Small StepsAPA Hotels are an extremely popular budget hotel chain located throughout Japan. Frequented by travelers and businessmen, they are a no-frill option when convenience and price trumps comfort.
I have personally stayed at APA Hotels in Tokyo and Hiroshima, I haven’t had bad experiences, but I still try to avoid them whenever possible. In this article I’ll discuss the pros and cons of APA hotels to help you make the best booking decision.
The Pros of APA Hotels
Convenient Locations
APA Hotels are often very conveniently located near major landmarks or subway stations. Look for hotels with “Eki Mae” in the name. This means “In Front of Station” in Japanese, so they’ll be very close to a station exit.
Budget Prices
APA Hotels are usually about $30-50 cheaper per night compared to similar hotels in the area. Depending on your budget they may be your best option for price and location. However, no matter what you will pay a premium anywhere in Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Solo Travel Convenience
Although the rooms are extremely small, they have enough space for a single person traveling alone (without a lot of luggage). If you’re not going to be in your room often then you shouldn’t experience any issues in APA hotels. The rooms are usually clean as well.
The Cons of APA Hotels
Depressing Interior Design
Everyone likes a nice looking hotel room, it’s great to feel a touch of luxury and cleanliness when you travel. Personally, I’ll always choose the best looking and cleanest room I can get for the price. But APA Hotel’s have such a dark and outdated design that it feels very claustrophobic. They use this same interior for all of their hotels so you always know what to expect which could be a positive, if you like the interior. I, however, cringe every time I see it.
Infamous Tiny Rooms
The rooms in APA hotels are notorious for being extremely small. Around 100 square feet! I have only stayed in them solo, so I can’t imagine trying to sleep two people on the beds and housing two suitcases. Many have commented that they can’t even open their suitcases in the room. Anything beyond a carry-on could definitely be troublesome. If you easily feel overcrowded, need space to relax, or suffer from claustrophobia then do not choose APA hotels. The dark interior design makes it feel even more closed off and suffocating.
Poor Bedding
The bedding and rooms are typically clean, in my experience. At least what I can discern from looking over it. However, the bedding is usually very thin. One chain I stayed at had a laughably thin pillow that felt like an airplane pillow that was crushed flat. The mattress is tolerable I don’t remember too many lumps or springs, but if you are a very picky sleeper – avoid them.
Final Thoughts on APA Hotels
I know everyone has different opinions on hotel luxury and comfort. Some people just need a place to rest their heads and others want the peak of luxury, especially on vacation. I’d say my personal style falls in between: safe, private, and clean. APA hotels meet those requirements (overall), but they’re definitely not my first choice. While I wouldn’t rule out staying in an APA hotel in the future, I prefer other hotel chains and will almost always choose those instead.
Best for: People on a budget that want a private, inexpensive, no-frill room that is conveniently located. Honestly, they’re not a terrible hotel choice, there just might be better for the price. So do your research and see what is out there, but don’t worry if this is your best option.
If you’re interested in more Japan content, check out my favorite places to shop in Japan.
