Hotel Grand Fresa Akasaka Review - An Affordable Accommodation in Tokyo
Thursday, March 15, 2018Tokyo used to be a luxury destination for travelers. Though it’s still one of the world’s most expensive cities, flights and accommodation have become more affordable over the years. Initially, my mother wanted to book the hotel where we first stayed at in 2012, but with a price of Php 11,000 per night, we knew it was too much, considering we will be mostly out and about during the day.
![Hotel Grand Fresa Akasaka Review japan hotel review](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5zzzPX397UW7xZK_jyxvq0bLH2RsPHDHLr4dBbY9k9ql2JQpLPfiesLz938tYG8WPmim4dDqr-5gHfQyTDADZEbjWcuK7y0XKeT0dypWH9a4Gn-z-Za8PhsdH2qPJku51yhlVtHMgRtq/s640/hotel-grand-fresa-akasaka-cover.jpg)
That’s when Hotel Grand Fresa Akasaka came into view. A 2014 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice, the hotel is part of Sotetsu Fresa Inn’s chain of hotels which are popular for business and leisure travelers. My husband and I already stayed at their Nihombashi-Kayabacho branch in 2015, so I was looking for available rooms at that hotel once more. However, the said branch was fully booked for our travel dates. When I saw their Akasaka branch and the rates were less than half of Php 11,000, I immediately booked three rooms for our stay.
If you’re looking for affordable hotel rooms in Tokyo within the city center, let me give you an overview of our stay at Hotel Grand Fresa Akasaka.
1. Accessibility
Grand Fresa Akasaka is located in Minato district, central Tokyo. We came by train with medium size luggage at hand, so it was convenient to find the hotel 1-2 minutes away (on foot) from Akasaka Station, Exit 6 (Chiyoda Line, subway). Once we got out of the escalator, we turned left and walked until we reached the hotel sign board.
In addition to its easy access to and from the subway, Akasaka Station is also very near to other popular Tokyo hubs such as Shibuya (12 minutes by subway including transfers), Tokyo (17 minutes), Ginza (12 minutes), and Shinjuku (20 minutes) to name a few. The area is very close to Roponggi and also Tokyo Midtown (about a 12-minute walk), which is a commercial and leisure complex where you can shop, dine, and unwind.
![Akasaka, Tokyo street in Akasaka](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgbaFpPWKTnf1T_gFadK1EsJf4iVhM6V8u8Hv4vPu12BANSZo3BDzUj34DgjZ8HCHdABSStcnbfZTWysYZdNmm2TpvKS58AjFxTMwhNeyYTwEZnuppl4S6OyoEetXLgp6U3j0sTat590M/s640/EDIT_akasaka_1.jpg)
2. Convenient Location
Akasaka is both a residential and commercial area, filled with corporate headquarters as well as luxury hotels. Grand Fresa is situated in a small commercial street with lots of Japanese restaurants that serve gyudon (namely Sukiya, a 24-hour restaurant), sushi, and ramen. Foreign restaurants are also available along the street as well as Anytime Fitness. In addition, there are two Family Mart and one 7-Eleven that are all walking distance from Grand Fresa. At the end of the road is a McDonald’s. When you cross the other side at Akasaka station Exit 3A, you’ll get a view of Akasaka ACT Theater and Tokyo Broadcasting System. Opposite the said exit is Starbucks and a 24-hour supermarket called Maruetsu Petit Akasaka, all of which we stumbled upon by walking from the hotel.
![Akasaka Station Exit 3A woman on escalator going down the train station](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOIBJy7EM0tt_CrrtvOHQB5Ahz_11EakM2bowLkKRB7ccEtoygodFpwbTuKaUnNUsKLN-Y9Jsa8XZFxf9C2wrOKepDoVJmnkLS0PvEORsl9_RdwES3ASkkim71P9KHorNQzwVdZTvVrvl/s640/EDIT_akasaka_station_exit_3a.jpg)
![Burger King and Maruetsu Petit Akasaka, a 24-Hour Supermarket a commercial street in Akasaka](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_2kOHEUXxw28PJVuuBFtG7n4F3Bhmhm_MJa7Bet0LI1cQ0HWn4pKZmx12H00hAhrYI_4NjGkIronw_yy7d6BaxStXqHR4LBUVYK3e1GtXFEH21GnaN2HBH_e0BJ4pPXg6BF8AK54NSvC/s640/EDIT_akasaka_2.jpg)
![View of Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) commercial street, buildings and trees](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SVKY_1lsR5HneJ1pw_G7wTvSJ5SanyaAUGrSLejxDGkTAWOJQlPFRycqq5vX2tHpXkUAn4zXyPdG_zqtk-YkZv1W9cHFQqyQ9Y5MHwiKYhyjHHWblIkJQJShvWLK6sPKhALdGUNC2HMX/s640/EDIT_akasaka_5.jpg)
3. Hotel Facilities
For a small, mid-rise hotel, the lobby is clean and spacious. The reception is on the right side of the entrance doors and we were able to check-in in less than 10 minutes after giving our booking confirmation and passports. For female guests, we received Japanese skincare kits which I think is pretty cool.
![Grand Fresa Akasaka Reception hotel reception, exit doors](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisk-lxsu7t27wkGHA6AVQH-6abLV29i6PN_ofnczqJF1DE0jT0uejzraZzL_086AUscFBWK321Md6YxKHo5CYpCID-GXGdF2rRS62wSQY95obRemQKmCLkYPsYAXhkNwBNcC05D0v8uopQ/s640/EDIT_hotel-grand-fresa-akasaka_lobby_2.jpg)
There’s a sofa set at the lobby and when you take the stairs, you’ll see a phone, vending machine for drinks and Nissin cup noodles, as well as a public restroom for male and female guests. In between the sofa set and the reception is a desktop computer for when you need to research, send mail or check-in online for your flights, and a shelf filled with travel brochures, tea sachets, bath powders, and toiletries.
![Grand Fresa Akasaka Waiting Area sofa set at hotel lobby](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LHJKiiA2vg4G_mCZJk61IrDuYuo02xXY0Vlmdl5IpGDF2Z9SFgWQ-bZcyGkY2Lqu9WL0w1UMWPIhDgDir_4w0Z3CkC1R1NSDBLNaeCz1ioj9UVtf14yDnyh1LzdnnZx8J620v8bdcDpD/s640/EDIT_hotel-grand-fresa-akasaka_lobby_8.jpg)
![Vending Machine for Beer and Other Drinks drinks vending machine](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFZSUggqlL428grWFRpiaUhRqtufz06LuqW4BZvNjiEqfu5gHw7dsyVmbtTKytn8KzRUG4q2vPXki_xLblaIFyE5C0DCBFj71-fr20qMv-M1FTzIBmOW9USUQK4CizpbGwjHg3pN61HX2/s640/EDIT_hotel-grand-fresa-akasaka_lobby_7.jpg)
![Nissin Cup Noodles Vending Machine cup noodles vending machine](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvEz6F7y9_D_uqVQv0QKKPZPiwlkI00D_9gSMIw9nUFF90izaD33mQAygtSYlodmnA0NdC81wSy_GFjsytJX8OTW2aZNCzaRTOpN7yKYS-k2ELBbjXqe8PgHhAe1IZG2_IorfwGmNAV3j/s640/EDIT_hotel-grand-fresa-akasaka_lobby_12.jpg)
![Free Amenity Corner - Grand Fresa Akasaka stuffed toys on shelf](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouBpUlX0Gl7aFcGUHcQIUlByW-Vq6dkFQkmxeHMxPU4m27KQPALvS5ExQi51mJ2vu6VnbloCGtY84o7fMCEoOpsMypss7-chEHYFQ6ymoPEelmryp1CD5bLx82ccBotPFVgAdsIYYO0By/s640/EDIT_hotel-grand-fresa-akasaka_lobby_3.jpg)
![Free Shower Cap and Cotton Pads shelf with toiletries](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yFvaVjoaFRGfCoYzeo4HMxWhnaqIro25w9AWvR_15woxMcxmRcjG0mTa7W3cZxYRR3SPR9V9z-8C7tmbn40LFsgQqj8lEZqxCifSpPb42i5u3RvtByZ5PzgWPmM-H7ptfXkxRnKzHIGM/s640/EDIT_hotel-grand-fresa-akasaka_lobby_4.jpg)
![Free Tea, Sugar, Bathing Powder, and Travel Brochures shelf with tea packets, bathing powder, and travel brochure](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwARYhFCXsnqFGEsJ_x5p0yg8_fGBd4VQVx4uUBX3m1eJpqRLA7S8_W5577syrhxfFOPbUH38jnomOWTYfC7G5xLnvTqskHj2svmQNfXio6BLxKtGdZ9o5Y_Ut-wbwLmvu8IZdFZoVjWQY/s640/EDIT_hotel-grand-fresa-akasaka_lobby_10.jpg)
![Floor Information - Grand Fresa Akasaka hotel floor information, hotel lobby](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjegFkVZB9gwOqH-NMDBpLGa4WiD0pml1xKF8ioYuLlzSVcFfHTSgrUlWLl0pMAe1gQ5Xl8_IfH65c-IFPWd4uUUE998JCTMwLJrvM7Ea_kaju-qUOqlCz6cCViHGn5-yx-Ie8eK-5YrE/s640/EDIT_hotel-grand-fresa-akasaka_lobby_5.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23mop4jQGaQcPJEnScKDAZkUbM7YSzTzOrVc4D3pZkJKTqBzWaZDS6ThPkB1ZNOZjmZxPtd3zsBJG5C8NWWdM7qQsNzY0dVDehWQFs8U2Rsflef-J02Z9lK27BDxKvVHosFnRGuZltabx/s640/EDIT_hotel-grand-fresa-akasaka_lobby_1.jpg)
![Ice Vending Machine woman getting ice on ice machine](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35ffyyJCUL0r2qboPtPAkkHkABUmtQ9x2nkfDcUuHavlBl2mLUZwSpz-oYB5HP542v0Ao5fp_ZZqiQRQwesTeIPrTBPCHIMniXergTFCpiDd1ckZsG1ZgqiHQjvddGVC8kDLvOvv-3vUp/s640/EDIT_grand-fresa-akasaka_ice_machine.jpg)
4. Room Size
I booked three Standard Double rooms which are 13 sqm each. The room was very compact, which is very common in Tokyo standards. My husband and I carried medium size luggage each, which provided us enough walking space inside the room. However, when both pieces of luggage were propped open on the floor, it’s a challenge to move around.
Some rooms were bigger (about 15 sqm), which could accommodate two adults and two small children (ages 0-5), but it will be a challenge for them, considering families with children need to carry more stuff (extra luggage, stroller, etc.). Each room only has a maximum occupancy of two adults (in some rooms, only one).
![Standard Double Room - Hotel Grand Fresa Akasaka hotel room with bed, desk, chair](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9VnlFF6G450kg-3CFqMMsZGlBOS_4sgmxkgyPFAN-SveSNxtxIq6FedHrLT_Drz_MEBKdUic6Q8O_1t_FGCW_8do207NqkEsEjcyCwXfEo85HFFgX_q2xLPvTJk9QqEdv8k89gyok03D/s640/EDIT_grand-fresa-akasaka_bedroom_3.jpg)
What lacked in huge space made up for room amenities. What I liked about Japanese hotels is that despite the rooms being small, you’ll find almost everything you need inside the room. The bed was comfortable and bigger than I expected. There were two bathrobes placed on the bed when we arrived. The hotel also stocked complimentary water bottles inside the fridge.
Near the bed is a small desk and entertainment area. A comfortable chair is neatly placed and under the desk, you’ll find a garbage bin. There’s a small flat screen TV, lamp shade, phone, tissue, wall mirror, electric kettle, mugs, glasses, coffee and tea, and mini fridge. Every room is equipped with free wi-fi.
![Comfortable Double Bed - Hotel Grand Fresa Akaska double bed size at hotel room](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjbfO9BKRK9hgbPbgxb4rhqtU44jQ-rDGq0tswZhHMclZVGnm-7wp5M5Y2Aj99nBX1p5hCwPhuMkrTP0o0WOyl1aTx4PhxsXt5SaYkD5cah53sagP_vSJfjE5tnNBqTVtv5P4DGf1jQyT/s640/EDIT_grand-fresa-akasaka_bedroom_5.jpg)
![Standard Double Occupancy Room hotel room](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sfmWTJetlygR35p2uNlGunCY4mEZDQHakqwS0sg8KKCTotwVHMLWTOPXdv4yNAUGdicEHDxBeXj8ocQy6vVSv7DjV5g57tpIlrp0V8GgOwJMSqeupqTIm9bkAqKXoAmicL3zzBwWropC/s640/EDIT_grand-fresa-akasaka_bedroom_4.jpg)
![Mini Fridge Tucked Inside a Cabinet Under the Desk mini fridge](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKH1qRG-XbM1DVpKUcSxfGMNjX8bmVmZw64qfRW_w89OghYFK5jpAzL-Ztq9VDPFImRigPk6SBC8M2kwkb0Seg93lLO8zoPYT3mZiiy41vuiGn0vrh3PHhGEioE03hLv1UlFL-SAjqex9/s640/EDIT_grand-fresa-akasaka_bedroom_1.jpg)
What the room didn’t have were in room safe box (which I don’t normally use) and an iron and ironing board, which might be useful for those traveling for business (available in their Nihombasi-Kayabacho branch).
6. Bathroom Amenities
I’m very particular with the bathroom when I travel. Aside from room privacy and security found in hotels, I also make sure I have my own bathroom space. That’s the reason why I prefer to “splurge” a little on hotel rooms than dorm-type hostels because I want to keep my belongings safe, I want privacy, and I want my own bathroom.
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I’m very particular with the bathroom when I travel. Aside from room privacy and security found in hotels, I also make sure I have my own bathroom space. That’s the reason why I prefer to “splurge” a little on hotel rooms than dorm-type hostels because I want to keep my belongings safe, I want privacy, and I want my own bathroom.
Considering the room was only 13 sqm, I was surprised the bathroom was spacious. Common in Japanese bathrooms are their high-tech toilets. These are their button-operated “washlets” with an installed bidet, flush, and toilet seat heating system. Below the toilet paper supply are feminine disposal bags. Under the sink is a garbage bin.
![Spacious Bathroom at Standard Double Room hotel bathroom with toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf_sJv3RU1A6U5e1nvWxrADVG3csAyupOAOS2pn35zUSNqZ9jSjhLpmpBElhcWXXDUPrBPOLpwx9RtsfohqzUcQHSF_-OFJ55VuAfpw1Bt3nna85hvSBqsNo-GFPpF44OqcngngosTmWN/s640/EDIT_grand-fresa-akasaka_bathroom_3.jpg)
![Spacious Bathroom at Standard Double Room hotel bathroom with toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlxgHgoUvsm5gNAB9AvTLcrrwH9d9SFQns1lgBtxN0ulZ2URoCrDbn7lCy6OUXG4JypZt-895riRQPELWQWMwQEHMhas6ucm61TfR0qKtolSlXUD3hdfoZ4XQPc9GvHXwvgWsGnNFa5MC/s640/EDIT_grand-fresa-akasaka_bathroom_4.jpg)
![Remote Control for the Japanese High Tech Toilets called "Washlets" remote control and tissue paper on wall](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXOeDeq_maL5Z3XCqNrbM63bvF887N4hJ2cK4T38MEkiWjEIzGz7_I0XPABOyRxAMOLARrfHC2G4jmIcV94GzWdPU5A0qKKRsCl1qXo0-qm6vncJ5WaFrCAYMP7ny193B28SyvHXK5UhF/s640/EDIT_grand-fresa-akasaka_bathroom_6.jpg)
A huge wall mirror can be found in the bathroom. At the sink area are accessories such as hand wash, cups, cotton buds, tooth brush, compact hair brush (I love this!), razor, and body sponge. On the opposite side of the mirror are hanging racks with two bath towels, two hand towels, and a hair blower. A floor towel is folded and placed on the side of the bathtub which is also the shower area. There’s a shower curtain provided to prevent water splashes on the floor.
![Bathroom Essentials: Hand Wash, Cups, Cotton Buds, Hair Brush, Toothbrush, and Body Sponge handwash, cups, and toiletries](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfTRVhJdn1767a6eGtLfRnkW4WgNkT0ikWTfxjHJj241X9Iu5_XI1GbeuOOhnUz0DNmAHsLYX92wSnbPtJGv_FdA8FWE7xGhKcXcKzMF9Ft6Zia96a1GUgbJ7r9F15Z59SRaM_x7yfYyL/s640/EDIT_grand-fresa-akasaka_bathroom_1.jpg)
![Hair Blower hair blower hung inside bathroom](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZnwP7ZruuroQn9PPOw0CdmKi5EnISij9Fj8okoZaNIEQUGCvlW__vq25RTD6wLkdWWWSgWzIwMffGtF9H65X998mKpPILhj-DvJAErtmb8FqlinUmqV7maDdBuy_HGjgJsCcoa1gpHeP/s640/EDIT_grand-fresa-akasaka_bathroom_5.jpg)
![Complimentary Body Wash, Conditioner, and Shampoo bottled bath essentials](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1qD-DwByV-KffIdzbIl_SfpJdyRWnNslH73KSgkNRl0SqVJ-gwK5H088Jm2BLa3Z3tPrsCRiz8nTL-HPFeMfUo766YD2MvYoZc246kytvOUOIrGX5n84ZoZicmUVzer74XnrpzSGXitK/s640/EDIT_grand-fresa-akasaka_bathroom_2.jpg)
The hotel also provided generous bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash so there’s no need to bring or buy any bath essentials (unless you’re particular with your brand). I used their shampoo and conditioner during my entire stay and these products didn’t dry out my hair. There’s hot and cold water both in the shower and in the sink.
7. Hotel Service
We didn’t have any particular requests with the hotel, but like what I mentioned earlier, the check-in process was fast. Two key cards were given per room. The hotel reception staff spoke good English so it’s easy to converse with them. They’re very polite, too and would greet us whenever we arrive or leave the hotel.
8. Breakfast
Summary
The check-out process was a lot quicker. Just surrender your key cards and they make a quick run through in the computer and you’re good to go. Guests can leave their luggage at the lobby upon check-out or while waiting to be checked-in.
Our room was cleaned when we asked to make up the room and I remembered the water bottles being replenished.
![Hotel Grand Fresa Akasaka Lobby hotel lobby reception](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXt-DdVwT9OjAQ4BlamABBdT45aAN1mIwHPIUC5AEWhVB1ae_s5Hg8H2sEwtpL5gcSsoz2wtR_2kbIdKq4UeVWblIBEaMsO3P_nH4uHEQSwSFR7gfZOKwTfuo0LI2P0KaSdgPh-R1ZfjB/s640/EDIT_hotel-grand-fresa-akasaka_lobby_11.jpg)
Breakfast was not included in the rooms we booked, but the hotel has a coffee shop called Ueshima Coffee Shop which is just beside the hotel property. For rooms with breakfast, the food menu is usually a combination of coffee, sandwich or toast, and green salad.
![Ueshima Coffee Shop Beside the Old and New Building Entrances of Grand Fresa hotel coffee shop](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gTLtW4P_yjYX292ybD8vIdrQDzOi8K73xCnsBiwaUuZCeU71u0U9CEUAwNgmY7lnvjAQykK_LdKIoXheo5NyilXN7saO0PC4bCTl6qqsB2yAtFMOkSgiITNs-1Q750Q096VEe18-8zTu/s640/EDIT_hotel-grand-fresa-akasaka_1.jpg)
Overall, we had an excellent stay at Grand Fresa for four nights. To be honest, it’s hard to beat the price, accessibility, and convenience of their location. We can go out early in the day and come back late, not having to worry about food availability within the vicinity and we can easily walk towards the hotel in just a couple of minutes from the subway. Though the room was small (but very common in Tokyo standards), our stay was very pleasant and comfortable. I’m pleased to have booked three rooms in advance because Hotel Grand Fresa Akasaka gets fully-booked quickly. It truly is a hidden gem in this upscale, corporate district.
![Hotel Grand Fresa Akasaka hotel front](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiysrOl2nyfQuhFO9PvvXOIl_o1xkYlB8w0bLuN7lRvSnhJkjSF6eMFHPx2O4RuKivHeysMjxzEn1hMxCF06_tSJ7Y0q_Kz4EWanW3qAyAaxtVucZ5F5Q7pCJWK8V5CxgQ1LLLBNqMxPTe/s640/EDIT_hotel-grand-fresa-akasaka_2.jpg)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. The contents of this entry are purely my opinion and 100% honest based on my booking experience and accommodation. To secure your booking faster, I included direct links to Agoda on this hotel property.
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