip. Don't judge me.
- Evening: Dinner and the Perpetual Quest for the Perfect Matcha. Went to dinner at a tiny izakaya in a back alley – the kind of place you'd maybe stumble upon if you were actually looking for a place like that. Delicious yakitori, perfect matcha. Tried my best Japanese to order. Success! Felt proud. On the way back to the apartment, I saw a cat. It seemed unimpressed by me. I completely understand.
Day 3: Tsukiji Outer Market and the Price of Fresh Fish
- Morning: Tsukiji Outer Market – Sensory Overload (and Sushi Brain Freeze). Arrived early. The place was already buzzing! The energy was incredible. Wandered, sniffed, and stared. The seafood looked…magical. Ended up at a sushi stall. The freshest, most melt-in-your-mouth sushi of my entire life. I ate way too much. Almost had a small mental meltdown about the price of one slice of otoro. But worth it. The taste of the sea never leaves my tastebuds. Note to self: next time, bring more cash.
- Afternoon: Ghibli Museum – Magic (and the Realities of Tourist Lines). The Ghibli Museum… pure magic. (You must book tickets in advance). The animation, the whimsy, the sheer joy of it all…it made me feel like a kid again. (And I was probably also the most annoying person there). The walk to the top also was amazing, the view never left me.
- Evening: Exploring the Area and Finding New Streets. Went back to the apartment, sat down and thought…where to next? Checked out the stores and shops around my apartment, found a wonderful shop.
Day 4: Day Trip to Hakone: Mountains, Art, and the Terrors of Public Transportation. (and the Smell of Sulfur)
- Morning: Travel to Hakone. Took the train. The views were stunning, the atmosphere was clean.
- Afternoon: Hakone and the Art of Lakes. Tried the cruise. Was so excited to see the mountains.
- Evening: Back to the Apartment, the Toilet, and Wondering What the Heck "Yuzu" Is.. After the chaos, I was glad to be back in my comfy little apartment. The toilet still taunts me. Found a bottle of something labeled “yuzu” in the fridge. Looked it up. Japanese citrus. Okay, I’ll try it. Probably. Maybe tomorrow. I'm also starting to feel a deep and abiding affection for my tiny balcony. It's the perfect place to drink my morning coffee and wonder what the world is coming to. And to plan the next day. Because there’s so much more to see, so much more ramen to devour, and so many more mysteries to uncover. This is Japan, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything (except maybe a slightly less complicated toilet). P.S. I think I finally mastered the "bidet function." Small victory.
Alright, spill the tea: Is this place REALLY "luxury?" Because my standards are higher than a skyscraper in Shinjuku.
Okay, okay, let's be real. "Luxury" is in the eye of the beholder, right? And my eye? Well, it's been trained by the *very* discerning school of travel. I've seen my fair share of underwhelming "luxury" hotels. So, with that in mind... Yes, it's pretty darn luxurious. It's a *Tokyo* luxury, which is a very specific breed. Think sleek, minimalist, and blindingly clean. The marble in the bathroom? Glorious. The bed? Cloud-like. But, and this is a big but… it’s not like a Versailles kind of luxury. It's the kind of luxury that makes you feel like you could actually *live* there. Not just visit. This place felt designed, like, maybe by a very fashionable, very minimalist ghost. (That’s a compliment by the way!)
"Steps from the Metro!" Translation: How many steps are we actually talking? Because my calves are currently protesting a hike I took last week.
Okay, this is a VERY important question. And I'm happy to report: The claim holds up! Seriously, the metro is literally steps away. Maybe like, 2 minutes tops? Which is a godsend after a day of exploring. I'm not exaggerating when I say it's the EASIEST public transport situation I've *ever* experienced. No treacherous hills, no hidden alleyways, just... BAM! Metro. Pure, unadulterated convenience. (I actually think I would have melted into a puddle of exhaustion if it was any further.)
Two Double Beds? So, what's the deal? Is it a *thing* in Tokyo? Are they cramped? Is it a good for a couple? OR, is it a good choice for a traveler with kids? Is it *really* TWO doubles?
Alright, the bed situation is a tricky one. Yes, *two* double beds. It's not an American king, but it’s plenty big enough for two people. (Maybe with the understanding that you are *very* comfortable with each other). It's pretty common in Japan. I had no problem. My travel partner was thrilled because he likes to spread. Yes. He really does. And I loved the extra space. It's great for travelers with kids, providing a bit of needed space, so yes, both are a plus. Do not expect cavernous suites. It's efficient and well-designed.
Okay, let's talk amenities. What's the deal? Is there a coffee machine? (This is non-negotiable.) Washer/dryer? (Because, let's be real, I sweat.)
Alright, amenaties. First things first: coffee. YES! There's a Nespresso machine. Bless. The. Gods. Because jet lag is a *beast*. Yes, you can get a coffee in Japan. But this? Instant gratification. Yes. They have a washer/dryer combo in-unit. I. Love. It. I was able to pack *super* light and still have fresh clothes. Huge win. Plus, the bathroom has all the fancy lotions and potions. It’s the little things, people. Seriously. Life-savers.
The Location: Aoyama. Cool? Overhyped? What's the vibe? Will I be tripping over fashionistas?
Aoyama is *amazing*. Yes, it's trendy, yes, there are fashionistas, but it's not like, *pretentious*. It's more like "effortlessly chic". Think high-end boutiques, cool cafes, and tucked-away restaurants. And of course, the famous Omotesando avenue. You're close to everything. I think it's worth it. Seriously.
What was the *one thing* that completely blew you away about this place? The thing you'll tell all your friends?
Okay, brace yourself. It wasn't the fancy marble. It wasn't the perfectly-placed minimalist furniture. It wasn't even the convenience of the metro. No. The thing that *really* got me, the thing I’ll be banging on about for months to come? The *view*. Seriously. I spent an hour just staring out the window, watching the city wake up. The way the sunlight hit the buildings, the sheer *scale* of it all, the feeling of being right in the heart of Tokyo... it was magic. It wasn't a cliche, but it was the best thing ever. The sheer *volume* of the city at my feet was overwhelming. I'm getting goosebumps just remembering it!
Okay, so what was the *not-so-great* thing? The potential dealbreaker? Lay it on me.
Honestly? The size. Tokyo apartments, even "luxury" ones, are compact. It wasn't *cramped*, but don't go expecting a sprawling suite. You're maximizing the space, which is efficient but if you are claustrophobic, this would be the place that makes you lose it. My luggage ate up a significant chunk of the living area but you just make do. It's a small price to pay for the other awesomeness, but if you're used to space, be prepared to adjust.
Would you stay here again? And if so, why?
Without a *doubt*. I'd book it again in a heartbeat. The location is killer. The apartment itself is lovely. The view! Oh, the view! And seriously, that metro access? Life-changing. The small space is worth it. YES. Book it. Book. It. Now! (Wait, am I overselling it? Maybe. But still...book it!)
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