Hotel Jal City Haneda, minutes from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport
When a recent frequent flyer ticket route to Hanoi from Ohio took me though Tokyo, Japan with an overnight stay and a transfer from Narita to Haneda, Tokyo’s other airport, I turned to Bookings.com for some hotel finding help. The idea of spending 16 hours at Haneda Airport with my 14-year old son wasn’t appealing. Our stay at the Hotel Jal City Haneda was a smart move and worth the expense.
A standard two-twin bed room is not as small as it looks.
This 308-room, 11-story hotel is modern and comfortable and easy to get to.
After taking the airport limousine bus that goes between the two airports, about a 65-minute ride, we took the hotel’s free shuttle from Haneda Airport to the hotel. The pick-up point is outside the international terminal and easy to find. Within minutes of being picked up, we were at the hotel and in our room. If the hotel was any closer to the airport, it would be on one of the tarmacs. You can see the airport from the hotel’s windows.
Check-in was easy and efficient—passport check, credit card swipe and we were headed up the elevator to our two-twin bed abode to drop off our luggage before seeking out dinner.
Restaurant recommendation was an excellent option. Affordable and tasty
Because the hotel’s restaurant was undergoing renovations, we headed out with a map and a restaurant recommendation provided by one of the receptionists.
Across the street from the hotel is a pedestrian street filled with inexpensive eateries and a few grocery stories. The area is safe for walking and you won’t get lost.
We opted for the recommendation, a traditional Japanese style restaurant with a specialty in fish and grilled meat. (Head down the pedestrian street–go two blocks, and look on the left for the restaurant with the wooden doors and bamboo details. It’s towards the end of the pedestrian street.) On the way back to the hotel, we popped into the 7-11 near the train station for snacks and a look-see.
Catering to business and transit travelers, service is efficient and spot on
Although Hotel Jal City Haneda caters to business and transit travelers, the feel is more homey than corporate. Artwork at each floor’s elevator and in each room reflects a nature motif as a tasteful touch. Furnishings have a Japanese sleek sensibility, and the drink machines located by each elevator have a wide selection of Japanese juice, tea, soda AND beer.
The bathroom is spacious, clean and perfect after a 12 hour flight
A tea kettle, tea and two instant coffee kits are included with each guest room. The flat screen TV with cable that did have some shows in English, mini-fridge and free Wi-Fi were used and appreciated. Toiletries are included as well. Most importantly, the beds provided us with a great night sleep. I was most curious about the trouser press, a contraption affixed to one wall, that according to the diagram would have taken the wrinkles out of my pants. Although the room is on the small side, the size worked fine for the two of us.
Not trusting jet lag, I set two alarm clocks and asked for a wake-up call to ensure we’d make it to the airport for our morning flight. Wake up call was delivered. We headed to the convenience store across the street to grab a bite for breakfast before hopping on the hotel’s free shuttle back to Haneda. The convenience store is open 24/7. When the hotel’s restaurant is in operation (it was due to reopen on June 24), breakfast, lunch and dinner are served.
Rooms range from a single bed to one queen bed and from standard to deluxe. Our standard two twin bed room cost roughly $170 U.S. including taxes and fees. Check out Expedia or Booking.com for a price comparison.
*As a note, I was initially concerned with this airport transit switch and the overnight stay wondering what might go wrong. Nothing went wrong. It could not have gone more smoothly. I was so pleased that I picked this hotel.
When in doubt of what to order, use pictures posted outside restaurants.
Even if the restaurant is open, head out to the pedestrian street. There is such a bounty of dining options. Plus, the walk offers a glimpse of Japanese cuisine.
Also, if you have a longer stay, consider Hotel Jal City Haneda for its accessibility to two train stations. Both are a few minutes walk. This makes the rest of Tokyo easily and quickly accessible.
Post and photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein
