Ciara G.
Yelp
Wow, just wow. This place was quite simply the highlight of our two-week stay in Japan.
My friend and I (two solo female travelers in our mid 20s) picked Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku because of its affordable price, great location, and amenities. We were not disappointed in any way and the hotel truly became an oasis for us in the heart of Tokyo.
Since we were on more of the budget side of traveling, we picked (I believe) the least expensive room the hotel offers which was a standard twin room. Although the room was tight/small (there was *just* enough space for us to put down our two pieces of luggage), it's standard not only for Japan but also any city hotel & did the trick for us. We had comfortable beds, a bathroom with although a compact shower *the* best shower I've experienced, sink, mirror, television with a variety of Japanese channels; pretty much everything you need. If you're thinking you'll spend a lot of time in your hotel room during your stay in Tokyo, I would recommend sizing up from the standard twin as it could become a little too small/stifling, but if you're spending most of the day out of the hotel, it will be absolutely fine. Additionally, for 5 nights, we spent less than $600 total (split between the two of us) which, for everything else included, was an absolute steal.
The hotel is a fair walk from Shinjuku Station (roughly ~15-20 minutes; you will get used to this during your stay, but the first time completing the walk can be a lot with luggage) although there are a few closer stations via the Marunouchi line on the Tokyo Metro. Shinjuku is obviously a very bustling area of Tokyo, but the Onsen Ryokan is located on a quiet and picturesque side-street with lots of restaurants, bars, and 7-11s (if you've never been to Japan, these 7-11s will become your best friend, so it's very convenient). The location of the hotel cannot be beat; quiet but a stone's throw from the thick of the action (a 10-minute walk from Golden Gai, Robot Restaurant, Kabukicho, Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens, etc.) + central to train stations and subway lines that connect you to the rest of the city.
From arriving at Onsen Ryokan, you will notice that *every single detail* pertaining to your comfort and peace has been thought of. Cold towels upon arrival (the staff speak both English and Japanese, and I heard a few communicate in Chinese as well to fellow guests). Beautiful zen walkway and lobby designed with warm wood. Yakatas (kimono-like robes) are provided fresh everyday for you to change into and take to the onsen. Green tea, mugs, toothbrushes, combs, and water bottles are also provided in your room. An *excellent* restaurant (seriously, it deserves a Michelin) that for ~$16/per guest, you can indulge in the most delicious hotel breakfast you'll probably ever experience (traditional Japanese breakfast centered around a fresh fish of the day).
Of course, however, the hotel's main gem is its onsen: its nude-only (separated by gender) hot spring spa on its top floor (18th floor) overlooking Tokyo. It is, quite simply, magical. There's a joint gender (blatantly, clothed) onsen "lobby" where you can sit and look at Tokyo through floor-to-ceiling windows, and for the women's onsen, there were two (no photos allowed for obvious reasons) hot spring baths; one located outside on a balcony and one inside with breathtaking skyline views of Tokyo. There's rows of showers in there too (we honestly, by accident, spent more time using the onsen showers than the one in our room) + a vanity room (to do makeup, hair, etc.) with fantastic lighting and Japanese face products (lotions, oils, makeup removers, etc.). The onsen is gorgeous and at night (definitely treat yourself to visiting the onsen at various times - daylight, sunset, nighttime - for the views) berry-flavored popsicles are provided to enjoy while you look at the view. It's true luxury.
Honestly, I wouldn't stay anywhere else in Tokyo and will probably spend the remainder of my days dreaming about this hotel. Joking. Kind of.