Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu

This modern chain hotel is connected to Haneda Airport, with access from the domestic terminal, making it a convenient base for business travelers, couples, and families transferring from one destination to another. Inside, the pristine lobby area has polished tiled floors and a long reception desk, though its otherwise mostly function over form. Comfortable upholstered armchairs are dotted around the space, so guests can rest during departure and arrival, but as few are here for more than a night, there's not much in the way of extras. The style, at least, is pleasantly modern throughout, including sharp sober colors, retro-futuristic lines in furniture, and subtle accents like black-and-white photography on the walls. All in all, when it comes to airport hotels, we've seen far worse in our travels, and this is one of the more reliable and polished options near Haneda.

Located within Haneda Airport, this hotel is the ideal base for business travelers, or families and couples in transit. The hotel building is positioned on a busy road and can be accessed from within the departure area at Terminal 2. It's a three-minute journey on the Tokyo Monorail from the station at Terminal 2. Expect a 40-minute train ride to Ginza, central Tokyo’s main shopping district. It's about 15 minutes longer by train to reach iconic Shibuya Crossing for those looking to snap a quick pic. Families might visit Tokyo Disney Resort, a 30-minute drive from the hotel, or Jonanjima Seaside Park, a 10-minute drive away. For those looking to experience Tokyo’s quieter side, the Imperial Palace is a 25-minute drive from the airport and the Yasukuni Shrine is 30 minutes away by car. There’s a good restaurant at the hotel, but guests also have access to the terminal's dining facilities should they need an alternative. 

The rooms at this airport hotel are functional but spacious, with minimal decor including comfortable beds and simple furniture. Decor is fresh and modern, with dark grays and light wood veneer surfaces contrasting one another, plus sharp retro-inspired seating. Fresh white down bedding and warm bedside lighting give the rooms a softer edge. Considering the airport location, even entry-level Standard Rooms are relatively large, especially for Tokyo, with plenty of space for two people and their luggage. Standard amenities include LCD TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, electronic safes, telephones, and mini-fridges (minibars in Executive Rooms). Kettles with a selection of Japanese green and black tea are provided. Desks and high-backed office chairs are a convenient addition for business travelers needing to focus on work. Some higher-category rooms include a separate walk-in wardrobe with a trouser press, as well as slippers. Some also have runway views, though keep in mind that the airport proximity means that airplane noise can be an issue. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with sliding doors plus shower/tub combos and a decent amount of counter space. White towels, nightshirts, and basic toiletries are also provided. Executive Room bathrooms add bathrobes plus separate showers and tubs.

At the heart of this airport hotel is a large restaurant and bar area, appropriately called the Flyer’s Table. It serves buffet-style breakfast that’s free for children under 6. Japanese and international buffet lunch and dinner options are also available. There's comfortable armchair and booth seating, plus an attractively curved marble-topped bar with a large selection of spirits. Some tables and chairs line a large window overlooking the runway. A separate counter sells pastries and boxes of chocolates. Unfortunately, there is no swimming pool or fitness center, but the hotel has attractive conference facilities. The meeting room has a full sized boardroom table, comfortably seating seven people on executive office chairs. There’s a wall-mounted television for presentations and a separate small business center with computers and printers. The hotel has free Wi-Fi throughout and parking is available (for a fee) in the multi-level airport car park.