With its flat, gray facade and concrete pillars, Nishi Shinjuku Mystays' exterior doesn't inspire much on first glance, but the hotel is more about function over form. A set of concrete stairs stretches above the entrance to the parking lot, and the look once inside the hotel is modern, but without frills. The small lobby has marble floors and concrete front desk, and the vibe is similar to an office waiting room. There isn't really anywhere for guests to hang out, although there four red stools and a tiny table to one side, and Lavazza coffee is available in the lobby all day. Right off the lobby is a restaurant (not owned by the hotel) with a bright, airy dining room and a curved window. Guests here come from all categories, including couples, business travelers, and those traveling on their own.

Nishi Shinjuku Hotel Mystays is located on a side street surrounded by office buildings, across the street from a park. There are plenty of restaurants in the area, and it’s only an eight-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, a major transportation hub. Trains from here are available to sights throughout Tokyo, including the famous Shibuya Crossing (18 minutes) and the Imperial Palace (40 minutes). Tokyo’s largest entertainment area, Kabukicho, which includes the red-light district, is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The massive Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which offers an amazing view of the city, is an 11-minute walk away -- entry is free. Haneda Airport is about a 30-minute drive away, while Narita International Airport is about a 80-minute drive from the hotel depending on traffic. Both are reachable by train as well.

The 102 rooms at the Nishi Shinjuku Hotel Mystays are modern, with sleek, black headboards, carpeted floors, charcoal accent walls, and trendy black-and-white photography. Rooms have frosted windows, so there are no views, and like many hotel rooms in Tokyo, though, they are tiny -- some offer no more than 11 square meters of space (118 square feet) including the bathroom. For its two-and-a-half-pearl rating, though, features are plentiful and include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, humidifier/air purifiers, electric kettles, trouser presses, and small sets of speakers for MP3 players. Beds have memory foam mattresses and a choice of pillows. White-tile bathrooms are narrow and basic, with shower/tub combos, electric toilets, and toiletries. 

While rooms are packed with extras given in defiance of their size, the hotel overall has pretty standard value hotel features. While it's not owned by the hotel, Amanogawa restaurant serves Japanese-style curries and has a selection of sake available for lunch or dinner. Breakfast is not available. Guests can help themselves to Lavazza coffee in the lobby all day. Vending machines sell drinks, and there's a microwave available for guests' use. The hotel has a coin-operated laundry room, and dry cleaning services are available for a fee. In-room massages can be arranged, and extra toiletries, including razors, shaving cream, and shower caps, are available at the front desk. Garage parking is available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.