I arrived at the Shinjuku prince 24hrs after the disastrous earthquake struck in March. Subways were shut down, businesses were closed, but everything in the hotel was running so smoothly, it was like the chaos outside didn't even exist. Room service was excellent, and everything that we asked for was accommodated. Rooms were extremely clean and well kept. I especially liked the robes, slippers, and Japanese green tea that made you feel right at home. The rooms were very small, but considering the fact that we didn't spend much time in the room anyways, it didn't make a difference to us.

We had paid for our trip in advance and it was non-refundable. But due to rising fears of radiation, we had to cut our trip short. The staff at the front desk were more than helpful in booking our flight back to the US. What's even more, the hotel refunded us for our unused nights due to unforeseen circumstances. My husband and I had a very memorable stay in Japan, and we thank the Shinjuku Prince hotel for all that they have done.

From the minute you step into Shinjuku Prince you know you're in for something different from all the other hotels. Clearly the hotel's efforts to seamlessly transport you back to the 1980s have been substantial -- everything seems to be authentically from the period, as if it hasn't been updated in 20-30 years! The only thing out of place are the computers, which appear to be from the 1990s. Oh well, 99% ain't bad.

Then you get up to your room. Everybody loves campervans, so Shinjuku Prince has recreated the experience of living in a campervan for all guests! There is the double bed, pushed up against the wall to maximise space in the ridiculously small room. The bathroom is entirely made of prefabricated fibreglass, which you step up into. Presumably the cleaning staff hose this cavity down each day so you know it must be very clean! The towels are thin, worn, and rough, and the room comes with a handy bottle of odour spray, with which you are invited to use in case you come across any odours.

The Shinjuku Prince also goes out of its way to show you what it would be like to be extremely wealthy. For example, how much would a wealthy gentleman pay for ice in his drink? The Shinjuku Prince will delivery ice to your room for 350 yen (around $4). There is no ice machine. Need some underwear cleaned? 400 yen ($5) each. There is no laundry room.

Is it really this bad? Yes. Undoubtedly the worst hotel experience I have ever had.

Want to stay in the same area in a nicer hotel but with cheaper rooms? Try the Best Western, a couple of blocks to the east. The rooms aren't bigger but the entire hotel is much nicer, including staff, decor, and service.

Booked this hotel purely for location so wasn't expecting a great deal from the hotel - just as well! The hotel is relatively easy to find, make sure you go out of the east exit fro Shinjuku Station, look up the road to you left & you will se a very thin, high rise in red brick - it's the only red brick building in the area. Fro the station it is about a 10 mins walk. We arrived at 1230 hrs & were allowed to check in straight away, this was quick & smooth, staff were friendly & polite. We booked a twin bedroom, in the hope this would give us a bit more space. We were expecting to find a small room - what we found was the smallest hotel room we have ever stayed in! Have travelled to various places throughout Asia so I don't think our expectations were too high. Fortunately we had back packs rather than suitcases so we were able to stand these in the 1 foot gap at the end of our beds, I have no idea where you would store a suitcase in the room as it is just too small. The room itself was immaculately clean, as was the bathroom - this too was tiny but served it's purpose. Our room faced on to the main street rather than the train tracks, you could hear trains from early a.m and could hear the nightlife until thenearly hours - if you are a light sleeper this maybe an issue. Wi-fi is free in the hotel reception area (albeit veory slow) & 500yen for 24 hrs if you want wi-fi in your room. We didn't eat at the restaurant but there are numcous breakfast options close by to the hotel. The location of the hotel is perfect for easy access to the train station & you really are iin the middle of it when it comes to restaurants & shops.