Darilyn F.
Yelp
A subsidiary of Japan Airlines, this hotel chain was created to further brand a noted name in the industry. And as all well known companies, attempt to do, capitalize on their name recognition. Establishing themselves as a quick-click-away to a reputable airline/hospitality reservation. It's been a while since I first heard about JAL hotels so I decided to reserve a stay.
I was happy to discover that it was much closer to Haneda Airport than expected. I usually select flights that arrive in the evening, so staying close by the airport is important to me. But I'm guessing all airline owned hotel properties are all very close to an airport. One of the big bonuses would be to house their flight crews. With a late arrival inbound, it was an opportunity to experience one.
Domestically, I noticed on my last visit to the west coast that United is now offering a private suite experience. Not quite there on the hotel concept but I'm sure it's around the bend in the not-so-distant future. Offering their flyers access to a newly built, private terminal at LAX. Customers are now enjoying private and personalized check-in and baggage handling as well as private screening by TSA & border patrol officers. United customers using the new terminal will be driven across the airfield in BMW 7-Series sedans directly to their aircraft. Airlines are definitely stepping up their game!
Another nice welcome for this property was the large comfortable complementary shuttle between the airport and the property. Throughout the domestic US, shuttles to & from the airport to your hotel is largely available, but in Japan, not so much. If you book this property find out in advance if you are staying in the original or new wing. The shuttle driver will need to know so they can properly deliver you.
Through it's many years of branding itself as the way to travel comfortably to Asia, The JAL name has expectations and a reputation to uphold. Especially in their own backyard! However, the cost to stay here is minimal so I did not expect too much. What attracted me the most was the proximity to the airport and train station.
Walking into the lobby, first impressions were simple decor, and a standard hotel property. The check in process was smooth, expedited and felt business-like. Almost unwelcoming. Perhaps because it was almost midnight or it had something to do with being raised in Hawaii. Could it be that I'm just use to Hawaiian hospitality? The front desk or lobby area is your opportunity to make a good first impression!
Like most hotels in Tokyo, rooms are small. Clean and tidy, no frills. Like most things in Japan, it was efficient . Every area in this small space was used well. No space for an end table near the bed to put a good book, but the wall next to the bed had a control station for turning on and off the room and reading lights and air conditioning. You know how some hotel beds are heavenly, not this one. The bed was not uncomfortable but okay, I'd rather have been sleeping in my own bed at home.
The breakfast restaurant attached to this property, the ramen bar directly across the street open until 1am, were the best parts of our stay here. The breakfast buffet I would go back for, the room not so much.