Centurion Hotel Ikebukuro

This hotel is a popular choice for its prime location near Ikebukuro Station, making it an ideal base for exploring Tokyo. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and helpful staff as a significant positive, contributing to a pleasant stay. While the room sizes are typically compact for Tokyo, the hotel is consistently praised for its cleanliness and the convenience of having a 7-Eleven on the ground floor. It is particularly well-suited for sightseers, shoppers, and anime fans due to its proximity to major attractions and entertainment. To make the most of your visit, be prepared for the lively atmosphere of the area and consider utilizing the hotel's self-service amenities.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers several convenient facilities, though some guests note they are a bit dated. A self-service laundry room is available, which is highly appreciated, although some find the dryers to be inefficient, requiring longer cycles, and the room can get crowded. Guests value the complimentary water, tea, and coffee servers located in the lobby, accessible 24/7. Rooms are equipped with a fridge, though some are small and not very cold. While a TV is provided, channels are limited, and there is no smart TV functionality. The elevators are noted as being small and sometimes slow, and a few guests express concern about the lack of key card access to guest floors, allowing anyone to go up.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with particular praise for the clean bathrooms and fresh towels. However, some reviews mention that the overall decor and carpeting appear a bit old or run down, with occasional reports of dirty walls or dust. The beds are frequently described as comfortable, though some find the pillows to be stiff or the sofa beds uncomfortable, leading to back pain. Room lighting is a common point of feedback, with many guests finding it too dim or dark, making tasks like applying makeup or working on a laptop challenging. While the area is lively, noise levels from outside are generally well-managed due to good soundproofing, though some report issues with noisy air conditioning units or a persistent sewer gas smell in the bathroom.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers convenient dining options, primarily through its partnership with Denny's, located on the second floor. Many guests appreciate the ease of having breakfast available on-site, with options that include both traditional Japanese and Western staples like pancakes. While the food quality at Denny's is generally considered good, some guests note that the menu choices for the included breakfast can be limited. The presence of a 7-Eleven directly below the hotel is highly valued for quick snacks and drinks. Beyond the hotel, the surrounding area boasts an abundance of restaurants and eateries, providing a wide variety of choices for all meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, placing guests within a short walk of Ikebukuro Station, a key transportation hub with access to multiple train lines. This proximity makes it incredibly convenient for reaching various parts of Tokyo. Guests appreciate being surrounded by numerous shopping opportunities, including department stores like Parco and Don Quijote, as well as a wide array of restaurants and entertainment venues. Popular attractions like Sunshine City are also within easy walking distance. While parking is available, guests note it can be expensive and the space is small, often requiring staff assistance to maneuver vehicles.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and politeness. Many guests commend their ability to communicate effectively in English, and some even note the presence of multilingual staff who can assist in languages like Hindi and Korean. The check-in and check-out processes are described as quick and efficient. Staff are frequently mentioned for going above and beyond, such as assisting with luggage transfers, promptly addressing in-room issues like a burst light bulb or a clogged bathtub, and providing extra amenities upon request. Their attentive service contributes significantly to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel implements an eco-cleaning policy, allowing guests to opt out of daily room cleaning in exchange for fresh towels, which is appreciated by environmentally conscious travelers. Guests can pick up various self-serve amenities such as pajamas, brushes, razors, and skincare products from the lobby. A point of concern for some guests is the hotel's security, as the elevators do not require a key card to access guest floors, meaning anyone can go up. The car park is noted for being small and sometimes requires staff assistance to manage vehicles, particularly for larger cars.