Tokyo's BEST Kept Secret: VIA INN Shinjuku - JR West Group!
VIA INN Shinjuku: My Shinjuku Sanctuary (…Mostly) – A Review from a Slightly Jaded Traveler
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea, the matcha, and the occasionally lukewarm coffee on Tokyo's supposed "Best Kept Secret" – the VIA INN Shinjuku - JR West Group. I’ve stayed in enough Shinjuku hotels to practically be a Shinjuku hotel, and here's the unvarnished truth, sprinkled with my usual brand of chaotic enthusiasm.
First Impressions – Location, Location, Location (and a Slight Panic)
The good news? Accessibility is a solid win. Getting around the area, even with my limited Japanese (and even more limited patience), was surprisingly easy. The hotel’s connected to the JR Shinjuku station, practically a hop, skip, and a bewildered glance at a Japanese sign away. This is HUGE. Seriously, after a 14-hour flight and a train journey that felt like a week, you'll kiss the ground this proximity saves. Airport transfer? Didn't need it. Train straight there. Brilliant!
However… and there’s always a "however" in my travel diary – finding the actual entrance to the hotel initially involved a frantic sprint through a crowded food court like a caffeinated hamster. My carry-on somehow became a weapon of mass destruction aimed at a particularly delicious-looking takoyaki stand. I swore I saw a tiny, judgmental octopus glare at me. (Just kidding… mostly.)
The Room: Spartan Chic Meets… Cozy Minimalism?
Let’s talk about the room. Okay, it's not the Ritz. Don't go expecting a sprawling suite. Remember, this is Tokyo. Space is a luxury. The rooms are compact, bordering on…efficient. But, and this is key, they’re clean. Cleanliness and safety is definitely a strong point. I mean, they're shouting about their Anti-viral cleaning products and Rooms sanitized between stays. Makes you feel semi-safe in a world still reeling from… well, you know. The smoke detector and fire extinguisher gave me some peace of mind. And the non-smoking rooms are actually non-smoking! A miracle!
The Wi-Fi [free] in the room? Rock solid. Available in all rooms, of course. Internet access – wireless? Yep. Necessary. Essential. Life-saving. Because, you know, Instagram.
Regarding the amenities, I appreciated the Air conditioning (because Tokyo summers are brutal), the coffee/tea maker, and the complimentary tea. The refrigerator was a sanity-saver for my late-night convenience store snacks. They also have Hair dryer, Ironing facilities, Safe box, and Linens. The in-room safe box was a nice touch, giving some comfort. However, the slippers somehow disappeared from my room on day two. Were they stolen? Did I accidentally wear them outside? The mystery haunts me still.
Food, Glorious (and Sometimes Slightly Disappointing) Food
Okay, confession time: I'm fueled by caffeine and snacks. And the VIA INN’s offerings were… a mixed bag.
- Breakfast [buffet]? Present. And, for the most part, edible. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: Check. It's the standard selection: cereal, pastries, some vaguely Japanese-looking options. Honestly I went for a bit of everything, and it felt… adequate. The coffee, however, was tragically weak. I relied on the convenience store for my morning jolt. The Breakfast takeaway service seems redundant, and feels like an after thought.
- Restaurants: There's a main restaurant. A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant. The menu boasts International cuisine in restaurant, including Asian cuisine in restaurant, and the Vegetarian restaurant is great. The Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop are a godsend. I didn't check it out, I was pretty satisfied with my convenience store breakfasts.
- Snacks & Drinks: They do have a Bar, a Poolside bar. I didn’t try them out, but I liked the idea of them. The Bottle of water was a nice touch, though. I can't lie, I indulged in a Happy hour or two around the city, and I often ate in the restaurants.
- Room Service? Room service [24-hour]. I ordered some in the middle of the night! (I'm an insomniac; don't judge).
- Dining setup was pretty safe -- no complaints.
Relaxation and Attempted De-Stressing (Or: Where Did That Spa Go?)
This is where things get a little… fuzzy. The hotel's description mentions a Spa/sauna and Spa. Okay, that sounds amazing, right? Like, I envision fluffy robes, cucumber slices, and world-class pampering. Right? NO. The truth? There was no spa. Unless, they consider their tiny, rather basic gym a "spa," which, frankly, is a stretch. The Gym/fitness was there, but I didn't have the heart to try it out.
Things I Saw (and Didn't See): The Perks and the Puzzles
- Accessibility: They're pretty good with Facilities for disabled guests.
- Services and Conveniences: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Cash withdrawal, Elevator – all standard and efficiently done. The Convenience store is a godsend. I almost got myself into trouble with my convenience store purchases.
- For the Kids: I’m not traveling with kids but they have Babysitting service and mention Family/child friendly, and Kids meal, which is a plus.
- Safety: Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Front desk [24-hour], CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], and (thankfully) Fire extinguisher… I felt relatively safe, which is crucial.
- Getting Around: Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Airport transfer. Again, the Shinjuku Station location wins.
The Quirks & The Gripes (Because, Let's Be Honest, It's Not Perfection)
- The "Secret" Nature: Okay, it's not that secret. Everyone seems to know about it. The JR West Group is pretty well-known, and it's not that hard to find.
- The Lack of "Extras": This is a functional hotel. It's not about the luxury. There's no pool (or a pool with a view), no fancy spa treatments, no over-the-top amenities.
- The Staff: They were polite, efficient, and spoke enough English to get by. No complaints, but also no memorable "above and beyond" moments.
- My Personal Breakdown: There was one morning where I woke up utterly discombobulated. I was convinced I'd lost my passport, my phone, and my sanity. I frantically rummaged through my luggage like a crazed raccoon. The staff, bless their hearts, remained calm and helpful while I made a complete fool of myself.
Final Verdict: Would I Recommend? (And Would I Go Back?)
Yes. Mostly.
VIA INN Shinjuku is a solid, reliable, and perfectly functional hotel. It's clean, conveniently located, and a good value for your money, especially considering the insane cost of hotels in Shinjuku. This is a fine hotel if you're looking for a comfortable and efficient base of operations for exploring Tokyo, with a convenient location.
If you're looking for a luxurious escape, a spa-filled wonderland, or a resort-style experience, this isn't it. But if you, like me, prioritize convenience, cleanliness, and a decent night's sleep, then VIA INN Shinjuku is a reliable choice.
Would I go back? Absolutely. I'd probably take my own slippers, though. And maybe stash a few extra instant coffee sachets. You know, just in case.
Vellore's Hidden Gem: Spree Hotels Surabi International - Unbelievable Luxury!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your average, perfectly-polished itinerary. This is my Tokyo trip, VIA INN SHINJUKU – JR WEST GROUP edition, with all the glorious, jet-lagged, ramen-fueled messiness intact. Prepare for brain farts, existential crises over vending machines, and a healthy dose of "why did I eat that?"
Day 1: Arrival, Sensory Overload, and Possibly Ramen Regret
- Morning (Like, REALLY Early): Wake up at 4 AM thanks to body clock screaming "WHERE AM I?" Drag myself out of bed, my backpack looking suspiciously heavier than I remember. Finally arrive at Narita. My brain is a fog machine, my eyes wide with that classic tourist "oh my god, it's real" look. Navigating the train system (a victory in itself) and finding the hotel in Shinjuku felt like winning a small war.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Check-in and Room Inspection. VIA INN Shinjuku - Yay! Room's surprisingly compact, but hey, who needs space when you're armed with a city? Briefly consider throwing everything in the closet (nope, I'm going to live here) before getting completely lost in the glorious mess that is the city.
- Afternoon: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Oh.My.God. The Zen garden almost rendered me speechless, and then the French garden reminded me of everything I'd left at home. Trying to take the perfect photo, failing, but enjoying the moment. Actually, I think I took too many.
- Evening: First Ramen Encounter (and Possible Regret). Found a tiny ramen shop recommended by a friend. The broth was divine! The pork belly was… well, a lot. I think I ate all of it. Was it too much? Yes. Do I regret it? Maybe. Was it worth it? Definitely. Stumbling back to the hotel, filled with ramen and a vague sense of accomplishment at successfully ordering in a language I barely understand.
- Night: Staring at the vending machine in the lobby, contemplating a weird green tea soda. Did I grab it? You'll never know.
Day 2: Shibuya Scramble, Lost in Translation, and Karaoke Catastrophe
- Morning: Up at 7 AM! (Success!). Finally feeling normal. Head to Shibuya Crossing. The sheer volume of people is genuinely astonishing. Standing there, watching the flow, is legitimately mesmerizing/ terrifying. The Hachiko statue -- awww.
- Late Morning: Attempting to buy a metro ticket felt like a complex math problem. I think I accidentally bought the entire transit system.
- Lunch: Wandering around Shibuya, and desperately searching for something that wasn't raw fish (I just can't do it). Found a tiny curry shop. Curry bliss.
- Afternoon: Harajuku and the Age of Cutness. Takeshita Street is… overwhelming. All the colors, the smells, the sugar highs! I ate a cotton candy the size of my head. Regret setting in.
- Evening: Decided to bravely attempt karaoke. Big mistake. Terrible. The Japanese people with me were so sweet, but I am pretty sure they have heard better singing from a wounded yak. We laughed and laughed. My voice? Gone. Dignity? Also gone.
- Night: Crawling back to the hotel with a sore throat and a deep sense of shame. Ordering room service. Pizza? No, I was over Ramen.
Day 3: Tsukiji Fish Market Frenzy and… A Shrine Moment
- Early Morning (Yes, Again): Tsukiji Outer Market. Smelling fish from every angle. The energy is incredible. Almost bought a ridiculously expensive knife, because, you know, why not? Settled for fresh sushi, which was so good I almost wept. My inner foodie was beyond happy.
- Morning: Exploring the hidden alley ways and shops of the market. Found a hidden cafe that made the best coffee and pastries I've ever had. I got a croissant and was in heaven.
- Afternoon: Meiji Jingu Shrine. Stepping through the torii gate and feeling a sense of calm I didn't realize I needed. The forest is so peaceful. I lit some incense and made a wish. Hopefully it wasn't for more ramen.
- Late Afternoon: Went searching for a gift and got lost.
- Evening: Dinner in Shinjuku. Another ramen shop and it was amazing.
- Night: Wrote in my journal and went to sleep.
Day 4: Day Trip to Hakone - Art and Volcano (And Maybe Motion Sickness)
- Morning: Up at 6, hoping to see Mt. Fuji. Actually saw the mountain! The view from the train to Hakone was breathtaking.
- Late Morning: The Hakone Open-Air Museum. The art was amazing, and the views were even better. Taking a picture with a sculpture was fun because I got to look like I was flying.
- Afternoon: Riding the bus to the volcano and on the ferry that goes around the lake. Smelling the sulfur from the volcano made me realize I really miss my deodorant.
- Evening: Getting back to the hotel. I really hope they have something besides ramen.
Day 5: Last Day-ish, Souvenir Shenanigans, and the Bitter Farewell
- Morning: Panic-buying souvenirs. Realizing I have no idea what anyone actually wants. Buying a whole bunch of Kit-Kats with weird flavors.
- Late Morning: Back to a place I liked a lot, hoping to relax.
- Afternoon: packing my things. Going through them. Looking longingly at the items in each location.
- Evening: One final, epic dinner in Shinjuku. Some great food and great times with friends.
- Night: Saying goodbye to Tokyo, my jet lag, and ramen.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was a whirlwind of experiences. Messy, imperfect, and utterly unforgettable. I came, I ate (so much), I saw, and I almost got deported for bad singing. Tokyo, you beautiful, chaotic, delicious beast, I'll be back. Maybe next time I'll figure out the train system… and resist the urge to consume all the pork belly.
Unlock Paradise: Gold Living in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand!
VIA INN Shinjuku: My Unvarnished Truth (and Maybe Some Help!)
Look, you want the "best kept secret?" Okay, here's the raw deal. This ain't some meticulously crafted travel brochure. It's me, and my stay at VIA INN Shinjuku, in all its messy glory.
Is VIA INN Shinjuku actually a secret? Because everyone seems to know.
Okay, 'secret' might be a stretch. More like, it's a smart choice. It's not the Park Hyatt with its fancy cocktails and Lost in Translation vibes (though, hey, Shinjuku is close!), but it's... a win. Especially if you're on a budget and want to survive Tokyo without selling a kidney. The truth? Everyone knows. It's *popular*. Good luck booking last minute! Seriously, book. Now. I'll wait.
Is it REALLY in a good location? Like, REALLY REALLY?
Oh. My. GOD. The location is EVERYTHING. Okay, maybe not everything. My brain could be scrambled eggs, but the JR Shinjuku station is, like, practically across the street. Not the giant, overwhelming, soul-crushing station entrance, mind you. There's an easier, more manageable one. Thank heavens. Seriously, I got lost trying to find the actual entrance the first time. Felt like I was wandering through a giant, metal ant farm. (Okay, maybe I’m overreacting. Tokyo makes me anxious.) But yeah, ridiculously convenient. You can get anywhere. The food scene? Amazing. The nightlife? Unforgettable (mostly). The proximity to the *real* Shinjuku (I mean, the non-touristy stuff, the cool stuff) makes it a winner. Seriously.
What's the deal with the rooms – they tiny?
Yeah, they're small. Let's not beat around the bush. Think "efficient." Think "cozy." Think "you'll trip over your suitcase." But honestly? I loved it. Maybe it's because the bathroom was surprisingly well-designed, with all the Japanese gadgetry (the heated toilet seat is practically a religious experience). Maybe it's because I'm used to tiny apartments in New York. The point is, it works. You're not there to live; you're there to sleep (and explore, and eat ALL THE FOOD, and maybe karaoke until 3 am...). Trust me. You *will* adjust. I promise. Just pack LIGHTLY. You’ll thank me later.
Is the breakfast any good? Someone told me it was 'decent'.
"Decent" is an understatement! The breakfast is a *lifesaver*! Okay, it's not Michelin-star quality, but for the price, it’s fantastic. The onigiri (rice balls, in case your brain is as fried as mine was after a day of exploring) are perfect for grabbing and running. There's usually some kind of miso soup, which is ESSENTIAL for surviving jet lag and the sheer chaos of early mornings in Tokyo. And the coffee? Surprisingly decent, especially after the first 5 cups. Let's just say... it fueled many a morning adventure. It’s included in the price, which is an absolute game-changer in a city where you can easily spend a mortgage payment on a single meal.
Okay, tell me, what went *wrong*? Surely something?
Ugh. Okay. Fine. There was *one* tiny hiccup. My phone charger... vanished. Poof. Gone. Vanished into the ether. Now, I'm blaming myself. Probably left it plugged in and forgot. Still annoying. But hey, the front desk was super helpful (as they always are in Japan. Seriously, how do they do it?). They helped me find a replacement charger within walking distance. Crisis averted. It wasn’t the hotel’s fault, and it wasn’t a big deal in the grand scheme of things. I also nearly set off the fire alarm with my experimental toast-making session the first morning (the smoke detector is SENSITIVE, people!). I’m still mortified. Oops.
Would you stay there again? Be honest.
Absolutely. Without a doubt. I'm already plotting my return. The value for money is unbeatable. The location is phenomenal. The staff is incredibly friendly (even when dealing with my questionable toast-making skills). Look, it's not perfect. *Nothing* is. But it's a solid, reliable, and convenient basecamp for exploring one of the most incredible cities on earth. If you're looking for luxury, go elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a smart, practical, and affordable option that gets you right in the heart of the action? VIA INN Shinjuku is it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to start booking my next trip. And yes, I’m triple-checking to make sure I pack my charger this time.
Any other random advice?
1. Learn a few basic Japanese phrases. "Arigato" (thank you) and "Sumimasen" (excuse me/sorry) will go a long way. Trust me. 2. Embrace the chaos. Tokyo is overwhelming. That's part of the charm. Don't try to control everything. Just go with the flow. 3. Get a Suica or Pasmo card for easy travel on the trains. It's a lifesaver. 4. Don't be afraid to eat street food. The food is incredible, everywhere. 5. Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. It's a godsend. Seriously. The hotel’s is good, too. 6. Pack light. Seriously. You'll be walking. A lot. 7. Get travel insurance! Just in case. 8. Most importantly, have fun! Tokyo is amazing. And VIA INN Shinjuku is a great place to start.
