Hotel Cen Tokyo Review: Compact Chic in Shinjuku

Hotel Cen Tokyo, a compact 44-room property in Shinjuku’s Shin-Okubo district, markets itself as Japan’s first diversity hotel. This review evaluates whether its industrial-chic rooms, rooftop terrace, and emphasis on inclusivity deliver a practical base for transit-savvy travelers, using verified ratings from Booking.com and guest feedback from independent platforms.

Last checked: 2026-10-01

Property name: Hotel Cen (also listed as Cen Diversity Hotel Cafe) · Neighborhood: Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan · Key amenity: Rooftop terrace with city views · Front desk hours: 24-hours (reception closed 00:00–06:00) · Wifi: Free Wi-Fi · Room style: Compact, industrial-chic

Hotel Cen Tokyo reviews

Overall guest ratings

On Booking.com, the property holds an overall score of 8.1 out of 10 based on indexed reviews. The location component ranks highest at 8.7, followed by staff (8.3) and facilities (8.3). Comfort scores 8.6 and value for money sits at 8.1, according to the platform’s aggregated data. These ratings, drawn from 2022–2025 reviews, place the hotel in a solid middle ground among Shinjuku’s three-star options.

The pattern across independent platforms is consistent: TripAdvisor reviewers describe the hotel as “very well placed, close to train station,” and the property’s proximity to Shin-Okubo Station (about 1,350 feet) and Shinjuku-Nishiguchi subway station (about 2,950 feet) supports that assessment.

The bottom line: Ratings from multiple platforms converge on location and cleanliness as the strongest selling points, while comfort and value sit at respectable but not standout levels.

Common praise and complaints

Guest feedback on Booking.com regularly praises the “clean and modern facilities” and “friendly staff.” One reviewer noted the hotel is “slightly out of the busiest and noisiest parts of Shinjuku,” which many consider a benefit. Another recurring theme is the hotel’s cleanliness.

On the flip side, the early 10:00 checkout is a frequent point of frustration. The official policy allows check-out between 06:00 and 10:00 — a window that can be tight for travelers with late-morning flights or who prefer a relaxed departure. Room size is another constraint: the compact, industrial-chic design suits short stays but may feel cramped for longer visits or guests with large luggage.

“Great location, clean and modern facilities. Staff were friendly.”

— Booking.com guest reviewer

The property’s limited full-service amenities — no gym, no spa, no 24-hour restaurant — are also noted by reviewers comparing it to larger Shinjuku hotels. However, for transit-oriented travelers who value location over luxury, these trade-offs may be acceptable.

Hotel Cen Tokyo restaurant

On-site cafe and cuisine

The hotel lists an on-site cafe and restaurant, listed on multiple platforms as “CEN Cafe” or simply the hotel restaurant. The menu focuses on café-style dishes; a continental breakfast is available for an additional fee. The same space functions as a bar in the evening, according to the Booking.com listing.

Guest reviews of the breakfast are mixed — some appreciate the convenience, others find the portion and selection limited. No detailed menu or chef attribution is available from the research material.

Operating hours and price range

Breakfast is generally listed as available from 8:00 to 10:30. The price is not specified in the curated research, but the cost is described as an “additional fee” rather than included in the room rate. Dinner service hours are not confirmed from tier-1 sources.

What to watch: If breakfast is important, confirm the current schedule and cost directly with the hotel before booking, as third-party listings may not reflect recent changes.