This post contains affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, if you click on one of the product links, we may earn a commission.

Last year when we visited Japan, we stayed at the AC Hotel Marriott Tokyo in Ginza. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there and couldn't have asked for more. This year, we were eager to book an accommodation in Tokyo's vibrant Shibuya district as many of the activities on our itinerary were conveniently located in this bustling area.

FIRST IMPRESSION

We were traveling by train from Narita to Shibuya, and to our surprise, when we arrived at the Shibuya station, we were delighted to find out that we didn't have to exit the station in order to access the lobby of our hotel directly.

The hotel’s website also offers a comprehensive guide complete with visual aids, ensuring that even if you happen to lose your way, you can easily navigate and pinpoint its exact location.

Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu Entrance — Hotel entrance from inside the train station

We arrived around noon, but check in was not until 2PM. Our room was not yet ready, so we decided to leave our luggage with the hotel staff and explore the area for lunch.

After our meal at a nearby yakitori restaurant, we returned to the hotel. The front desk swiftly assisted us with check-in procedures, providing us with two key cards to access our room.

We also had a small package sent to the hotel during our stay, and when we inquired about its whereabouts, the hotel staff located it for us without any hassle.

LOCATION

The location turned out to be incredibly convenient and easy to locate, which brought us immense relief as we didn't want to navigate the busy streets of Shibuya with our luggage in tow.

Shibuya Excel Hotel Hallway — Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu Hallway

It was also great that there were a plethora of dining options available when our room wasn’t ready. Not only were there various choices at our disposal during our stay, but if hunger struck at any point, we could easily satisfy our cravings with fresh rice balls and bentos from 7-Eleven, or indulge in a wide selection of dining experiences ranging from sushi bars to cozy restaurants.

Yakitori Restaurant in Shibuya near our hotel

BEDROOM

We booked the View Twin XL Room (325 sq.ft.) and it was on the 19th floor in room 1921. As soon as we stepped out of the elevator, we were greeted by an exceptional panoramic view of the iconic Shibuya scramble crossing below. The ascent on the elevator was an experience in itself, offering a unique vantage point of the bustling cityscape.

There are several different types of rooms you can choose from and we chose a room that had a little more square footage since we both had large suitcases. For a standard room at this hotel, it averages from 250 square feet to 315 square feet. That is still more space than most Tokyo hotels where the average room size is just 118 square feet.

hotel room work station — Desk, TV, Mini Fridge

Small tray for miscellaneous items — A convenient tray for miscellaneous items

The room was equipped with the essentials like a mini fridge, flat screen TV, coffee and tea, desk, and high-speed internet. The internet speed was fantastic and we never had any issues with it.

There was also an air purifier in the room, which was a thoughtful amenity that proved particularly beneficial for those of us sensitive to dust and other miscellaneous allergens.

Tea and Coffee drawer — Tea and COffee drawer

mini refrigerator in hotel room — Mini Refrigerator

We fully utilized the comfortable seating area positioned perfectly in front of the expansive window. Nestled between the cozy chairs, a quaint small table offered the ideal spot for us to relax and take in the breathtaking views that stretched beyond.

The entire room was brightly lit, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. In addition, a light switch box was thoughtfully labeled and conveniently positioned between our beds on the nightstand.

Two white lounge chairs — Cozy Seating Corner

The compact closet at the entrance was stocked with essential amenities such as slippers, robes, laundry bags, luggage racks, and a secure digital safe. Additionally, a convenient full-length mirror adorned the entrance hallway, adding functionality to the space.

nightstand with devices charging — Nightstand with devices charging

Closet with coats hanging — Closet with coats, suitcase, and luggage rack

The beds were comfortable, with a selection of two pillows per bed to cater to guests' preferences, whether they preferred a firmer or softer option. Positioned between the beds, the nightstand proved to be a convenient hub, featuring easily accessible USB outlets that made recharging our devices a breeze throughout our stay.

Surprisingly shielded from the bustling city outside, we enjoyed the peaceful serenity within the confines of our room. The calmness extended throughout the hallways, ensuring an undisturbed night's rest for both of us, enhanced by the presence of blackout curtains that we greatly appreciated.

Hotel Housekeeping Signs — House Keeping Signage

Daily housekeeping is available upon request. When needed, guests are provided with the option to choose between two convenient signs to indicate if they would like their room fully tidied or simply require a refresh with new towels and emptied trash cans.

BATHROOM

The bathroom was spacious, offering ample room at the sink area for both of our toiletries. A convenient basket with wheels was thoughtfully placed under the vanity sink, serving as a tidy spot for our hair curlers, straightener, blow dryer, and other miscellaneous items.

Hotel counter with sink — Counter with one sink

The toilet boasted a bidet feature, while the bathing area presented a choice between a handheld shower or a leisurely bath. The array of provided toiletries included a hairbrush, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and liquid soap.

With an abundant supply of towels for two guests, we particularly appreciated the presence of an extra long body wash cloth.

MASSAGE SERVICE IN THE GUEST ROOM

There was a small ad inside our keycard envelope which offered in-room massage services at incredibly affordable rates. Presented with a choice between the hotel's own massage services or those provided by a third-party, we opted for the in-house option.

During two out of the three evenings of our stay, we both indulged in a much needed massage. Each session was with the same skilled masseuse who truly impressed us with her exceptional service.

Not only was she highly attentive and considerate, but she also made sure to alleviate any specific problem areas we mentioned. To top it off, she slightly extended our massage duration as a thoughtful gesture of hospitality.

FINAL THOUGHTS

We absolutely enjoyed our stay here. Our room was modern, clean, and very spacious. We even had a fantastic time taking photos inside their elevators.

We’ve stayed at numerous hotels in Tokyo, exploring different neighborhoods and experiencing various levels of convenience. However, this particular hotel stood out as the most convenient one we’ve had the pleasure of staying at during our time in the bustling city.

Night time elevator ride in Shibuya — Elevator ride at night

Daytime elevator ride in Tokyo — Elevator Ride during the day

Everywhere you turned in the city, there were bustling shopping malls, charming cafes, lively bars, exciting karaoke joints, and thrilling game centers, all vying for your attention. The sheer abundance of choices could almost overwhelm you, making it a challenge to decide how to spend your time in a place where the possibilities seemed endless.

PROS: