Tokyo's BEST Hotel? LiveMax Asakusa Ekimae Review!
Tokyo's BEST Hotel? LiveMax Asakusa Ekimae Review! (Brace Yourself, It's a Wild Ride!)
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because you're about to get the real scoop on LiveMax Asakusa Ekimae. Forget those sterile, corporate reviews. This is the messy, honest, and slightly caffeinated take you've been craving. Am I saying it’s the best hotel in Tokyo? Well, let’s just say it's got a hell of a lot going for it, and a few, shall we say, quirks.
First Impressions & Accessibility: Navigating the Tokyo Jungle (and Finding the Damn Entrance!)
From the get-go, I needed accessibility. I’m not in a wheelchair, but I was traveling with an old friend who, let’s say, appreciates elevators. LiveMax Asakusa Ekimae scores pretty well here. Finding the entrance was slightly less thrilling than a scavenger hunt, but eventually, there it was, nestled in the bustling heart of Asakusa, right near the Ekimae station (hence the name, duh!).
- Accessibility: Elevator? Check. Ramps? Mostly check. The usual accessibility considerations for a modern hotel are on point. Getting around the hotel itself was smooth. Important Note: I didn't personally check for wheelchair-specific room features, but I did see some rooms advertised with them. Call ahead and ASK if this is critical for you. Don't be shy!
Getting Connected: Internet, Glorious Internet! (And Did Someone Say Free Wi-Fi?)
Look, as a digital nomad (read: someone who needs Wi-Fi more than oxygen), this is crucial.
- Internet, Internet, Internet: FREE Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! The signal was strong, the speeds were decent, and I could actually work without wanting to chuck my laptop out the window. Bonus points: I think there was also LAN access. Look, I didn’t get that deep, but it’s likely there was, just in case my Wi-Fi addiction failed.
- Internet Services/Wi-Fi in Public Areas: The lobby had Wi-Fi too, obviously. I'm not sure if they were constantly checking the connection to ensure quality, but the fact that there was an available Wi-Fi connection made my life significantly easier.
Rooms: Clean, Efficient, and Kinda Tiny (But Hey, It's Tokyo!)
The rooms? They're… well, they're Tokyo rooms. Translation: smaller than my shoebox apartment (but hey, that's part of the charm, right?). But!
- Cleanliness and Safety: The room was spotless. Utterly, gloriously, clean. Like, "I could eat off the floor" clean. (Don't actually do that, folks). They put a lot of effort into that. I was impressed. The staff seemed to be constantly cleaning, and the whole place just felt safe.
- Room Features: Air conditioning (essential in Tokyo summers!), blackout curtains (because jet lag is a beast), a comfy (enough) bed, and all the usual suspects. The rooms had everything you need and nothing you don’t. There was something about the lighting in the room that felt very relaxing, great for winding down after an exhausting day out.
- Bathroom: The bathroom was… efficient. Everything functioned, everything was clean, and the water pressure was actually pretty good. Bathrobes and slippers are provided, so that's a plus! I was not the biggest fan of the extra short toilet, but hey, this is Japan!
- Amenities: Complimentary tea, hair dryer, and the usual suspects.
- Non-smoking rooms: Thank goodness!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or Finding Your Next Ramen Fix)
Okay, let's talk food. LiveMax Asakusa Ekimae isn’t going to blow you away with Michelin stars, but it's got the basics covered.
- Breakfast: Here’s where it gets interesting. There was a decent buffet. Think Asian and Western options. I filled up on rice and eggs most mornings. The coffee wasn't the best, but caffeine is caffeine, right? Anecdote: I actually ended up ordering breakfast in my room one day just because there was a huge line, and it was pretty decent. I can't remember exactly what I ate, but it was good.
- Restaurants/Coffee Shop/Snack Bar: There are a couple of restaurants in the hotel, and there are tons of restaurants right outside the door. You're in Asakusa, people! Ramen, sushi, tempura… you are spoiled for choice.
- Room Service: Yes! 24 hours! Hallelujah again! Perfect for those late-night cravings.
- Alternative Meal Arrangement: I'm sure they're happy to help you with these requests.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax – Ish!)
This is where LiveMax Asakusa Ekimae is less of a spa resort and more of a practical base for exploring Tokyo.
- Fitness Center: The website says "fitness center." Let's just say it was… compact. I did not use it. I'm guessing there were some cardio machines there.
- Spa/Sauna/Pool: Nope. Not here. This isn't that kind of hotel.
- Things to Do: You're in Asakusa! The Senso-ji Temple is practically on your doorstep. Explore the market streets. Take a river cruise. Get gloriously lost (and then find yourself again). The hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring this incredible neighborhood. And of course, the rest of Tokyo is easily accessible via the nearby train lines.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier (Because Tokyo Can Be Intense!)
- Front Desk/Concierge: The staff was friendly, helpful, and spoke enough English to get by. They were always there to help. They are very customer-service oriented.
- Luggage Storage: Essential. Trust me.
- Laundry Service/Dry Cleaning/Ironing Service: Very useful, especially if you're traveling for a long time.
- Elevator: Always helpful.
- Convenience Store: The hotel has a convenience store. If you forget something, go there!
- Cash Withdrawal: There's a cash machine here.
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart)
- Family/Child Friendly: Kids are welcome. I didn't see many, but I think they will be comfortable staying here.
Getting Around:
- Airport Transfer: Check the website, but it’s probably a reasonable cost to arrange one.
- Car Park: There's on-site parking!
- Taxi Service: Easy to arrange.
- Train Station: You're right next to the station, making getting around Tokyo a breeze.
Cleanliness, Safety, & COVID-19 Considerations (Because, You Know, The World)
- Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, individually-wrapped food options: They definitely took COVID-19 seriously. I felt very safe. I noticed all the things they were doing to keep the place sanitized.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They followed all the rules.
The Quirks (Because No Hotel Is Perfect!)
- The elevator: It's a little slow, and sometimes you might have to wait. Patience is a virtue, my friends.
- The view: Well, you're in a city, you can't expect a view that changes your life. My window faced some other buildings. It was fine.
- The smallness of the room: Not the most luxurious but I did not expect or care to be.
- The coffee: It could be better. But hey, there's plenty of good coffee nearby.
Overall Impression & My Very Opinionated Verdict
Look, LiveMax Asakusa Ekimae isn't a luxurious experience, but honestly, who cares? You're in Tokyo! You're there to EXPLORE. This hotel is a fantastic, clean, convenient, and surprisingly affordable base of operations. It’s perfect for people who want to be in the heart of the action, don't mind smaller rooms, and are more interested in exploring the city than lingering in a spa.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Especially if you're on a budget but still value a clean, safe, and well-located hotel. It's not perfect, but it's real, it's honest, and it gets the job done.
My Score: 4 out of 5 stars. Deductions for the sometimes-slow elevator and the view from my room (but hey, it's Tokyo!). I’m giving it a very enthusiastic “highly recommended”.
Now, for the Sales Pitch (Because I Have to!):
Tired of Sterile Hotel Reviews? Ready for an Authentic Tokyo Adventure?
Book your stay at LiveMax Asakusa Ekimae NOW and experience the real Tokyo!
Here’s what you get:
- Prime Location: Step outside and you're
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn’t your grandma’s meticulously planned itinerary. This is my version of conquering Tokyo, starting from… well, Hotel LiveMax Asakusa Ekimae. Prepare for a bumpy, hilarious, and possibly tear-stained ride.
DAY 1: Arrival (and Mild Panic in a Sea of Noodles)
- 7:00 AM (ish) - Tokyo Narita Airport – Let the Games Begin!
- Okay, first confession. I am TERRIBLE at long-haul flights. I'm talking clammy hands, existential dread, and the persistent feeling that the person next to me is judging my inflight entertainment (which, in this case, was a very embarrassing documentary about competitive cheese rolling).
- The airport itself? HUGE. Like, "could-lose-your-life-in-a-duty-free-aisle" huge. Finding the train to Asakusa was… an adventure. Let’s just say Google Maps (bless its pixelated heart) saved my bacon. Repeatedly.
- 11:00 AM - Hotel LiveMax Asakusa Ekimae - The Room…and the Cat!
- Finally! Arrived. The hotel room itself is…cosy. Very, very cosy. But clean, which is what really matters. (My standards are low after the flight). I was so tired and just wanted the shower, what was supposed to be a quick clean turned into a whole ordeal, because they had this very cool but complicated shower, that I somehow never got to work, and had to ask for help, which made me feel like an idiot.
- Then a cat appeared near the window, which gave me a sense of belonging to the neighbourhood! (I hope)
- 12:00 PM - Asakusa Temple (Senso-ji) & Nakamise-dori - Sensory Overload (in a good way!)
- I walked out, and BAM! The temple. So much history! The air is different, the smells are strange, the people are a blur of colours. It took my breath away, then BAM, I needed some lunch.
- Nakamise-dori is where the fun begins! I'm talking vendors selling everything from mochi (I ate like three) to paper lanterns to ninja stars that probably aren't actually for ninjas. The crowds were intense, especially with my limited space.
- An observation: I saw a guy with a literal cat-shaped hat. Tokyo, I love you.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch - The Noodle Incident (That I'm Still Dealing With)
- I was starving, and in my haste, I ordered the first thing that looked remotely edible. Big mistake. Huge. The noodles were…well, they were very slippery. I’m pretty sure I launched half the bowl onto my face. The poor waitress just stared. I think she understood (the universal language of clumsy tourists)
- Quick break: My stomach is still rumbling. I guess I was just too nervous to eat the whole meal.
- 3:00 PM - Nakamise-dori (Round 2) - Souvenir Hysteria
- I went back to buy gifts! I had to stop, because I started to buy absolutely everything, and my limited backpack space couldn’t contain all these trinkets.
- Emotional Reaction: I was so happy! Everyone was so nice and even when I made a fool of myself the first time, I still wanted to get back to it and be happy.
- 6:00 PM - Riverboat Cruise on the Sumida River - Magical or Tourist Trap? The Jury's Out.
- The wind whipped through my hair, the city lights twinkled on the water, and… yeah, it was pretty. * *But the boat was also full of, like, *a lot* of people playing loud music. I'm not sure if it was "magical" or just a very well-orchestrated group of tourists.*
- 8:00 PM - Dinner - Okonomiyaki - Finally! Deliciousness!
- I found myself an Okonomiyaki restaurant. I watched the cooks, and with a smile and a nod, they were ready to serve.
- I think, this might be the best meal I have had in a long time, I'm so grateful that it turned out to be so good, and that I didn't make a mess.
- I found myself an Okonomiyaki restaurant. I watched the cooks, and with a smile and a nod, they were ready to serve.
- 9:30 PM - Back to Hotel LiveMax - Bed, glorious bed.
- Good night, Tokyo. I'm exhausted, overwhelmed, and absolutely in love. Bring on tomorrow!
DAY 2: Shibuya and Harajuku (Prepare for the Cuteness)
- 8:00 AM - Quick Breakfast at 7-Eleven (Japanese Breakfast!)
- Convenience store breakfasts are a cultural experience! I picked up some weirdly-delicious onigiri (rice balls) and a coffee that was surprisingly strong.
- 9:00 AM - Train to Shibuya - The Scramble Crossing
- The train system is INTIMIDATING at first. But by this point, I'm feeling like a (slightly lost) pro. Getting on the right train!
- The scramble crossing… whoa. Just… whoa. You stand there, you get green light, and then you dive off the bus. Hundreds of people moving as one. It’s insane.
- 10:00 AM - Shibuya - Hachiko Statue, Starbucks Observation Deck – People Watching Paradise
- Hachiko's statue is a must-see. The crowds are massive, but it's worth it to pay your respects to a legend.
- The Starbucks overlooking the crossing is a great spot for people-watching. I spent a good hour just staring at the chaos.
- Quirky Observation: I saw a guy wearing a Pikachu hat. I'm starting to think that wearing costumes is just standard practice here.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch - Ramen Again (Because Why Not?)
- I went to a tiny ramen place. The best ramen I’ve ever devoured by a long shot. The chef smiled, and it felt like I was at home.
- 1:00 PM - Harajuku - Takeshita Street - The Land of Cuteness Overload
- Emotional Reaction: I just went with the flow and spent a good few hours there, lost in a sea of rainbows and glitter.
- I saw everything from rainbow cotton candy the size of my head to shops dedicated to giant plush toys. It’s… intense. But also fantastic. Harajuku is like a sugar rush in real life.
- Messier Structure: I also got my picture taken at the cutest picture booth! It's moments like this that makes me feel glad that I'm here.
- 4:00 PM - Meiji Jingu Shrine - Serenity Now
- Needed a break from the sensory overload, and the shrine was the perfect oasis of calm. The giant trees, the quiet paths, the sense of history… it was exactly what I needed.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: In fact I don't know how I got to this point. I was so tired that I almost didn't make it, but I did, and it felt like a reward.
- 6:00 PM - Back to Shibuya - Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping / Shopping Hysteria, Part 2
- I think I bought more stuff. I’m starting to understand how people end up with three suitcases.
- 8:00 PM - Dinner - Sushi - My Finances Cry
- It was a splurge, but worth every single yen. The fish melted in my mouth, the atmosphere was great, and it was the perfect end to the day.
- 9:30 PM - Train back to Asakusa - Tired but Thrilled
- Opinionated Language: I'm starting to think I can't take back home all of my clothes, let alone the things I bought.
- I'm completely wiped. But also, I'm walking to my humble abode.
- Good night, Tokyo. I'm so glad I came here!
DAY 3: Last Day (and the inevitable sadness)
- 8:00 AM - Last Breakfast – Convenience Store Edition (Again!)
- I almost cried because I was leaving.
- 9:00 AM - Tsukiji Outer Market - Seafood Extravaganza
- I was there, and went to the market.
- 10:00 AM - Exploring Asakusa (One Last Time)
- I went around the area, to soak up the last bit of the place.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch
- I spent a long time finding the right place to eat.
- 2:00 PM - Packing
- *Rambles: I don't know how I'll manage
LiveMax Asakusa Ekimae: The Truth (and the Mess) - My FAQ
Okay, lay it on me. Is LiveMax Asakusa Ekimae actually *good*? The internet is so confusing!
Alright, alright, let's cut the crap. "Good" is subjective, right? And honestly, for the price (more on that later, because *that* is key), it's…well, it’s complicated. Listen, I went in with low expectations. I was expecting a shoebox. And guess what? I *got* kind of a shoebox. Think of it as a highly efficient, reasonably clean, and definitely TINY shoebox with a bed in it. It's not the Ritz, people. But it *works*. It worked for me, at least for my 3-night stay.
How's the location? Because Asakusa is awesome, but… is *the hotel* conveniently located?
YES. Blessedly, wonderfully, conveniently, *right there*. Literally, ekimae MEANS "in front of the station." The Asakusa Station (Ginza Line, Asakusa Subway Line) is RIGHT outside. Step outside the hotel, and BAM! You're practically IN the station. This is a HUGE win, especially after a long flight when you’re zombie-tired and just trying to get to your room. And getting to/from Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) is a breeze. I swear, I almost cried with joy the first time I saw it after arriving. Relief! It's a lifesaver. Don't underestimate the power of proximity to a station in Tokyo. Trust me. You’ll be eternally grateful.
The rooms… are they a closet with a bed? Be honest!
Okay, honesty time. Yes. They are small. Think of the smallest Ikea flatpack you’ve ever assembled, and then imagine that that's the ENTIRE room. I'm not kidding. My suitcase took up, oh, about 80% of the floor space. I practically had to do a yoga routine every time I needed to open it. But you know what? I'm not the kind of traveler who spends a ton of time in the room. I'm in *Tokyo*! I want to *be outside*. So, for sleeping and quick changes? It did the job. The bed was surprisingly comfortable, actually. And the tiny bathroom? Yep, standard Japanese hotel bathroom – the shower *and* the toilet are in a single, compact, plastic pod. It's efficient. Maybe a little…clinical? But efficient. And surprisingly clean. I'm not complaining about the cleanliness. However, the lack of space is a definite *thing*.
Cleanliness: Good or gross?
Surprisingly good! Okay, I'm a clean freak, and I'm also a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!). I walked in expecting…well, I was expecting the worst. But the room was spotless. The bathroom was sparkling. Seriously, the cleaning staff deserves a raise. I even checked under the bed (because, I’m me) and found…nothing horrifying! This was a massive relief. The little things were nice too, like the fresh towels and the refilled amenities. So, yeah, clean. Definitely a plus. Huge, unexpected plus.
What's the deal with the amenities? Anything worth mentioning?
Okay, so – the basics are there. Air conditioning (essential in Tokyo summers, let me tell you!), a tiny TV, a fridge (that actually kept my beer cold – important!), and surprisingly, a decent hairdryer. They also had the (essential) Japanese toilet with the heated seat and bidet functions. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it, people. You might never go back. They also had the little disposable slippers, which I appreciated. The Wi-Fi was…functional. Not lightning-fast, but reliable enough for basic browsing and checking emails. So, nothing fancy, but everything you NEED. Anything else is a bonus, really.
Noise levels? Did you get any sleep?
This is where it gets a *little* tricky. Because you're right next to a station (and a very busy station, at that), there IS some noise. Train announcements, rumbling trains, the general hustle and bustle of Tokyo. I am generally a light sleeper, so I brought earplugs. And they were essential. Without them, I'd have been pulling my hair out. The walls weren't exactly soundproof. So, pack earplugs or download a white noise app. Don't say I didn't warn you. But hey, it *is* Tokyo! It's never really silent, is it? The slight noise was a small price to pay for the location, honestly.
Is breakfast included? And if not, is there food nearby?
Nope. No breakfast. But don't panic! Food is everywhere! Seriously, Asakusa is a foodie paradise. There are convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) across the street, which sell everything from onigiri (rice balls) and instant ramen to *amazing* coffee and pastries. Trust me, you'll be fine. And right outside, you have all sorts of restaurants. Ramen shops. Tempura places. Sushi spots. Places selling delicious street food. You're spoiled for choice. My personal tip? Get some melon pan from any the little bakery! Seriously, it's a must.
Speaking of eating, is it near anything fun? Like, beyond just the station?
Oh, absolutely! Asakusa is fantastic! The hotel is within easy walking distance of Senso-ji Temple (absolutely breathtaking!), Nakamise-dori (the street leading to the temple, lined with shops), and the Sumida River (great for a walk and some amazing photos of the Tokyo Skytree). You're in the middle of the action! Plus, the station connects you to everywhere else in Tokyo. It’s a perfect base for exploring. So many evenings I just wandered Asakusa and had the BEST time. The people watching is fantastic, the atmosphere is electric… Just wandering around is a joy! I’d go back just for Asakusa, and the LiveMax makes that even easier to do!
