FLEXSTAY INN Shin-Urayasu

We knew what we were getting into when we booked this hotel and it was truly an economy hotel to be close to Disney. They had excellent and frequent access with busses to get to the Disneyland and Disneysea area and took between 15-20 minutes each day to get from the hotel front door to the park gates. They have a free shuttle that works on a first come first serve basis but in the morning it left a little late so we used the public busses that stop very close to the hotel. The hotel is about 1 km away from each of the closest metro stations - Shin-Urayasu and Maihama (closest to Disney). The hotel is very minimal and was truly a place to sleep. We liked that we had a small kitchen with a mini fridge and kettle and stocked up on snacks and drinks each day at the nearby 7-11 to be ready to line up at Disneyland. We had the double bed and it was small but just a place to sleep so we felt rested. The rooms were warm enough in December but got a bit drafty at night. There was a desk, small work station, small TV and surprisingly a DVD/VCR combo in a cabinet. The bathroom was quite compact but we appreciated the heated seat on the Japanese style toilet and the good warm shower. They provide bath products and towels and there is the option to get additional items in the lobby like extra towels, bathing towel, shave cream, combs and toothbrushes. It is important to note that the hotel does not do daily housekeeping. There was enough room for our luggage but the rooms are notably small. We felt we had a good stay here because we wanted to be close to Disney without spending a lot of money. The stay was fine but on the last night the fire alarm went off four times around 1:30 am. They handed out a brochure at the front desk to say that if you left your shower door open the steam could set off the fire alarm and that could be what happened. After the second alarm a Japanese man told us we could stay in our room, after the second alarm the front desk made a loud announcement in Japanese over the intercom and after the fourth alarm they made an announcement in English to not worry. A little bit of a disruptive sleep but at least it didn't affect our Disney days. When we checked out they apologized but it is still an average economy hotel.

Staff were polite and helpful. The rooms have everything that is needed. The room was very dusty and probably needed a once over with a spray and wipe. If you are a Disney Fanatic like I am the shuttle service is not as good as it could be. The park opens at 8 some days and the first shuttle does not arrive till 8.30 and can be late. We ended up catching taxis so we could go the park and better time for us. The bus is old and small. We caught it home once and it was crowded and uncomfortable. The price was good and would recommend for budget holidays. But keep in mind you are getting what you paid for.

One thing to note is there is check in hours. I didn't realize that and arrived 2 hours later than I was supposed to. Luckily, there were still 2 employees working the front desk that could check me in. They were extremely helpful with any questions that I had. The morning that I left, there were no employees at the front desk, so I was told to turn in my key into a box. Make sure to note the front desk hours if you have any questions! I didn't realize there was a shuttle to Disney, so we ended up walking to the subway station, which is about a 15 minute walk. Not too bad. The rooms were nice and clean, small, but had everything that I may need. The bed was very hard and blankets were thin. No housekeeping. There is a 7-11 nearby to purchase any snacks. A tea kettle in the room, which worked out great because I love buying instant noodles while in Japan! Overall it was a decent stay.