The Shinjuku branch of the Tokyu Stay chain attracts mostly business travelers with its serene, large-for-Tokyo accommodations. The 179 apartment-like rooms feature air purifiers, mini-fridges, kettles, and free Wi-Fi (available throughout the property), and most come with a washer/dryer. However, while a prime location and big rooms are serious pros, the property's downsides include no housekeeping for short-term stays and no on-site features, like a pool, gym, bar, or restaurant. While the quiet environment isn't conducive to mingling, some travelers will find it a welcome retreat from the outside bustle.

The 260 rooms at the mid-range Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo are like mini-apartments -- they come with kitchenettes, and are among the most spacious we've seen in the area. There's no full restaurant or pool on-site, but there is a small fitness center, and breakfast is available for a fee. The hotel is within a short walk of the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen Park, a favorite cherry-blossom viewing spot in the spring, and near Shinjuku East, a bustling area known for its entertainment.

Located in the bustling heart of Korea Town, the apartment-style Hundred Stay Tokyo Shinjuku is a quick walk to restaurants, shops, and two subway stations. A 2015 renovation left the 102 units, which range from Studios to Two-Bedroom apartments, with minimalistic, modern decor and techie extras, like Bose sound systems. Many rooms also feature kitchens or kitchenettes and Premiere Rooms offer sweeping city views. Because this is a self-catering hotel, Hundred Stay has limited property features: there is no on-site restaurant or bar, but there are a few vending machines and a continental-style breakfast is available daily (not standard with the room rate). The hotel offers self-service laundry for no extra fee (though guests should bring their own detergent) or laundry service for an extra fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

The Nishitetsu Inn Shinjuku is all business, and not just in the corporate sense. The sparse no-nonsense facilities are for travelers looking for basic conveniences, not atmosphere or amenities. Updated in the hotel's 2016/2017 renovation, the 302 rooms come with mini-fridges, kettles, and satellite flat-screen TVs. Note that both smoking and non-smoking rooms are available, and that the hotel has three self-contained floors for women, which have their own vending machines and laundry rooms.

This 22-story, mid-range hotel is conveniently located next door to a subway station. The 311 rooms are small and decorated simply, with views of the Tokyo skyline from the upper floors. In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and electric kettles. The rooms on the women-only 12th floor have a few extras, like foot massagers and negative-ion hairdryers. The hotel, which tends to draw budget-conscious tourists for one or two nights, has two on-site restaurants and a coin laundry, but no fitness center.

Part of the popular worldwide ibis budget chain, this two-pearl hotel is located near the subway and the local train. Note that not all of the 206 rooms have windows and all are on the small side -- Standard Single Rooms measure 129 square feet. On the plus side, all rooms are air-conditioned and have amenities as flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. A breakfast buffet is served at the hotel cafe for an extra fee, and paid parking is available on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

Shinjuku Prince Hotel is a large (571 rooms) high-rise hotel in the middle of a lively part of Shinjuku. Standard Rooms are tight on space, with cramped bathrooms and little room to fit luggage for two people. The bigger Deluxe Rooms offer better decor and a lot more comfort. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and safes, but no electric kettles. The rooms on higher floors have scenic views over the city. The hotel features a 25th-floor Japanese restaurant with an attached bar, plus a buffet restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.