This review exists thanks to poor judgment and a terrible mattress.
I booked a “cheap” $110/night hotel in Tokyo. We got there exhausted, and it reeked like smoke. Fine, whatever, we just needed sleep… except the bed felt like it was made of exposed springs. No padding.
After 6 hours of suffering, at 5:00am I gave up, opened the Chase portal, and panic booked the Kimpton Shinjuku.
Cost breakdown: $1320.90 – $250 EDIT credit – $250 IHG credit – 19,000 points = $507 out of pocket (+$8.70 tax)
Experience: We showed up at 6:30am looking absolutely wrecked. They took our bags, gave us free gourmet coffee, and told us the room would be ready after 12:30. Came back at 1:30 — took ~15 mins to finalize, but we got in.
Welcome gift: cupcakes, brownies, gummies, and chocolate toffee.
Upgrade: Booked 2 full beds, got upgraded to a king corner room. The front desk called it a small upgrade, but I was thrilled. After that first hotel, they could’ve given me a mattress in a closet and I’d still be happy.
Room highlights: Huge (for Tokyo) Comfortable king bed Rain shower Automatic blackout blinds Yoga mat Smart TV + English channels Kettle
No fridge/coffee maker/ice machine in-room, BUT you can request all of that for free (including ice, water, coffee, even a fridge).
Best perks: Turn-down service with chocolate-dipped dried fruit. Free gourmet coffee daily (dirty chai latte, shaken brown sugar espresso, lavender matcha) Free bikes you can use (fantastic for getting around) Free cocktail social hour (5–6pm — didn’t try but looked legit) Gym had massage guns, rollers, electrolyte water Small touches like bananas available to grab
EDIT credit usage: Used the $100 credit at the rooftop lounge — it covered dinner and one drink each.
Breakfast: Included and a full 5-course set menu. The restaurant is such a vibe and the food was pretty good too.
Service: The staff are absolutely amazing. They are so kind and go above and beyond every step of the way.
Final take: If you’re trying to use Chase Sapphire EDIT credits somewhere that actually feels worth it, book the Kimpton in shinjuku!