This was the first time for me to try out this popular Tokyo hotel. Its main draw is the location: right off Shinagawa JR station, one of Tokyo’s major transportation hubs. There’s a direct express train between Shinagawa and Narita airport (Narita Express), and direct service to Haneda airport on Keisei line. This was perfect for me, since I was staying in Tokyo overnight just to transfer between international flight arriving to Narita and domestic flight departing from Haneda.
Shinagawa prince hotel complex is huge – it’s comprised of 4 towers that represent options for different budgets, with East tower, where I stayed, being the most reasonably priced. The East tower is just your ordinary business hotel: small rooms, tiny bathrooms, but there’s everything you need to comfortably spend the night. I’d caution a big person from staying there, though.
It’s a very easy and short walk from Shinagawa station’s Takanawa exit (you basically just cross the street). All stairs on the way are equipped with either an escalator or a luggage ramp, so you don’t have to lift your suitcase even once. At check-in you pay upfront, and then you don’t need to check-out at all, you just drop your card key in the box at the reception on your way out.
There’s some entertainment around (the popular Maxell aquarium, which I didn’t have time to check out) and plenty of dining options, but bear in mind that most of the restaurants close around 10 pm. At 11 the only food I could get was at a convenience store. Overall, I’m happy with my two stays there and would definitely consider making Shinagawa Prince my hotel of choice next time I visit Tokyo.
PS. Breakfast is not included in the price, and I wouldn’t recommend paying for their breakfast – it’s too expensive, you can always find something to eat outside. Use of some facilities like swimming pool also requires extra fee.
Getting there
5 minute walk from Shinagawa station’s Takanawa exit. You just need to exit and cross the street
