Tokyo's HOTTEST R&B Hotel: Washington Higashinihombashi Unveiled!
Tokyo's R&B Revelation: Washington Higashinihombashi - More Than Just a Hotel! (My Over-the-Top Review)
Okay, friends, buckle up. Because I've just emerged, blinking and slightly dazed, from the neon-drenched, R&B-infused embrace that is the Washington Higashinihombashi Hotel in Tokyo. And I need to talk about it. Seriously, my brain is still humming with lobby lounge vibes and the ghost of a perfectly-executed foot bath.
First off, the name. "Washington Higashinihombashi." It's… a mouthful. But that's Tokyo for you, right? Layers of meaning, hidden depths, and a name that sounds like a politician reading a phone book. But don't let that deter you! This place is more than just a name; it's an experience.
Accessibility? (And the Initial Panic)
Right, so, let's get the practical stuff out of the way first. And here's where my first minor freak-out happened. I'm gonna be honest, navigating Tokyo with any kind of mobility issue can be daunting. So, the facilities for disabled guests were a HUGE selling point. I was slightly anxious initially, you know? Like, "Will they really understand my needs?" But the elevator was smooth, the access points were clear, and the staff were genuinely helpful. Not just "helpful," but considerate. They didn't just point; they guided. Massive props for that. The elevator was a lifesaver (thank the gods!).
The Room: My Tiny, Perfectly Curated Fortress
Okay, the rooms. Let's get real. Japanese hotel rooms are famously… compact. But honestly? I found mine to be a perfectly formed little haven. The air conditioning was blissfully cold, which is crucial in Tokyo's sticky summers. And the blackout curtains? Oh, those were angels in fabric form, whispering sweet nothings of sleep. I'm a light sleeper, so the soundproof rooms were a godsend. Seriously, I could have staged a full-blown drum solo in there and the outside world wouldn't have heard a peep. (I didn't, but the option was tempting.)
Speaking of options… my room had an additional toilet (score!), bathrobes that practically begged you to lounge, and a mini bar (though I mostly stuck to the complimentary tea). The coffee/tea maker was a godsend, and the free bottled water was a life-saver during the humidity hellscape that is July. They even have an ironing facility! (Though, let's be real, I lived in wrinkle-resistant clothes the whole trip.)
A quick side note: The daily housekeeping was impeccable. Like, pristine impeccable. It felt like I walked into a brand new room every single day. And the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet Access - LAN! Super important. I also appreciated having an In-room safe box. I mean, as much as I wish I was James Bond and needed it for my secret documents, I’m not. And it's still a great feeling. Also, the little reading light by the bed was perfect for nighttime bookworms like me. The rooms were also equipped with Satellite/cable channels so if you feel like watching a movie after returning for the day, you're set!
Dining, Drinking, and Surviving the Tokyo Food Scene
Now, the food. This is where things get interesting. The Asian breakfast was a revelation - delicious and different every single day! They also had a Western breakfast, but I'm all about embracing the local cuisine. And the buffet in restaurant was a lifesaver in the mornings. I loaded up on the miso soup like it was my duty. The coffee shop was decent too, for those caffeine emergencies. And they have a bar! Perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail or a post-sightseeing wind-down.
The restaurants offered a good variety of things, but it was the A la carte in restaurant that I particularly enjoyed. They have desserts in the restaurant! I'm a dessert person, and after a long, hot day of exploring, I found myself ordering desserts more than needed. And the salad in restaurant? Never thought I'd crave a salad in Tokyo, but here we are. They also offer soup! Nice. They had an International cuisine in restaurant, but I preferred the Asian cuisine in restaurant.
This hotel's approach to hygiene is something of a relief. I was impressed by the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Hand sanitizer, and Anti-viral cleaning products. The Safe dining setup was also reassuring. Also, they offered Breakfast takeaway service, just in case you're in a rush!
The R&B Factor (And Why It Matters)
Okay, here's where the "R&B" of it all comes in. While the theme isn't explicitly plastered everywhere, there's definitely a vibe. The lobby lounge oozes cool, with low lighting, chill beats, and the general feeling that you’ve stumbled into a secret speakeasy. It's a welcome contrast to the often-frenzied energy of Tokyo.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax…or, My Personal Spa-tacular Disaster
This is where I get to rant a little, in a good way. The Fitness center was well-equipped, but I'm more of a "walk ten miles and then eat everything" kind of person, and the gym/fitness offered a lot of options. But, oh, the Spa! The Sauna and Steamroom were amazing. And they have a Pool with a view and a Swimming pool! Breathtaking. The Foot bath was a revelation. I may or may not have spent an entire afternoon blissfully soaking my weary feet. I was so relaxed that I actually fell asleep in the communal area and started snoring. Note to self: maybe don't do that. But it was truly one of the most relaxing experiences of my life. Their Massage was top-notch. I got a little lost in the moment and nearly forgot about the rest of the world.
Cleanliness & Safety: Because, Let's Face It, We're All a Little Paranoiod Now
This is where this hotel really shines. They've clearly put a ton of effort into making the place safe and sanitary. The Sterilizing equipment was everywhere. They were using Professional-grade sanitizing services, and the Staff trained in safety protocol. Daily disinfection in common areas. The Rooms sanitized between stays. Individually-wrapped food options. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. The Doctor/nurse on call was also a bonus. Honestly, it made me feel super secure.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
The Concierge was a lifesaver. They helped me navigate the subway, book restaurants (because, trust me, you need to), and decipher the Japanese customs of tipping (or, rather, not tipping). The Laundry service was efficient and reasonably priced. The Currency exchange was handy. And the Luggage storage… well, it saved me from dragging my overstuffed suitcase around the city. The Elevator was a god send!
Getting Around: Navigating the Labyrinth
The hotel's location is pretty decent. Close to a subway station, making it easy to get around. The Airport transfer was convenient. I didn't use the Taxi service, but it's available. Having a Car park [on-site] is also a plus.
For the Kids: (Which, let's be honest, I'm basically a kid)
I didn't bring any kids, but they have a Babysitting service and are Family/child friendly.
My Imperfections and Minor Gripes (Because Nobody's Perfect)
Okay, here’s where I get real. There were a couple of tiny, barely-there imperfections, but they were so minor it's barely worth mentioning.
- The Wi-Fi, while generally strong, hiccuped occasionally. But hey, it's Tokyo, and sometimes the internet gods are fickle.
- The elevator was a little slow at times. But hey, the view from the top makes up for it.
Overall: Would I Go Back? (Absolutely!)
Yes. A thousand times, yes. The Washington Higashinihombashi is more than a hotel; it's a vibe. It's a refuge. It's where you go to recharge after you've run around Tokyo like a caffeine-fueled maniac. It's clean, comfortable, and designed for relaxing. And honestly, if you're looking for a place to hang your hat in Tokyo… well, you should seriously consider hanging it here. Trust me. You won't regret it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Luxury Saigon Apartment: Thao Dien Proview's Stunning 351!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your Grandma's meticulously-planned itinerary. This is me, Sarah, rambling my way through Tokyo, fueled by questionable vending machine coffee and the sheer, unadulterated chaos of it all. We're staying at the Washington R&B Hotel Higashinihombashi, and honestly? For the price, it's a damn sight better than sleeping in a capsule (though I secretly kinda wanted to try that. Next time, maybe).
Day 1: Arrival and Jet Lagged Confusion (aka "Where Am I Again?")
- Morning (or what feels like morning, thanks to a time difference that's playing tricks on my brain): Landed at Narita. The airport? Massive. The immigration line? Even more massive. The people? Surprisingly polite, even when I accidentally shoved past a tiny old lady (so sorry!). The sheer volume of signage in a language I don't understand? Overwhelming. Somehow, through a miracle of airport wifi and the sheer kindheartedness of a lost-looking businessman, I found the correct train to Higashinihombashi. Victory! (Except I nearly dropped my luggage down the steps a couple of times. Elegant, I am not.)
- Afternoon: Checked into the hotel. The room is…compact, but clean. The bathroom is ridiculously tiny. I swear, you could practically brush your teeth and take a shower simultaneously. (Potential for a new Olympic sport, perhaps?) Spent a good hour staring out the window, slightly mesmerized by the cityscape. The sheer density of it all… buildings everywhere crammed together like a particularly enthusiastic pack of sardines.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Food, glorious food (and the existential dread of not speaking the language) Okay, so I was starving. Found a little ramen place nearby. The menu? Pictures, thank god. Pointed at something that looked vaguely delicious. It was delicious. The broth was umami perfection, but then I had this terrifying moment of feeling so exposed, and suddenly that I was very far away from home and had no idea where I was.
- Evening: Sleep. Or at least, attempted sleep. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. My brain decided 3 am was a perfectly reasonable time to start pondering the meaning of life. So, yeah, a few hours of staring at the ceiling and wondering if that little blinking light on the air conditioner was judging me. It probably was.
Day 2: Culture Shock, Sensory Overload, and a Fish Market Fatality (Sort Of)
- Morning: Fish Market Frenzy! Tsukiji Outer Market. Oh. My. God. So much…everything. Sizzling seafood, the smell of the ocean, crowds thicker than peanut butter. Went to a specific stall that was recommended so I ate a huge serving of sushi! Best. Sushi. Ever. Maybe. I don't know. I ate it too fast. Did I actually taste it? Or was I just overwhelmed by the sheer spectacle of a fish market in full swing? The raw fish looked amazing. But then, I briefly contemplated the existence of a fish, who once swam, and was, at that moment, on my plate. (Okay, maybe a moment of weakness, there, felt a little bad.)
- Afternoon: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – Zen and Panic Escaped the chaos and found refuge in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Absolutely stunning. Tranquil ponds, meticulously manicured lawns, a perfect pocket of peace amidst the concrete jungle. Took about ten minutes to de-stress, then started panicking. The paths were confusing. Every single path looked exactly the same and I convinced myself I was hopelessly lost. Found a vending machine offering green tea and calmed down. I'm pretty sure green tea is the official beverage of Japan.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Lost in the shops around Shibuya Crossing. The crossing itself? Insane. Like a tsunami of people surging in every direction. I got swept along, caught up in the current, and accidentally bought a ridiculously cute cat-shaped umbrella. Regrets? Zero. (Okay, maybe a tiny bit. I'm not sure I'll ever use it, but it’s cute!)
- Evening: Dinner at a tiny, dimly-lit izakaya (Japanese pub). Ordered random things from the menu (pictures helpful again!) and ate some sort of grilled fish with questionable bones that I almost choked on. Also ordered some sake, which went down a bit too smoothly. Walked back to the hotel slightly tipsy and convinced I'd finally cracked the secret of Japanese culture, only to realize I'd forgotten my room key. (Luckily, the hotel staff were incredibly kind and patient. Apparently, this happens a lot.)
Day 3: Temples, Tea, and Karaoke Catastrophes
- Morning: Asakusa Temple and the Power of Incense Visited the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Beautiful, ornate, and smoky from the incense. Wandered around, bought a fortune (predicting a moderate amount of good luck and a potential for a major relationship hiccup… great.) Burned my fortune (as instructed), which felt very symbolic, given the state of my travel budget.
- Afternoon: Tea Ceremony and the Art of Awkwardness: Attended a traditional tea ceremony. Sipping matcha is an acquired taste. It’s very, very green and a bit bitter. I'd somehow spilled some on my hands. Made some polite small talk with the tea master, who probably thinks I’m the clumsiest tourist on Earth.
- Evening: Karaoke Karaoke Karaoke! So, against my better judgment, I succumbed to the lure of karaoke. With fellow travelers at a place which might be a secret, or not, as I forgot the name of the place. The moment I touched the microphone, I felt my brain turn into a giant bowl of linguini noodles. I sang. I flubbed lyrics. I stumbled on the notes. I butchered several classics in various languages. It was a glorious train wreck, and I loved every excruciating minute of it. There may have been some dance moves involved. There definitely was some encouragement.
- Late Evening: Stumbled back to the hotel, voice raw, a little bruised, and on a major sugar crash, from all the KitKats I'd consumed to calm my nerves.
Day 4: Departure (Maybe? Still Not Sure)
- Morning: Packing. Attempting to fit everything back into my suitcase. It's a losing battle. Considering ditching half my clothes and buying a massive, hideous suitcase.
- Afternoon: Wandering back to Narita. Reflecting on everything. Tokyo. Mad. Beautiful. Confusing. Exhausting. Magical. I think I’ve fallen in love. And I'm fairly certain I'll be back. (Even if the blinking light on the damn air conditioner is still judging me.)
This, my friends, is the story of one person's journey through Japan. It’s messy, it's imperfect, and it's completely and utterly real. Don't expect perfect, just expect to survive, and try a little bit of sushi. You might just love it. (Or, you know, get mildly existential about it. Either way, it's an adventure.)
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Tenera, Bandar Baru Bangi's Hidden Gem!
Tokyo's R&B Nirvana? My (Unfiltered) Take on Washington Higashinihombashi
Okay, spill it. Is Washington Higashinihombashi *really* the R&B hotel Tokyo's been waiting for?
What's the vibe *actually* like? Is it cool, or tourist-trap-cool?
The rooms! What's the situation with the actual ROOMS?
Let's talk about the breakfast, the thing I'd live or die by
What about the staff? Are they helpful?
Is it *actually* an R&B hotel, or is that just marketing fluff?
The Location! Do you prefer it?
Would you stay there again?
