Toyoko Inn Tokyo Ikebukuro Kita-guchi No.2

This is a typical Japanese business hotel. Only the essentials but adequate. Good price for the location.

The first surprise was to be asked at check-in whether it would be OK for my room not to be cleaned at all during my 3-night stay. I have never been asked this before. Before I finished check-in, however, I was told that I would get clean towels every day. Given the very small size of the room, I could understand that it must be quite difficult for the cleaning staff to work around people's belongings, as we must all unpack at least a few items to make our stay comfortable - even just unpacking a few items of clothing & some reading material gave the room a cluttered feeling... Nevertheless, the "no room cleaning" policy is clearly just a means to reduce costs for the hotel. The second surprise was the notice posted in each of the lifts, which advised all hotel guests that the local police had advised visitors to always use the room safes (or the reception safe) and the chains on hotel doors due to the high rate of thefts from the hotel. First time I've encountered such a notice, certainly in Japan. But times do change... Thirdly, I was surprised how seedy the area to the north of Ikebukuro station is... many "girl clubs" / hostess bars & the like - that said, I had never been to the area before, and I didn't have any trouble other than being solicited by the touts outside clubs. A few streets away, the entertainments were less racy - good bars & izakaya. Hotel staff were generally very pleasant; Japanese breakfast bar & its staff were great.

Hotel has nice lobby, easy checkin/checkout. But using key system which has to be deposit and collect at front desk when going out and in. Room is spacious enough for 2 people, nice bathroom with bathtub. Breakfast is good with a couple of dishes change daily. Good location, near train station, convenient stores and food outlets.

Great price, good location, nice free breakfast buffet served by super enthusiastic senior ladies. Only small negative was having to leave the physical key and not being allowed back in during room cleaning time.

It was a decently nice place for the great price.