We loved this hotel and would definitely stay here again. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. Yes, the rooms are small but if you don't want small rooms, don't go to Tokyo. The beds are comfortable and the plumbing is great - strong water pressure in the shower and very hot water. The hotel is surprisingly quiet given how busy the surrounding area is. Yes, the entrance to the lobby requires going down stairs, but there is a side first floor entrance they can open for getting your heavy luggage in and out. One thing to note: if you book adjoining rooms for 4 people, it is two separate rooms next to each other. The advantage of this is 2 bathrooms and not 1. The potential disadvantage is depending on the age of your kids, you might have to put one parent and one kid in each room as they are not connected to each other. They are, however, next door. The breakfast is a mix of Japanese and Western items. We all found something to eat. Ikebukuro station is super convenient for multiple train lines and we really liked the neighborhood. Highly recommended.