What’s the hotel like?
“Diversity” Hotel Cen is a small Hotel located between Shinjuku and Okubo, Tokyo’s Korean town. The rooms are compact with a nice minimal but stylish vibe. A good choice if you’re planning on staying out late in the Shinjuku area.
What facilities does the hotel have?
Apart from the friendly English speaking staff, there’s not many facilities to speak of. There’s a laundry room and vending machine for some every-day essentials, but that’s about it.
Is there anywhere to hang out in the hotel?
The Hotel has it’s own cafe, with a courtyard and roof terrace. The cafe serves reasonably good coffee, a few light meals, like vegan pizza or Spaghetti Bolognaise, and booze.
What are the rooms like
The rooms are small, tastefully decorated, with internal glass shower room (which has blinds you can wind down, should you prefer not to watch your partner/room mate in the shower).
There’s a nice sized mirror and since with small adjoining desk area – so just enough space to tap on your laptop whilst your parnter does his/her make up. There’s ample USB and power sockets near the bed and on the desk, so no trouble charging all your devices. There’s free wifi in every room, with reasonable speeds.
There’s a reasonable sized fridge, small safe but no television – the entertainment is on your doorstep instead!
One slightly disconcerting feature is the plastic laminated notice on the desk warning you about fines for smoking (and other prohibited activites) in the rooms.
How big are the rooms?
The rooms are very small, but as you’d expect from a budget Tokyo hotel. If you have a lot of luggage you’ll fill quickly up the space as there’s not much extra room.
Are the rooms comfortable?
The rooms are well insulated and sound proofed, and the double bed is nice and comfortable. There’s just enough space to work at the desk, but as there’s no view or entertainment, the rooms are more of a good place place to sleep than hang out.
What’s the location like?
The Hotel is a 5 minute walk from Shin-Okubo station, on the handy Yamanote line. You can also walk to Shinjuku station in 10-15 minutes – or a very short taxi ride.
Being so close to Shinjuku, it’s a fairly good location for getting to/from the airports.
How is the access to trains and subway?
The Shin-Okubo JR Yamanote station is the only close option, but you’re one stop away from Shinjuku and it’s vast array of train/metro connections.
What’s the surrounding neighbourhood like?
Being sandwiched between Shin-Okubo and Kabukicho, the Hotel is well positioned for some of Tokyo’s infamous night time spots. Okubo itself being Tokyo’s Biggest Koreatown, seems at times like a K-pop pilgramage route with all the young Japanese (and Koreans) hanging out there. Shinjuku is within walking distance, so you there’s no shortage of entertainment at all hours of night and day.
Do be warned the neighbourhood can get a little rowdy at night and at the weekends – not such a good location if you want peace and quiet.
Are there many good places to eat nearby?
If you like Korean food, then you’re in luck – there’s at least 4 Korean restaurants within about 20 meters of the hotel, and many many more within a ten minute walk.
What points of interest are within walking distance of the hotel?
Apart from Koreatown, you have Shinjuku on your doorstep, which has a bit of everything.
Who should stay here?
K-pop fans and nightlife junkies will be most at home in Hotel Cen. If you like an early night, probably best to pick a different location.