Apa Hotel Higashi Shinjuku Kabukicho

Very comfortable stay close to Shinjuku

Everything seemed very clean and new and I wonder if this is part of the wave of hotels going in as part of the build-up to the olympics. I had a compact, efficient, comfortable room with all the amenities I could want, a short walk from Shinjuku and several subway stations. The staff were very attentive and responsive. I was on the 11th floor with a good view of the Shinjuku skyline.

The walk through Kabukicho was a bit of a hassle at night, though nothing to worry about much -- just ignore hawkers and/or say "no" consistently and firmly. There are many, many normal people milling around as well, so it's just a matter of sticking to your guns. Being in conversation with a friend helped a lot too.