Welcome to a detailed review of the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo, specifically geared towards wheelchair users. This review will provide an honest assessment of the hotel’s accessibility features, highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement.
Grand Lobby & Initial Impressions
Nestled in the vibrant Tokyo region of Shinjuku, the Keio Plaza Hotel boasts a stunning lobby with marble floors and a grand chandelier. While the entrance is visually impressive, unfortunately, it lacks a lowered check-in counter, which can be a challenge for wheelchair users. Thankfully, the hotel staff speaks some English, making the check-in process smoother. Conveniently located right around the corner from the check-in area, you’ll find the elevators and a wheelchair-accessible restroom.
Dining Options & Views
The hotel offers a diverse array of dining options on the lobby floor, catering to various tastes. From Italian cuisine to traditional Japanese delights, there’s something for everyone. A coffee shop, bakery, and an American café are also available for your morning coffee and pastries. For breathtaking views, head to the hotel’s lounge on the 45th floor, which boasts a panoramic vista of the surrounding area. However, it’s worth noting that the lounge lacks wheelchair accessibility due to a large step. Thankfully, the hotel staff was quick to offer assistance.
Navigating the Hotel: Access & Challenges
The Keio Plaza Hotel has two entrances. The front entrance features automatic sliding doors, providing easy access for wheelchair users. The back entrance boasts a revolving door with a button to slow it down for those with mobility challenges, a thoughtful addition. Reaching the back entrance involves traversing a long, carpeted ramp, which can be strenuous. Luckily, a lift is conveniently located next to the revolving door, offering a less challenging alternative for reaching the lobby floor café. Outside the back entrance, a ramp leads to the sidewalk and a tunnel, providing a direct, accessible route to the train station. While the tunnel is long, it offers a smooth and easy journey compared to navigating multiple street crossings from the front entrance.
Room Amenities & Accessible Features
The Keio Plaza Hotel offers over a dozen universally accessible rooms, catering to a variety of needs. While the term “universal” may not necessarily equate to wheelchair accessibility for all chair types and sizes, room #3015, a twin-bedded room, boasts several thoughtful accessibility features. The door is equipped with a large handle for easy opening, even for those with limited hand strength, and a digital peephole with a large viewing screen. Inside, large buttons control the door lock and unlock features, and the room temperature controls are strategically lowered for easy reach.
The room features a spacious layout, with a desk high enough for a wheelchair to roll underneath, a closet with a lowered bar and a safe on the ground, and a long mirror for optimal visibility. All lamps are conveniently turned on by a knob, and the curtains feature a long rod for effortless opening and closing. For added convenience, a motorized chair near one of the beds can be slowly raised with the push of a button, assisting those with limited mobility in getting up and out of bed. The space between the twin beds is wide enough for a wheelchair to maneuver through, and one of the beds is electric, allowing for adjustments to the head and foot positions.
Bathroom Accessibility & Limitations
The bathroom, located directly across from the closet, features a small ramp leading up to the sliding door with a long handle. The bathroom door has a lowered lock, but a one-inch gap at the bottom of the door compromises privacy. The bathroom itself is compact, just big enough to accommodate a wheelchair with limited maneuverability. The fully digital toilet boasts cleansing gadgets and grab bars, while the sink is semi-roll-up, with the bowl and limited bathroom space posing challenges. While there is no roll-in shower, the hotel provides a shower bench with a grab-bar and a footstool for use in the bathtub. The showerhead is handheld but lacks a holder within easy reach, requiring users to stretch and balance while showering.
Overall Impressions
The Keio Plaza Hotel demonstrates a commitment to accessibility with features like ramps, lifts, and adaptable rooms. However, there are areas for improvement, such as the lack of a lowered check-in counter, the strenuous ramp leading to the back entrance, and the limitations in the bathroom layout. While the hotel offers several helpful features, further accessibility improvements would enhance the experience for all guests.
For wheelchair users seeking a hotel with a range of accessible features and a central location in Tokyo, the Keio Plaza Hotel provides a starting point. However, it’s essential to consider the specific accessibility needs and limitations of each individual and to inquire about the details of each accessible room before booking.
