From The Straits Times    |

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What: Located in the heart of Shinjuku, one of the most popular districts in Tokyo for shopping and entertainment, Shinjuku Washington Hotel boasts the perfect location for all your needs whether it’s for business or pleasure.

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The 25-storeyed hotel features a variety of room types that are perfect to accommodate families, couples, large groups and even solo travellers.
It’s also extremely well-connected. The annex that is just steps away features a whole host of restaurants and two convenient stores ensuring that you’ll never go hungry even if it’s in the middle of the night.

Shinjuku Washington is also situated right next to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The little known fact about the building? There are observatories in the building where you can enjoy a full view of Tokyo from 202m above the ground absolutely free of charge!

The hotel is also one of the designated stops for the airport shuttle – making your trip to and from the airport a breeze.

Plus, we were stoked to find out that there’s an underpass that connects the basement of the hotel to Shinjuku subway station, making travels way more convenient no matter what the weather.

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Ambience:
Although it’s situated in a bustling part of town, the hotel is still extremely quiet and private where you can enjoy a good night’s rest. The extremely safe neighbourhood also means you won’t find rowdy teens or other disturbances.
This is the perfect place to stay if you’re not looking for something posh or over the top. The décor is kept simple and modern, great for those who are just looking for a place to crash for the night in comfort.


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Rooms:
While the rooms are that of a typical hotel in Tokyo – not too large, no-frills – there are nice touches that make it just a tad more comfortable like the huge massage chair which is perfect to soothe your aching body after a whole day of shopping.

If you’re travelling solo, ask for the ladies-only floor. The added door for security at the lift landing means you have to use your key to get into the common corridors on that level and only ladies are allowed entry thanks to the surveillance cameras on the floor.

Also, free amenities in addition to the usual bath and shampoo products are also available in the bathroom, which we definitely appreciated. Think cleansing milks, moisturisers, sheet masks, makeup remover, hair ties, bobby pins and even a hair straightener!

There’s also free Wi-Fi for all of you who are addicted to your smart phones!

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Highlights:
The restaurants located in the hotel are some of the most notable dining establishments in the city. Manhattan Table, situated on the 25th floor of the hotel, is famous for its view of the city. Head to the stylish restaurant known for its steak and grills if you’re craving something other than Japanese cuisine.

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Want to satisfy your Teppanyaki craving? Try Fujita, the teppanyaki and shabu-shabu restaurant located at the first floor of the Annex.  Make sure you get a seat right in front of the chefs to witness their prowess at serving up a beautifully marbled filet of wagyu or your favourite vegetables.

Our favourites included the sautéed brinjal and asparagus which was cooked to perfection with just a dash of salt and pepper. The grilled chicken was also extremely tender and juicy, with the skin cooked to a delicate crisp. Don’t miss out their garlic fried rice that is fragrant to a fault with hints of pepper and garlic and an entire whole scallop that melted in our mouths.  Ask for the dessert of the day as well as there may be seasonal surprises like the wonderful sakura ice cream that we tried!

Do also check out Zauo Shinjuku – a restaurant with a very interesting concept – you eat what you catch. The fishing-themed eatery located at the plaza, features a “large fishing boat” sitting right atop a “fishing lagoon” where you can fish off of. Hand over your catch to the chef and you’ll get a mouthwatering meal.

So if you’re planning for a break in Tokyo, check out the conveniently-located Shinjuku Washington Hotel that will save you a ton of travelling time, allow you to enjoy top-notch dining  and live in comfort at the same time.

For more information about Shinjuku Washington Hotel , check out http://shinjuku.washington-hotels.jp/about-us