Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Review: Ideal Spot for First-Timers

If you’re trying to figure out where to stay in Tokyo on your first trip, I get it. That decision can make or break your whole experience. And there are just so many options to choose from! And that’s where my Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo review comes in.

When I first visited Tokyo with my teen daughter, I knew I wanted to stay in the Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo, because, after tons of research, it was the best neighborhood for us to make our homebase during our visit (check out why HERE).

And then, I knew we needed a quality hotel that was not only beautiful and comfortable, but also would make the logistics easier, not harder.

That’s exactly what we found at Keio Plaza Hotel.

From the moment we arrived, the location did a lot of heavy lifting to make our trip a success. It had all the amenities we needed (plus more!), was walking distance to the train station and all the excitement of Shinjuku—but it still felt calm and safe, even at night.

Our room was clean and surprisingly comfortable, and we ended up loving the onsite restaurants and super helpful concierge.

But what really won us over? The small touches, like the convenience store right on-site, the spa, and the traditional sushi experience that pushed us way outside our comfort zone in the best way.

If you’re a first-time visitor looking for a Tokyo hotel that’s both comfortable and incredibly convenient, this is the one I’d book again.

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Why We Chose Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo

We were visiting Tokyo for a full week, and I knew from the start that our hotel choice had to do more than just offer a place to sleep.

We’d be spending part of our time exploring the city, but we were also planning day trips to Mt. Fuji and Kyoto, so being close to a major transit hub was non-negotiable. By being walking distance from Shinjuku Station – one of the most connected transportation hubs in the city – Keio Plaza fit the bill.

Plus, we also just really love all of the amenities that come with a higher-end hotel!

Onsite spa services, the availability of room service, and an outdoor pool (which is open in the summer) are amenities we’ve grown to appreciate. They give you the option to fully relax and unwind – either in the bed or by the pool – after a long day of sightseeing.

Also, it’s nice to have access to both onsite laundry and dry cleaning, though I rarely end up using them. Ditto, for the onsite gym. 😭

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Location: The Real Star of the Stay

As mentioned, there are lots of reasons to like Keio Plaza Hotel, but I can’t overstate how key the location is. It is a prime reason I’d recommend it first.

It’s in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant neighborhoods, and just a few minutes’ walk from Shinjuku Station. That gave us instant access to the JR lines, metro, buses, and even long-distance trains—exactly what we needed for day trips and getting around the city efficiently.

Beyond transit, the neighborhood itself had everything. Restaurants, shops, convenience stores, department stores—it was all right there.

Was was interesting was that despite being in the heart of the action, the area around the hotel felt safe and calm, even late at night. That mattered to me as a mom traveling with my daughter.

And we felt that calm and safety right away! On our very first night, we walked from the hotel over to a karaoke stop (we had to do it!), and had no concerns about the area at all. (And we can be scaredy cats at times, tbh.)

The hotel is also walking distance from popular Shinjuku landmarks like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where you can get panoramic views of the city for free. If you’re hoping to stay somewhere that’s close to restaurants, shops, and easy sightseeing, this is it.

Staying here took the stress out of navigating Tokyo. Every morning started with easy access to trains, and we never had to scramble for transportation.

Even after long days of sightseeing, we could walk back to the hotel without hassle. For a trip with a lot of moving parts, that kind of convenience made a huge difference.

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Room Comfort and Amenities

We chose to stay in a Standard twin room. (For this trip, our big splurge was on business class seats from Philly to Tokyo.)

But one of the really great things about Keio Plaza Hotel is that there are so many different room options depending on your space and budgetary needs.  Room types include Standard, Superior, Deluxe, and Premier Grand rooms, plus Suites with club access.

For this trip, the Standard room worked out well for us. The beds were noticeably firm—something I’ve heard is pretty common in Japanese hotels. But oddly enough, they were still comfortable. After long days walking around the city in the heat, we slept surprisingly well.

What really stood out was the attention to practical details. The room was spotless, the air conditioning worked great (a lifesaver in June), and we appreciated having space to unpack and unwind. Our room even has a separate vanity area for my daughter to do her makeup (or have some private times to connect with friends back home 😸).

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One feature that helped us more than we expected was the convenience store inside the hotel. It had grab-and-go meals, snacks, feminine products (which I unexpectedly needed), and even handheld electric fans—which became essential thanks to Tokyo’s humidity.

Having all of that right downstairs saved us on more than one occasion when we were too tired to go back out.

Another pleasant surprise was how much artwork was displayed throughout the hotel. It gave the space personality and made it feel more upscale and curated, without being over the top.

The gift shops were also worth browsing. Instead of the typical “I ❤️ Tokyo” souvenirs, they sold authentic, high-quality Japanese goods—think ceramics, tea sets, and traditional textiles. I ended up buying gifts for family and friends there, and it felt good knowing they were meaningful and well-made.

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Dining at the Hotel: Traditional Meets Memorable

One of the highlights of our stay was dinner at Kyubey, the hotel’s traditional sushi restaurant. It was the kind of experience that sticks with you—not just because of the food, but because of how immersed we were in the culture.

We left our shoes at the door, sat on floor cushions, and were served course after course of beautifully prepared sushi.

One of those courses? Live shrimp that was still moving on the plate. It pushed our comfort zone a bit—I ate mine, but my daughter couldn’t—but that’s exactly what made it memorable.

Kyubey isn’t just a hotel restaurant—it’s one of the top sushi spots in Tokyo, and having it downstairs made it so easy to try something we might not have sought out otherwise.

Even beyond Kyubey, the hotel has multiple fine dining and comfortable restaurants, offering everything from French pastries to traditional Japanese breakfast. It was nice to have so many options, especially on nights when we were too tired to go far or needed a familiar option to recharge.

Our room also came with breakfast – and the buffet was massive. My daughter still randomly brings up the pear juice. 😂 I really appreciated how many authentically Japanese choices there were, in addition to what I would call traditional American options. There really was something for everyone.

👩‍👧 Traveling with a teen? My daughter loved how walkable the area was and still talks about the sushi adventure—even if the live shrimp freaked her out a little. Shinjuku has a great mix of local culture and familiar comforts for both adults and teens.

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Expert Concierge Service: A Real Bonus for First-Time Visitors

One of the unexpected perks of staying at Keio Plaza was just how helpful the concierge staff were.

We used them multiple times during our trip—for restaurant recommendations, walking directions, and even help booking tables at local spots that didn’t have English websites. Their suggestions were always spot on, and they never made us feel rushed or like our questions were too basic.

On our first night, we told the concierge we wanted to try an authentic karaoke spot nearby. (We learned that traditional karaoke in Japan is nothing like what we were used to in the US!) Not only did they point us to one within walking distance—they even gave us tips on what to expect at the venue and for navigating the area after dark.

And as a total bonus, that karaoke place happened to serve some of the best ramen we had the whole trip. Only in Tokyo, right?

On the day before we checked out, the concierge even helped us arrange a smooth airport transfer to Narita, which saved us the stress of figuring it out ourselves.

The hotel is a stop on the airport limousine bus route, which makes getting to and from Tokyo’s major airports much easier—especially if you’re traveling with luggage or a tired teen.

🛏️ Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo: At a Glance

Feature	Details
Location	Shinjuku, 5-minute walk to Shinjuku Station
Family-Friendly	Yes – safe, walkable, concierge support
Airport Transfers	Yes – limousine bus stop onsite
Dining Options	Sushi, Western cuisine, café, convenience store
On-Site Convenience Store	Yes – snacks, feminine products, mini meals
Room Type Reviewed	Twin Room
Price Range	$$$ – Mid-to-Upper Budget

What Could Be Better?

As much as we enjoyed our stay, there were a couple of things to keep in mind—none of them deal-breakers, but worth knowing as you decide if it’s the right fit.

First, the beds. Like a lot of Japanese hotels, the mattresses were very firm. If you’re used to softer beds, this might be an adjustment. That said, we still slept really well, and the firmness actually helped with recovery after long walking days.

Second, Keio Plaza isn’t a budget hotel. It’s priced more like a mid-to-upper range property, especially given the location. But in our experience, you get what you pay for. The convenience, safety, helpful staff, and on-site perks like restaurants, shops, and the convenience store all added value that made the higher rate feel worth it.

Finally, while we didn’t encounter it during our June visit, I’ve read that during peak travel seasons—like Cherry Blossom season—the hotel’s lobby and public spaces can get quite crowded. It’s something to be aware of if you’re visiting during high-demand times, though the hotel staff seem like they’d be able to handle the volume well.

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Final Thoughts: Should You Book Keio Plaza Hotel?

If you’re a first-time visitor to Tokyo, Keio Plaza Hotel makes everything easier. The location is unbeatable—just steps from Shinjuku Station—and the concierge support, dining options, and in-hotel amenities help take the guesswork out of your trip.

Whether you’re heading out on day tours, trying to navigate Tokyo’s train system, or just looking for a clean, safe, and comfortable place to regroup after sightseeing, this hotel delivers.

It’s not the cheapest option in town, but the value is in the convenience, comfort, and confidence it gives you during your stay. For me, that peace of mind was worth every penny.

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And while you are in Tokyo, you’ll want to check out Harajuku and Shibuya, two exciting neighborhoods in the city – easy to get to by train from Shinjuku, and absolute must-visits when in Tokyo. Check out my post about these vibrant neighborhoods here.