Ace Inn Shinjuku is a new addition to the Tokyo budget scene. Oopened in August of 2007, Ace Inn Shinjuku has an excellent location and that "new hostel smell," and is located in a tall concrete building with elevator.
The Location
Unlike much of the budget lodging in Tokyo, Ace Inn Shinjuku is centrally located. It's not in Asakusa and is very close to the subway. Within a one block radius, there is a drug store, two grocery stores, and three convenience stores. The most direct way here is to get on the Toei Shinjuku Line and take it to Akebonobashi. Take exit A3 and turn left at the top of the stairs. Walk for a minute and you'll see it after you come out from under the flyover.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There are four floors in the hostel that are used for the dorms. They do not use bunk beds, as is standard in most hostels. Instead, they use a form of capsule made of wood where you climb inside and close a drape behind you. These capsules are very warm once you're inside sleeping and come with a reading light. There are a row of tall lockers in front of the window and there is a big bathroom for each floor (six sinks and seven toilets with a fair amount of room to move around). However, in the "economy" dorms, space is at a premium. There are racks for luggage behind you as you face the lockers but that's about it. They also have a "luxury" dorm that's not as crowded and has a desk and chair inside. Each floor has free Wi-Fi. Showers are downstairs in the basement -- four each for men and women -- they charge a fee for five minutes' use.
Common Spaces
On the ninth floor, there is a spartan common area with a few couches, a kitchenette, a bathroom, TV, and vending machines. The tenth floor, which is normally locked, is an event space. On the ground level, there is the front desk, a bar with four computers with free internet access (but no Wi-Fi) and a place for your shoes.
Summary
We enjoyed our stay at Ace Inn Shinjuku. The location can't be beat and the staff are fun. This is a social hostel where travelers meet and share their experiences. The beds are comfortable and warm, and having the tall storage lockers is a plus. Ace Inn Shinjuku is also twenty minutes away from Roppongi and Shibuya, which makes it closer to these party hubs than most of the other budget lodging in Tokyo. Our only annoyance is the pay showers -- where if you're used to taking anything but a quick shower, you'll need to put in that second coin to rinse off!
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
November 2007
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