APA Hotel (APA Hotel) Experience & info

History and Company Concept

APA Hotel (アパホテル) is one of the largest and most well-known business hotel chains in Japan. The name APA stands for "Always Pleasant Amenities" and reflects the company’s concept of always providing pleasant amenities. The hotel chain was founded on April 1, 1988 and is headquartered in Akasaka, Tokyo ^[1]. Under the leadership of founder Toshio Motoya, APA Hotel has evolved into one of the dominant forces in the Japanese hotel industry.

With more than 300 locations across Japan, APA Hotel has experienced impressive growth and has been expanding internationally since 2015, including to the USA and Canada. The brand is known for its standardized, compact rooms and its distinctive red and white logo, which can be seen on many buildings in Japanese cities.

The "New Urban Style" Concept

APA Hotel has made a name for itself with its "New Urban Style" concept, which is based on three main principles: high quality, high functionality, and environmental friendliness ^[2]. This concept is reflected in all aspects of hotel design, from the architecture down to the smallest details of each room’s furnishings.

Eco-friendly Concept

A special feature of APA Hotels is their commitment to environmental friendliness. The chain employs various measures to reduce its ecological footprint:

• Energy-saving LED lighting in all areas
• Water-saving fixtures in bathrooms
• Reduced laundry service (towels are only changed upon request)
• Environmentally friendly toiletries and reduced single-use products
• Energy-efficient air conditioning and heating systems

These measures not only contribute to environmental protection but also enable APA Hotel to keep costs low and offer competitive prices without compromising on quality.

Room Types and Amenities

APA Hotels are famous for their compact yet functional rooms. The average room size is between 10-15 square meters, which may seem small by Western standards, but is quite common in Japan, especially in large cities. Despite the limited size, the rooms are cleverly designed to optimize available space.

Room Type	Typical Size	Special Features
Single Room	10–12 m²	Single bed, ideal for business travelers
Double Room	12–15 m²	Double bed, compact but comfortable
Twin Room	15–18 m²	Two single beds, a bit more spacious
Superior Room	18–22 m²	Larger room with additional amenities
Suite	25+ m²	Separate living and sleeping areas (only in select hotels)

Standard Amenities in All Rooms

Despite their compact size, APA Hotels offer an impressive range of amenities in every room:

• Beds: High-quality mattresses with the company’s own "Cloud Fit" concept for optimal sleeping comfort
• Bathroom: Compact units with bathtub and shower combined, high-quality toiletries
• Technology: Flat screen TV, free high-speed Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning
• Work area: Small desk with chair and good lighting
• Additional amenities: Electric kettle, tea and coffee-making facilities, refrigerator, hairdryer, Yukata (Japanese cotton kimono)

A special feature of many APA Hotels is the availability of public baths (大浴場, daiyokujo) at certain locations, giving guests a traditional Japanese bath experience—a welcome complement to the compact in-room bathrooms.

Locations and Availability

One of APA Hotel's greatest strengths is the strategic placement of its locations. Most hotels are situated close to major train stations, business districts, and tourist attractions, making them especially attractive for business travelers and tourists.

Popular Locations in Tokyo

In Tokyo, APA Hotel’s main market, you’ll find numerous locations in popular districts such as:

• Shinjuku: Several hotels near the busy station and entertainment district Kabukicho
• Akihabara: Ideal for electronics and anime fans
• Ginza/Nihonbashi: Perfect for luxury shopping and business appointments
• Asakusa: Close to traditional sights such as Senso-ji Temple
• Shibuya/Roppongi: Centrally located for nightlife and entertainment

Outside Tokyo, APA Hotel can be found in almost all major Japanese cities, including Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka. The chain is continuously expanding and regularly opens new locations.

Pricing and Booking Options

APA Hotels are positioned in the mid-range price segment of the Japanese hotel market. The prices vary depending on location, season, and room type, but generally offer good value for money, especially for business travelers and budget-conscious tourists.

The average prices per night are:

• Off-peak season: 5,000–8,000 yen (about 30–50 euros) for a standard room
• Peak season: 8,000–15,000 yen (about 50–100 euros) for a standard room
• Premium locations/rooms: 15,000+ yen (about 100+ euros)

APA Hotel offers various booking options, including flexible rates and non-refundable discounted rates. The company’s loyalty program "APA Card" gives regular guests additional benefits such as discounts, upgrades, and special rates.

Booking Tips

For the best prices and availability at APA Hotels, you should keep the following tips in mind:

• Book early, especially during Japanese holiday periods (Golden Week, Obon, New Year)
• Use APA Hotel's official website or app, which often has exclusive deals
• Look for package deals that include breakfast or other extras
• Consider smoking rooms, which are often cheaper and more available (if smoke odor is not a problem)
• Book longer stays, as many hotels offer discounts for multi-night bookings

Go to the hotel here*

Personal Experiences and Tips

As a regular guest at various APA Hotels in Japan, I’ve gathered some personal experiences and tips that might be useful for future visitors:

Advantages of APA Hotels

• Reliable standard: No matter which location you choose, you can expect a consistent quality standard
• Excellent location: Most hotels are in close proximity to public transport
• Good value for money: Especially for short stays or business trips
• Cleanliness: The rooms are cleaned daily and always spotless
• Technological amenities: Fast Wi-Fi and modern amenities in all rooms

Limitations to Note

• Room size: The compact rooms can feel cramped for longer stays or multiple people with lots of luggage
• Standardization: Little local flair or individual design
• Breakfast: The breakfast offered is often rather basic; it can be worthwhile to eat out
• View: In urban areas, many rooms face nearby buildings or concrete walls

Practical Tips for Your Stay

To make the most of your stay at an APA Hotel, keep the following tips in mind:

• Request a room on a higher floor for a better view and less street noise
• Use the public baths, if available, for a relaxing experience after a long day
• Bring your own toiletries if you have special preferences
• Utilize the space under the bed for luggage, to make more room in the room
• Ask the front desk for restaurant recommendations in the area—they often know good local options

Conclusion: Who Is APA Hotel Suitable For?

APA Hotel is an excellent choice for certain types of travelers and purposes, while other travelers might find better alternatives elsewhere.

Ideal for:

• Business travelers: The central location, reliable amenities, and efficient services make APA Hotels perfect for business trips
• Solo travelers: The compact rooms are optimally designed for single travelers
• Short stays: For a couple of nights, the hotels offer everything you need without unnecessary luxury
• Budget-conscious travelers: Good value for money compared to other city center accommodations
• Travelers who value location: The strategic placement near stations and attractions saves time and transportation costs

Less suitable for:

• Families with children: Limited space can be challenging for families
• Long-term stays: For stays of several weeks, apartment hotels might offer more comfort
• Travelers seeking local flair: The standardized design offers little authentic Japanese ambiance
• Luxury travelers: Those seeking special luxury or extensive amenities should consider higher-priced options

Overall, APA Hotel provides a reliable, practical, and affordable accommodation option for travelers in Japan who value good location, cleanliness, and functionality. With its eco-friendly concept, consistent quality, and good value for money, APA Hotels have rightly established themselves as one of the leading hotel chains in Japan.