So, we took a gamble on this one.

Stumbled upon Cross Suites while I was looking for accomodation in Asakusa online about 3 months prior. Stayed in the same area on my first trip to Japan 8 years ago and absolutely loved it — less hectic when the tour groups have gone and somehow feels more “local”. The ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) I stayed at before was unfortunately unavailable. Was really keen to let our 6 year-old experience it, but then the idea of staying somewhere new was thrilling as well.

I found it odd that Cross Suites Asakusa did not have any reviews anywhere at all. Upon further research, I eventually found out that the hotel was actually not operational yet and was going to open less than a week before our check in date.

The published rate at the time was an incredible deal for what it was offering (amenities and facilities) plus its proximity to Kaminarimon Gate, Sensō-ji Temple and Asakusa Station. Skytree is just a 25-minute stroll away.

So I blindly booked.

Day of arrival, we dropped off our luggage as we were too early for check in. They have a designated luggage hold room where guests can leave and lock up bags themselves.

After a Skytree and Cappiness Capybara Cafe visit and a grueling walk under the unforgiving summer sun, we returned to the hotel for check in… And just ready to plonk on the bed.

Check in could’ve been quicker but a receptionist was being trained at the time and our key cards didn’t work to access the lift (which probably wouldn’t have opened our room as well). This was quickly remediated and there was an abundance of sorries, and to be honest, you can’t be really upset with that. Besides, they gave us a little amenity-pack for Soleil and OMG we’re so easily pleased!

Finally got in our room and was quite impressed. My daughter actually described it “fancy”. Side note, earlier that day we had checked out of a hostel so she was comparing it to that.

Cross Suites Asakusa is by no means a 5-star nor a 4-star hotel, it’s actually offered as a lifestyle apartment hotel. If I were to categorise it, it’s like a combo of a hotel, an aparthotel and a hostel. You’ll get what I mean as you read on.

In a country where space is a luxury, our Triple Room felt quite big. Walking space is still a bit limited though, and depending on your suitcase size, you may be able to fully open just one at a time. We only had one massive suitcase so it wasn’t an issue for us.

Cross Suites Asakusa has a variety of themed and superior rooms, accommodating up to 6 guests in the bigger rooms. Some have a lounge and dining, some with their own laundry machine, some with a view of Skytree (Us!) and some with a view of Senso-Ji Temple.

Our room had an automatic toilet (my daughter, a Japan first-timer, was shocked to see it open by itself) and a full-sized bathtub (shower pressure was great). Toiletries are available to take, as needed, at the lobby.

And the beds? So plush! Just our exact preferred softness, it’s hard to get up once you’re tucked in. A free-size lounge set/pajama was also provided per guest aside from the bath robe.

The kitchenette (if you could call it that) has a fridge, a microwave and a kettle. There were plates and cutlery and cups but no detergent and sponge to clean them with. No coffee or tea either, instead, there’s a coffee machine in the lobby available from 5am-12midnight (if I recall correctly). There is also a proper kitchen (with stoves for cooking) and sink for washing in the communal area attached to the lobby.

Speaking of the communal area, it features Hang Out @CROSS Suites which has a table foosball/soccer, board games, claw machines and runs scheduled activities which you can enquire about at reception. All these may create an opportunity to mingle with other guests, something you’d normally experience in some hostel’s common area.

Other facilities of Cross Suites Asakusa include a paid 24-hour laundry/dryer and free gym. There are limited laundry machines BUT you can check if there’s any available through your room telly, or you can also monitor your washing how many minutes it’s got left.

Rooms are cleaned on the 4th day of guests’ stay, but rubbish is collected daily and towels are changed daily as well.

We stayed for 5 nights, and we loved Cross Suites Asakusa so much that we actually looked forward coming home to our hotel every night and stayed in our room until about midday every day!

This is NOT a sponsored post. Again. Not.