Welcome to my review of the Keio Plaza Hotel, located in the bustling Shinjuku area of Tokyo. I’m a wheelchair user and I’ll be giving you a detailed look at the hotel’s accessibility features, highlighting both the good and the not-so-good.
Lobby and Accessibility Features
The Keio Plaza Hotel boasts a grand entrance with stunning marble floors and a captivating chandelier. Unfortunately, the check-in counter lacked a lowered area, which would’ve been helpful for wheelchair users. However, the hotel staff spoke a bit of English, making the check-in process smoother. Elevators and a wheelchair-accessible restroom are conveniently situated near the check-in desk.
Dining Options and Accessible Lounge
The hotel’s lobby floor features a variety of dining options, catering to different tastes. From Italian and Japanese cuisine to an American café, coffee shop, and bakery, there’s something for everyone. The hotel’s 45th-floor lounge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. However, the lounge isn’t entirely wheelchair-friendly due to a large step, making access challenging. The staff was quick to assist, but this limitation is something to keep in mind.
Exploring the Hotel’s Entrances and Accessibility
The hotel has both a front and back entrance. The front entrance is equipped with automatic sliding doors, while the back entrance features a revolving door with a handy button to slow it down for those with mobility issues. Connecting the lobby to the back door is a long carpeted ramp, which might be a bit of a workout for some. Thankfully, a lift near the back entrance provides easy access to the lobby floor’s café, offering a convenient alternative to the ramp. The back entrance leads to a ramp connecting to the sidewalk and a tunnel that directly links to the train station. While the tunnel is long, it provides a straightforward and easy route to the station. Exiting through the front entrance requires navigating a few intersections to reach the train station.
Universal Accessible Rooms: A Mixed Bag
The Keio Plaza Hotel boasts over a dozen rooms specifically designed for universal accessibility. However, it’s important to note that “universal” doesn’t necessarily translate to wheelchair accessibility for every type and size of chair. I stayed in room #3015, which featured twin beds. While the room’s décor was a tad underwhelming considering the price, it did have some unique features.
Room Features: A Blend of Accessibility and Design
The room’s door, equipped with card access, featured a large handle for easy opening, which is especially beneficial for those with limited hand strength. A digital peephole with a large viewing screen, activated by a large orange button, added an extra layer of convenience. Inside, the room’s features continued to impress. Large buttons controlled the door lock and unlock functions, and the temperature controls were lowered for easy reach. A closet with a lowered hanging bar and a safe positioned on the ground was conveniently located upon entering the room.
The room’s spaciousness allowed for a comfortable layout, featuring a long desk, TV, teapot, and a mini-refrigerator. The desk was tall enough for me to easily roll underneath. The lamps were equipped with simple knobs for turning on and off, and the curtains had long rods for effortless opening and closing. A motorized chair positioned near one of the beds gently raised with the push of a button, assisting with getting in and out of bed. The space between the twin beds was just wide enough for my wheelchair, although the bed itself was slightly lower than what I’m accustomed to. One of the beds featured an electric mechanism for raising the head and feet, adding a touch of comfort and functionality.
Bathroom Accessibility: Areas for Improvement
The bathroom, located directly across from the closet, featured a small ramp leading up to the sliding door equipped with a long handle for easier access. The bathroom door had a lowered lock, but a one-inch gap at the bottom compromised privacy during bathroom activities.
The bathroom, while big enough to accommodate my wheelchair, offered limited maneuvering space. The fully digital toilet featured numerous cleansing options and lowered grab bars. However, the sink was only partially accessible due to its restrictive bowl and the limited space within the bathroom.
While the hotel provided a shower bench with a grab bar and a footstool, it lacked a roll-in shower. The bathtub, measuring 21.5 inches in height, featured grab bars and a soft foam pad for sitting comfortably. A handheld showerhead was provided, but it lacked a convenient holder within easy reach, requiring a bit of a stretch and balancing act to use.
Room Dimensions:
- From the bathtub to the door: 5 feet
- From the sink to the opposite wall: 3 feet 8 inches
- From the toilet to the opposite wall: 33 inches (29 inches when considering the handrail)
Conclusion
The Keio Plaza Hotel offers a range of accessibility features, but there’s always room for improvement. The staff is friendly and accommodating, going the extra mile to assist. The hotel’s location, near the Shinjuku train station, provides convenient access to the city’s attractions. While the room’s décor might not be as impressive as expected for the price, its unique features contribute to an overall positive experience. However, it’s important to note that the hotel’s accessibility features, while commendable, may not suit all types of wheelchair users. If you’re planning a stay at the Keio Plaza Hotel, I encourage you to contact the hotel directly to inquire about specific accessibility needs.
