I totally get that -- it's not as big as you think and it's pretty light (pic below) -- but as you are finding hotel pricing in Tokyo / Japan has gotten a bit crazy with the increase / resumption in tourism -- western chains especially. I thought the same as you that it wouldn't be worth the space -- but to save a lot of money each night -- and sleep well (priority #1 for us older folks) -- it's worth it.

Here is a shot from out kitchen island next to my Dell XPS -- its pretty compact...

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8d7ac2107.jpeg

250,000 yen total for 3 nights this July at ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo in their standard compact 20m2 room.

More than 3x as pricy as the 30m2 room of the Richmond hotel right nearby.

Some friends just stayed at the Mitsui Garden Hotel across from the National Stadium. They had a corner room with great view of the stadium and Gaien (and a bit of the Chuo Line and Expressway).

APA is actually not bad. My most recent stay was a one-nighter in August 2023. The rooms are extremely small, but it's tough to argue when it's so cheap, especially with the USD/JPY rate, and near transit.

I like Richmond. The Mitsui Sapporo was 73200 for a triple last April for 5 nights. I know. Before things opened but I'd encourage people to check japanican from time to time as I think they sometimes have allocated rooms to sell. They had a much lower rate than directly. Saw this in Tokyo as well.

I booked my friend's at this hotel - Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingu-Gaien Tokyo Premier
三井ガーデンホテル神宮外苑の杜プレミア they loved it. And IIRC room was under 20000 a night in Oct 2023 and amazing view and balcony.

APA is actually not bad*

(*if you are ok with supporting a business owned by a rightwing nutjob revisionist.)

My pocket book tries to be ethical if I can but often my self interest overrides that. So APA it is from time to time.

I’m guessing you never stay at a Marriott property either - regardless - I’m tired of seeing this on FT….

I am not aware what they paid , but the balconies were excellent. Mount Fuji sighting on last night. They were very satisfied.

My BOLD & Underlined

That piques my interest!

Couple of questions:
How would I get here by train from NRT and HND? I see hotel is well served by 3 lines (?)
Can you book a room with guaranteed high floor and balcony?
TIA.

My first time to Japan and planning to stay in Shinjuku near the train station. I do not want to pay an arm and a leg but I do not want a box either so any decent hotels nearby with a decent size room? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

https://global.southerntower.co.jp/

https://maps.app.goo.gl/vZQfpuw3yvH5kDRn6

Southern Tower king rooms are 26㎡ (280 sq ft) - not huge but not a tiny box either. It's a decent 4 star hotel right by the station, and it is reasonably priced - typically starting around US $150 per night.

Fairly expensive and is it the usual rates for Tokyo?

It's not unusual. What is your target price?