The New Sanno Hotel

I had the opportunity of visiting this hotel because I had a friends that was staying there. Everything is top of the line from the rooms to the surrounding area. The naval presence also adds an increased element of safety. I’m looking forward to making my own reservation when I return to Japan later this year.

Best Hotel for military personnel in Japan. Room is spacious, walking distance to Roppongi, & staff is friend. Good price for those who serve or retired like me! Breakfast… you can order off menu or go buffet, that what all should do…

Last time I came to this hotel until recently was about 6 years ago and had no complaints then, like I don’t have any now. My husband and I stayed at one of the Japanese suites and it was spacious and the Japanese futons were very comfortable. The staff comes to spread them out at around 7pm, with a small Japanese-​style table put out during the day. We also ordered breakfast and had forgotten how good it was. We had to book our room about a year in advance since it’s very popular but it was worth it and would stay here again!

Similar to the Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul but better. DHL had more to offer within the hotel itself, however, it was too busy and chaotic. DHL almost reminded me of a casino hotel in Las Vegas. This review isn’t about DHL so I digress. The New Sanno is calm and relaxing; what a hotel should be. Customer service is top/​notch.
This hotel is in a perfect location. Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll do a lot of walking if you don’t have a car. There are plenty of things in walking distance; shopping, food, etc. The subway station is a 7 – 10 minute walk if you plan on venturing a ways away from The New Sanno. If you plan on during a lot of shopping and need to mail stuff back, there is a post office in the basement.
I’ve been to many really nice hotels and there gym was not very impressive. The gym here is pretty nice for a hotel gym. Clean, nice equipment, and a decent size. Indoor pool with jacuzzi is also a plus. After you get all sweaty from the gym, there is a coin operated laundry on the premises or you can use the dry cleaning services. You can hit up the bank or front desk to get coins to clean your clothes. If you get hungry while you’re waiting on your clothes and you’d rather not leave the hotel for dining options then there’s about 4 or 5 places to eat inside. Free wifi, big rooms, a NEX; The New Sanno has everything you need.
There’s one thing that kept me from giving it a 5; the bathroom. It’s hard to describe but it was a cross between a trailer and a cruise ship’s bathroom. It was clean but appeared unstable, thrown together, collapsible and portable. Plastic walls, plastic floor, plastic tub, plastic everything. The ambiance of the hotel, the room, did not go with the bathroom. Maybe it depends on the room your in but the bathroom seems as if… it caught fire and when they remodeled/​renovated it, they went with a much cheaper option. All and all, I’d still recommend it here.

You cannot beat this value in Tokyo. The price is almost hard to believe. However, you must book like a year in advance because they’re always booked due to the low price. If you qualify to stay here or can get a sponsor, do it. It’s not a central location, but only a 10 min walk to the nearest subway station, Hiroo, and very near Roppongi and Ginza. Popular locations Shibuya and Shinjuku are not far either. The neighborhood is upscale and has a French flair to it, and very safe. Staff was very polite and helpful.
The rooms were much more Americanized than another hotel we stayed at in Tokyo. The only thing that pissed me off is we ordered a double room and we got 1 queen bed and a pull-​out couch. Otherwise, it was very comfortable. I was thankful that the TV has several English options, unlike other Japanese hotels. It’s nothing fancy or updated, but it did the job.
One thing I loved is the breakfast buffet. For only $ 10 USD, you have a huge selection with great service. They also have a decent a la carte menu, and everything was pretty delicious. I enjoyed it every morning! The other restaurants were so-​so. The hibachi place was overpriced for the portion size, and the Italian pizza/​sub place wasn’t very good. But at least there’s some options for American comfort food. There’s also a gift shop, which has souvenirs but not some typical things I was looking for which you find universally in most other cities.
Overall, definitely a good stay and I recommend it for the price/​value. If it had a better location or had been updated/​renovated, I would have given it 5 stars.
One tip is make sure to have your CAC card or passport out when you enter the premises for security.

A great property located in Minato-​ku, an upscale, southern part of Tokyo, the New Sanno Hotel brings American standards with Japanese efficiency, service, at an affordable price (compared to the rest of Tokyo). As a US Navy MWR (Moral Welfare and Recreation) facility, you must meet specific requirements: (1) you must meet the eligibility requirement by being on active duty, retiree, or DoD civilian; (2) rooms must be available. The location is a bit inconvenient, but the property is worth it. Hirooo Station is the closest subway station to the hotel, a close ten minutes by walking. The subway system in Tokyo is outstanding — you can travel throughout Tokyo using the system, it may take a few transfers, but the systems (mix of Japan Rail (JR) and private systems) you can get anywhere. You should consider getting a daily rail pass if traveling all over Tokyo.
As you approach the property, security ensures that only authorized personnel (those that are guests or meet the requirements. Show your ID card or guest pass and the armed guard allows you into the property. Immaculate and staffed by Japanese workers that speak English you are never lost. From the high end steak restaurant (where there is a dress code), Japanese teppan yaki, to casual pizza joint, dining is taken care of. Gifts are available from the Japanese store on the first floor, NEX (Navy Exchange), jewelry store, and General Store (great selection of Japanese whiskey Yamazaki, Hibiki, etc.) on the second, you can get American items you forgot as well as gifts to take home.
There is a commercial shuttle bus to and from Narita International Airport, but not Haneda Airport. I arrived at Haneda and used the subway and taxi (instructions on hotel website). I left from Narita and used the shuttle bus. Both are convenient and efficient.
Plus:
— Great American standard rooms (size, facilities, expectations)
— Gym with Life Fitness equipment; barbells (Bowflex dial a weight); Elliptical trainers, treadmills, recumbent bikes
— Pool, Jacuzzi, sauna
— Amenities — for $ 10, you can stuff a bag with dirty clothes and it is returned at the end of the day, laundered clean, and folded; or you can take your clothes to the basement to the washer/​dryer
— Cable television (just like in the states where you can keep up with events back home) and Japanese stations
— Pack and post office (if authorized) that packs and send via APO (US mail) any gift items you purchased
— Small fridge, microwave
Minus:
— A bit isolated from the centrally located hotels in Tokyo
— Limited availability — plan early!
Great facility and property, Availability is limited as it is a hidden gem. If you are fortunate enough to stay, a couple of hints — for daily items, instead of Lawsons/​Family Mart or 7 – 11 (close to the subway), go to the supermarket located close to the hotel. Exit the hotel and turn left (instead of right) and you will reach the supermarket where the prices are more «affordable.» Note, costs are a bit high in Tokyo, so being able to save a few «yen» would be good to be able to spend elsewhere.

This is my favorite place to stay in Japan. Perfect location, great customer service, spacious rooms, nice restaurants, ²⁴⁄₇ fitness center, inviting pool and hot tub… the list goes on and on.
This hotel is a military recreation facility and is a true gem. It’s just a short walk to the nearest subway location which unlocks all of Tokyo for you.
The hotel serves as an American oasis in the heart of Tokyo. It great being back and I look forward to my next stay.

Turned us away (2 Army Veterans) and our 2 kids, because my husband is in the Reserves now.
Thanks for (not) supporting the troops :/

Home away from home while in Japan and within the heartbeat of Tokyo. Let me start with this; during my stay I apparently left a t-​shirt and pair of socks behind. How do I know? Because they mailed these items to me in a neat little package. I opened the package and was like, «what?!» That is above and beyond the call.
New Sanno is an excellent American armed forces MWR (morale, welfare and recreation) hotel with rooms set to US size standards. If you’ve ever stayed in a Japanese hotel (and you should for the great experience) you know that it takes some getting used to. Rooms tend to be very small and creature comfort features will be sparse. Not so at the New Sanno. You’ll find your stay to have comfortable accommodations with «normal» size rooms, beds and bathrooms. You’d never be able to find rooms this nice at this price range anywhere in the area.
The rooms are available for Dept of Defense civilians also (I believe traveling on orders).
People find the New Sanno to be a nice oasis when they aren’t comfortable venturing too far out into (for them) a foreign land. Of course once they find out how welcoming, polite and friendly the Japanese people are, those early anxieties will wash away. The New Sanno will still be there though to offer that taste of life back in the States.
There are some great choices for dinning within the hotel. For breakfast, be sure to check out the Emporium or Sunrise Café. It’s a nice way to start the day. The Emporium also does lunch and dinner. If you’re stay is over a Sunday, they you’ll want to try the Sunday Brunch. They have a beautiful spread laid out with something for everyone. If fine dining is what you’re after, Wellington’s will fit the bill but be sure to make reservations if you can. They also have Kikuya for Japanese style and a casual pizza place called Hero’s.
Make a stop on the 2^nd floor and visit the Navy Exchange. It’s small but you might find something you’re looking for or buy on impulse. There is also a nice indoor swimming pool, sauna and fitness center.
As far as location, the hotel is a short walk from the nearest subway station. Once at the subway, the entire area of Tokyo, and all it’s districts are at your disposal.
Because this is a one of a kind facility, reservations are a must. This hotel stays fully occupied.
Oh, and while you’re in Tokyo, don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in all the city has to offer.

This year Christmas Buffet not so good. Do like the Duck and Lamb option but not to my liking. 5 stars for the experience and Santa.

American style comfort meets Japanese customer service. A perfect match!
Hibiya Line– Hiroo subway station is a 7 min walk. Easy day!
This hotel is for US Military and their guest. Located next to the French Embassy. The outside of the building blends in with the surrounding area. Once you cross the gate and into the lobby you will see the difference. Seems like you walked into a Vegas resort. Updated modern décor. Beautiful Christmas holiday spirit all around.
Politely greeted as we entered. As you enter the main lobby the Check-​in/​reception on to your left. Checked in was a minute breeze.
Lots of options to eat and drink! Hero’s on the 2^nd Floor. Fair Winds Bar on the 1^st floor. The best meal is the Emporium Sunday Brunch Buffet. Comparable to most Vegas strip buffets.
Main reason to go to this hotel? The price for the sizes of room can’t be beat in Tokyo. American sized room. My room had a comfortable queen size bed, full bathroom and a nice flat screen TV with +70 cable channels. Great location. Great food all around. One stop from Roppongi and two stations from Shibuya.
Overall a great stay while in Tokyo.
(Side note: I’m enjoying the 9ers Chargers game at the Fair Winds Bar. Nice place to watch Football).

This is a really cute hotel located in a great part of Tokyo. Our uncle is in the military and was able to get us a room here for 7 days. The staff was super friendly and professional the entire time. The effort to they put into make you feel welcome is incredible. We had such a great time.
They have an exchange in the hotel as well as a spa like, pool, workout facility and convenience store all in the hotel. We had the opportunity to try the Sunday brunch and it was fantastic! So many options! We also tried the hotel teppanyaki restaurant and again fantastic! Totally worth trying if you’re in town for a short period time.
Since it is a hotel for military guests there are security guards at the front and you have to show them your hotel pass and passport everytime you come in, but I’m all about safety so didn’t mind the hassle at all and they have the CUTEST pet cat to keep guard too! The security guys are super professional and really made us feel welcome.

I only stayed for one night. Pretty chill place, large rooms for the hotel to be in Japan. I would definitely come back!

Enjoyed my stay here. The pool, gym, shopping and gift shop are nice. The lobby is very nice.
The room was big and the bed wasn’t bad. The restaurant downstairs has breakfast buffet or breakfast menu. I preferred the menu, since buffet items aren’t as fresh. The japanese breakfast was delicious. The corned beef has was as you would imagine, but i love corned beef hash, so i enjoyed it.
The coffee here is terrible. Watered down Maxwell house. I prefer mine like jet fuel, with a little sludge in the bottom of the cup. After my first experience with their coffee, i brought down my starbucks via and just requested hot water service.
Location is central. Woke up early and ran a 6 mile loop to the Tokyo Tower. Pretty cool. It’s also walking distance to many restaurants.
There’s lots of security outside since only the military can stay here. I definitely felt safe.
There was an earthquake 6.1 richter scale while I was sleeping. The hotel seemed prepared for it. Nothing in my room fell over and nothing broke. It went fairly smoothly!
I would stay here again.

Pretty large room for Japan! Is what I gotta say about my hotel stay here at the New Sanno. The only sad part is, I’m not in the military. So I had to be sponsored, in order for me to stay, as with all visitors. They are considered American-​style rooms, so size of the room is definitely suitable. I mean versus other hotel rooms in Tokyo, or Japan in general, they’re more than likely the size of an American den. But that’s just the way it is. Here’s why I loved staying here:
~ Stayed in a Double, and had a large comfortable queen bed with clean sheets.
~ Although we didn’t use it, we still had a sofa bed. Convenient.
~ Clean showerhead, bathtub, and toilet.
~ They are GREEN, so please reuse towels.
~ A clothesline to dry my trunks after go for a swim.
~ Room service has a lot to choose from on the menu. Check out my pics!
~ Hero’s Café. Convenient to a pastrami sandwich, hot dog, ice cream, etc.
~ The breakfast buffet at the Emporium… So freakin’ good!
~ An ATM and bank dispensing USD and Yen.
~ They have a nice pool, spa, and fitness center with a lot of workout machines. The fitness center overlooks the pool area, so cool. Even a small kids section in the pool as well.
~ An office center, where you can package and ship items.
~ A few good gift shops, but I picked up most of my souvenirs in the General Store.
~ Free WiFi
Overall, a very clean and pleasant place to stay! Plenty of places to lounge and just unwind. And everyone from the front desk, to security, to room service were just helpful in every way. I definitely wouldn’t mind staying here again!
Tips:
~ For room deposit holds, they do NOT accept debit cards.
~ Complimentary baby cribs are available.
~ Always bring your ID and guest pass.
~ Since sponsors must be present with a guest, sponsors are responsible for guest obligations and charges during such occupancy. Woohoo!!!