Akihabara's BEST Kept Secret Hotel: KEIKYU EX INN Review!
Alright, buckle up, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the chaotic, neon-drenched, absolutely bonkers world of Akihabara and its "Best Kept Secret Hotel": The KEIKYU EX INN. Let me tell you, I just finished a stay, and I'm still trying to decompress from the sheer experience (and yes, I have ALL the feels). Forget polished travel reviews, this is the real, unfiltered, slightly-over-caffeinated run-down.
First off, the Accessibility (and the "Almost Got There, You Know?")
Listen, this is crucial. I have some mobility issues myself and was VERY happy to see they've got an elevator – a BIG win. Access to the rooms and public areas was generally pretty good. However, (and here comes the slightly messy part) while they say they have facilities for disabled guests, it wasn’t perfectly obvious how to access them upfront. The staff were incredibly helpful, though, and quickly adapted. They actually cared and were super patient. I'd say it's a solid effort, but definitely call ahead and specify your needs. Don't just assume. Okay? Good.
The Rooms: More Than Your Average Boxes (Thank God)
Okay, so the room. It’s clean. Spotlessly clean. And for Tokyo, that’s a HUGE win. Think of it as a sleek, modern, very functional space. Like a minimalist’s dream – if that minimalist also needed a place to recharge their phone and their soul.
The Internet Situation (Because, Let's Be Real, It's a Big Deal)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Check. Fantastic Wi-Fi in all rooms? Double-check. Also, there's LAN access (for those of you who are ancient like me and still like wired internet). The signal was strong, reliable, and didn't drop out in the middle of my late-night video calls (which, you know, is crucial when you’re trying to decide if you really need that limited-edition Gundam model).
Cleanliness & Safety – A Big, Reassuring Hug
This is where KEIKYU EX INN REALLY shines. They're serious about cleanliness. I mean, seriously. I saw them constantly disinfecting common areas. They use anti-viral cleaning products, and, get this, you can opt-out of room sanitization if you want to avoid being disturbed! (which is a big plus for early risers and lazy people). They have hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Staff wearing masks? Check. It all just made me feel safe and relaxed, which is honestly priceless in a busy city.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Fueling the Akiba Adventure
Okay, so the food. They have a restaurant, and I can't lie, the Asian-style breakfast buffet was decent. Maybe not Michelin-star level, but it was hot, tasty, and filled me up before my day of anime pilgrimage began. Coffee and tea in the restaurant were always available. Look, you're in Akihabara. The focus is on… well, everything else. But they do have a 24-hour room service. I'm saying, post-adventure energy crisis? Yeah, you're covered.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Or, The Restless Wanderer's Guide)
This is where it gets a little… thin. They don't have a pool with a view, a spa, or a gym. This isn’t a resort. This is about Akihabara. Let's be real, your idea of relaxation in Akihabara is probably staring at a giant robot with a coffee in hand. But, I heard a rumor of nearby foot bath which I was going to check out but my Gundam purchases took precedent, But hey, the location is king here. You’re steps away from the action. You're gonna be going on a full-body experience through shopping, arcades, themed cafes and of course, anime. My point in short? You won't be in the hotel much.
Getting Around (And NOT Getting Lost!)
Okay, getting around is easy peasy. The hotel offers airport transfer, but since you are in Tokyo, public transportation it's the REAL way to travel, and the hotel is close to the station. I have seen taxis which is always a good thing.
The Little Things (Where the Hotel REALLY Wins)
- Daily housekeeping: Always a win. Came back to a clean room, fresh towels, a big old smile and a small, very polite bow.
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key! Especially after a day of wandering.
- Essential condiments: They provided Tea and Coffee. That's a win.
- Elevator: Bless the elevator gods.
- The staff: Seriously, the staff. They were friendly, helpful, and always went the extra mile. Seriously, their service was top-notch.
- Non-smoking rooms: (A sigh of relief for this non-smoker).
The "Needs Improvement" (Because Nobody's Perfect)
No pool. No Gym. The food, while adequate, isn't mind-blowing. But, these are minor quibbles. Really.
My Personal Anecdote (Why I loved it).
Picture this: I'd just spent a brutal day navigating the crowds of Akihabara, my arms loaded with anime merch, my brain fried from sensory overload. I was done. Walking back to the hotel was like stepping into an oasis. The cool, clean air, the friendly welcome… pure bliss. I collapsed onto the extra-long bed (bliss!), ordered room service (comfort food!), and crashed. The next morning I woke feeling fresh, energized, ready to conquer another day. This is the vibe. This is what it is all about.
The Verdict: Akihabara's BEST Kept Secret? Maybe.
KEIKYU EX INN isn't a luxurious resort. It's not about pampering. It's about being a smart, clean, comfortable base camp for your Akihabara adventure. It's about knowing you have a safe, reliable haven to return to after a day of sensory overload. It's about the little things, the friendly staff, the spotlessly clean rooms, and the sheer convenience of the location.
This is the hotel you book when you want to experience Akihabara, not just visit it. It's not the most glamorous, but it's real, it's honest, and it delivers exactly what you need.
NOW, FOR THE PITCH (The Offer You NEED to Grab):
Tired of Overpriced, Over-Hyped Tokyo Hotels? Craving an Authentic Akihabara Experience?
Here's a crazy offer you can't refuse:
Book your stay at KEIKYU EX INN now, using the code "AKIHABAEVER" and get:
- 5% off your entire stay! (That's like free Pocky!)
- Complimentary late check-out! (Sleep in! You deserve it!)
- A free welcome drink at the hotel bar! (To celebrate your awesome choice!)
- Bonus: Mention the discount code when checking in, and you'll get a limited-edition Akihabara map from me! (Yeah, I'm serious)!
- Bonus 2: You'll get a free set of Japanese stationary!
This offer is EXCLUSIVE and available only for a limited time. Don't miss your chance to experience the REAL Akihabara. Book your stay at KEIKYU EX INN Today.
Why this offer works:
Urgency: "Limited time" creates FOMO.
Specifics: The freebies make it irresistible.
Authenticity: It's a real deal, not fluff.
That personal touch is more valuable than gold
Click here to book your Akihabara adventure now! [Link to Keikyu EX INN booking page]
You deserve this. Trust me. (And tell them I sent you! Maybe I'll get a free Pocky too.)
Escape to Paradise: Bahagia Inn Malaysia Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious chaos of Tokyo, specifically Akihabara, and I'm dragging you along for the ride. We're starting at the Keikyu EX INN Akihabara, a place I’m praying has a decent coffee machine. Pray for me, people. My brain needs caffeine.
Day 1: Arrival and the Electric Pulse (or, "Where Did I Put My Adapter?!")
- 14:00 (ish) - Arrival at Narita (NRT): Okay, let's be honest, the immigration line is always a drag. Always. Pray to the travel gods you get through quickly. Then comes the inevitable post-flight fugue state. Did I remember to pack my adapter?! (This is a recurring theme, I'm warning you now).
- 16:00 - Train to Akihabara: The Narita Express seems like the most painless option. I'm anticipating a serious battle with luggage storage, and a desperate search for the correct platform. Pray for my sanity. The first time I took the trains in Japan was like being thrown into a complex, metal-clad brain teaser. So beautiful, so confusing.
- 17:00 - Check-in at Keikyu EX INN Akihabara: I'm hoping for a relatively painless check-in experience. Clean room? Necessary. Decent view? Bonus. Free Wi-Fi that actually works? A godsend. I need to be able to look up "where do I buy a decent adapter" IMMEDIATELY.
- 18:00 - Akihabara Initial Assault: Okay, this is the moment. I'm emerging from the hotel, blinking into the neon glow of Akihabara. My first impressions are always a sensory overload! The flashing lights! The giant anime characters! The sheer volume of stuff! I want to throw my hands up and scream with glee. But I might just faint from the sheer information overload.
- 18:30 - Dinner: Ramen Rescue: This feels like a crisis. I NEED ramen. Desperately. A quick Google search confirms several highly-rated ramen shops nearby. I'll aim for the first one, and hope the line isn't too out of control. (Picture me, exhausted after a long journey, trying to decipher a vending machine to order my food. It’s going to happen, isn’t it?) I'm also looking for a beer. Always looking for a beer.
- 20:00 - The Gadget Gauntlet: This is where it gets dangerous. I'm talking about walking into Yodobashi Camera, or any of the massive electronic stores. My credit card will probably be screaming by the end of the night. I’m making a solemn vow to window shop first. (Yeah, right.)
- 21:00 - Gacha Madness and Arcade Adventures: The real fun begins. I'm diving into the world of gacha machines and hoping to unearth some truly bizarre and wonderful treasures. Then, it’s time to succumb to the dizzying, pixelated world of the arcades. Pretty sure my reflexes aren't as good as they used to be, but whatever! Let the games begin (and let me hope I don’t embarrass myself too badly).
- 22:00 - Wind Down (Maybe): Back to the hotel? Maybe. Exhausted and overwhelmed. Probably. But first, I need to find a convenience store. A cold beer? A salty snack? All of the above. I'm trying to convince myself to journal, but the allure of sleep is strong.
Day 2: Anime, Maid Cafes, and a Karaoke Catastrophe (Or, “Did I Really Just Sing That?”)
- 08:00 - Breakfast (Prayers to the Coffee Gods): The hotel breakfast is probably… service-able. I'm mostly judging based on the coffee. Good coffee = good mood. Simple math.
- 09:00 - Anime Pilgrimage: I'm going to pick a couple of shops that are known for their anime-related merchandise. My wallet is already starting to tremble. Exploring the different floors! The amount of stuff to look at! The sheer amount of anime! I swear, I can feel my inner nerd starting to squee just thinking about it.
- 11:00 - Pop Culture Wonderland: Head to the Animate shop, the Mandarake complex, and other such havens of otaku culture. This is my happy place. The sheer variety of what is on offer is astonishing. Do I need a life-size inflatable Hatsune Miku? (Rhetorical question).
- 12:00 – Lunch: Find a little cafe, ideally somewhere that sells good curry rice. This is a non-negotiable: the sheer exhaustion of the anime onslaught requires comfort food.
- 13:00 - Maid Cafe (Embrace the Cuteness): Alright, I am prepared to be completely disarmed by the adorableness. I am mentally preparing myself for the… experience. I'll try to keep an open mind, and (hopefully) not blush too much. Expect a report.
- 15:00 - Electronic Scavenger Hunt: Back to the shops! I'm going to try an get some actual items. More than just "look at this cool thing!" This time, I'm on a mission.
- 17:00 - Karaoke: The Decisive Moment: This is the moment that will either be the highlight of the trip, or the source of endless self-loathing. Karaoke. With a group of friends. I'm going to sing something embarrassingly bad and have a blast. I'm counting on it.
- 18:30 - Dinner: A Culinary Detour: Let's try some of the more "kooky" restaurants. Akihabara doesn't disappoint. themed restaurants. A robot restaurant? A video game themed cafe? I'm game for whatever.
- 20:30 - Back to the Arcade: There's more I have not done in arcades. I am absolutely going to revisit some of my arcades.
Day 3: (Departure - Sob!)
- 08:00 - Last Breakfast: One more chance to get that precious coffee. Savor it.
- 09:00 - Last-Minute Shopping: I have a feeling I've missed something. A hidden gem. A last-minute purchase! The souvenir hunt is ON.
- 11:00 - Check-out: The inevitable moment. I'm going to miss this place. Maybe I'll try to sneak a small anime character into my luggage.
- 12:00 - Train to Narita: Goodbye, Akihabara! You were weird, wonderful, and utterly exhausting.
- 14:00 - Departure: The flight home. The end. The beginning of my next trip. I need to save money.
Okay, so obviously this is just a loose plan. Life happens. I'll get lost. I'll eat something that challenges my digestive system. I'll probably buy too much crap. But that's the fun, right? It's the beautiful, messy reality of traveling. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Now, where did I put that adapter…?
Escape to Paradise: Bamboo Beach Bliss in the Philippines
KEIKYU EX INN Akihabara: The Truth (As I See It!) - An FAQ
Okay, spill the tea! Is KEIKYU EX INN Akihabara *really* a secret hotbed of awesome? Or just another cookie-cutter hotel?
Alright, alright, settle down. I wouldn’t call it a *hotbed* of awesome. Let's be real, people. But it’s definitely not a cookie-cutter monstrosity either. Think… a slightly quirky, slightly worn-around-the-edges, but ultimately charming friend. You know, the one with the unexpected laugh that makes you want to stick around. It’s got potential, this place. But… and there's a but… sometimes it feels like it's trying too hard. Like the lobby music, which is relentlessly cheerful, bordering on… well, you get the idea. I'm still humming it, days later. Is that a good thing?
Location, location, location! Is it *actually* close to all the Akihabara action? Because I need my anime fix, stat.
Oh. My. God. YES. Seriously. You stumble out the door, make a right… and boom. Akihabara. Like, *right there*. You can practically smell the Pachinko parlors. The electric town entrance is literally a few steps away. This is HUGE. After a long day of gaming and anime, you can just *collapse* into bed. This is, and I can't stress this enough, a massive win. I’m talking, strategic advantage level win. My feet? They thanked me profusely.
The rooms… are they shoeboxes? Because my claustrophobia is real.
Okay, let’s be brutally honest. They're not palaces. My room, the supposedly "larger" one, was… cozy. Let's call it that. It's Japan, people. Space is at a premium. I wouldn’t recommend bringing the whole family. You might need to start practicing your Tetris skills to fit everything in. But! And this is a big *but*. The bed was surprisingly comfy. The bathroom was… functional, if a little… efficient. They maximize every single inch. And, crucially, it was clean. Spotlessly clean. So, yeah, small, but you get used to it. You *have* to. Embrace the minimalist life! (Until you crave space again, which you will).
Breakfast! Worth it, or should I just grab a convenience store onigiri?
Ugh, breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. The breakfast buffet is… well, it’s *there*. It's not *bad*…but it's not going to set your world on fire. The usual suspects: rice, miso soup, some questionable scrambled eggs, and, of course, the obligatory Japanese pickles. It’s fuel, basically. If you’re in a hurry, and just need something to get you going before you dive into the arcades, sure, it’ll do. But honestly? The convenience store onigiri *is* calling your name. Every. Single. Day. I went for the onigiri most days. And the coffee? Let’s just say it’s… adequate at best. I might have snuck in a Starbucks run or two. Don’t judge me.
What about the staff? Are they helpful? Do they speak English? (Because my Japanese is limited to "arigato" and the ability to order a beer).
The staff? Mostly lovely. Super polite, as you’d expect. English skills? Hit or miss. Some are fantastic, some… less so. But they try! And that's what matters, right? I managed to navigate a slight luggage snafu with a combination of broken English, frantic hand gestures, and sheer, unadulterated panic. They got me sorted. They’re pros. And honestly, the politeness is so sincere, you can't help but feel like you're being treated like royalty. Even if you're just trying to get more toilet paper.
Wi-Fi? Reliable? No buffering nightmares during my anime marathon, please!
Okay, the Wi-Fi. Here's where things got a little… testy. Sometimes it was blazing fast, like a Shibuya crossing at rush hour. Other times? It was like trying to stream HD video on a dial-up connection. I swear, I spent an hour just staring at a buffering icon while desperately trying to watch that *one* episode. Pure torture. So, be prepared for occasional annoyances. Bring a backup plan, maybe download some episodes beforehand. Or just… you know… go outside and *experience* Akihabara. (But the anime… the anime…)
Any hidden costs? Or surprising fees I should be aware of?
Ah, the devil is in the details. Thankfully, no hidden costs that I stumbled upon. The price you see is the price you (mostly) pay. Which is a massive relief, trust me. I hate those nickel-and-diming hotels. Just pay attention to the little signs, the details. Read everything. Double-check everything. But generally? What you see is what you get. And what you're getting is a solid deal, especially for that location.
Okay, let's get personal. What was your *best* and *worst* experience at KEIKYU EX INN Akihabara? And be honest!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. The *best*? The absolute, unadulterated location. Walking out the door and being *right there* in Akihabara? Pure gold. Convenience personified. Absolute bliss. No long commutes, no frantic train rides. Just instant access to all the glorious, flashing lights and anime goodness. That was worth the price of admission alone. I can still feel the excitement coursing through me thinking about it. I still miss it. The *worst*? Okay… I have to go into a story. I swear to god I went to bed one night, and heard *screaming* coming from the hallway. Like ACTUAL SCREAMING. Scared the bejeezus out of me. I peeked out the door, and it was two dudes, arguing loudly. The hotel staff were there, trying to diffuse the situation. It was a mess. Awful. And it went on… for a while. I'm a light sleeper. Literally the worst travel nightmare for me. And I’m still not entirely sure what it was about. Drug deal gone wrong? Drunk tourists? I have no idea. All I know is it ruined my sleep entirely, and made me a little wary of the other guests. It's not the hotel's fault, of course. But it definitely dampened my enthusiasm. And brought me back to real life, reminding me that not all travel is perfect. That’s the truth, and I’ll stick by it.
