This article will be a fun and informative exploration of some of Tokyo’s best hotels. Get ready to discover unique and affordable stays that cater to every kind of traveler.
Cool & Sustainable: Trunk Hotel
You’ll feel right at home in Trunk Hotel, a hip haven for Tokyo’s creative crowd and savvy travelers. The hotel’s location, just a stone’s throw from the trendy Cat Street, is the perfect launchpad for exploring Tokyo’s vibrant fashion scene.
The Trunk Bar is the beating heart of the hotel, a bustling lounge where local entrepreneurs and digital nomads work by day and transition to sipping cocktails after the sun sets.
Every room is different, offering something for everyone, from a two-story party pad with a plunge pool to a cozy family suite with bunk beds. While the size varies, every room boasts lofty ceilings, metro-tiled bathrooms, and minibars stocked with artisanal soda pops and dried fruits.
Trunk Hotel is a shining example of sustainable luxury. Reclaimed timber adorns the interiors, staff uniforms are fashioned from recycled denim, and even the amenities are locally sourced and eco-conscious. This hotel is a testament to the idea that you can enjoy luxury without compromising your values.
Traditional Elegance: Hanakohro at Imperial Hotel
If you’re searching for an authentic Japanese experience in the heart of Tokyo, look no further than Hanakohro at the Imperial Hotel. This traditional ryokan offers a unique blend of Japanese hospitality and modern city living.
The hotel’s clever concept involves transforming a few low-floor rooms in an aging hotel into a traditional Japanese inn – an experience you’d usually find in a quaint rural village.
Staying in one of the 16 Hanakohro rooms grants you exclusive access to the Imperial Hotel’s impressive collection of executive lounges – one in each of the three towers. These lounges are a haven for relaxation, offering coffee bars, snack carousels, and plenty of private seating nooks.
Hanakohro is a retreat within a retreat, offering a fourth lounge where guests can enjoy an oversized Japanese breakfast and sample complimentary sake and umeshu in the evenings.
Luxury on a Budget: Gate Hotel Ginza
Gate Hotel Ginza is a budget-friendly gem disguised as a luxurious stay. This glass tower rises above a bustling Ginza intersection, offering breathtaking views of the city.
Step off the elevator and be greeted by a lively champagne bar in the lobby-cum-lounge on the fourth floor. This space is a popular spot for both hotel guests and local business folk enjoying an after-work drink.
Despite the casual vibe, the hotel’s service is as polished and capable as any five-star hotel in Tokyo. The rooms are spic and span, with brightly colored accent pillows adding a touch of vibrancy to the otherwise dim, nightlife-inspired decor.
While some may find the rooms facing the train tracks a bit noisy, the hotel’s double-glazed windows effectively block out sound.
Hidden Gem: Celestine Hotel
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, Celestine Hotel is a Tokyo treasure. While its days as a strong midrange contender may be behind it, the hotel remains a budget-friendly haven, offering a massive buffet breakfast and a sweeping private lounge filled with tea, snacks, and coffee table books.
The rooms are arranged around an open, Italianate courtyard, filling the corridors with natural light. Birdsong piped in over speakers adds to the surprising morning calm of this urban oasis.
Although the hotel shows its age with some minor wear and tear, its affordable price point and upper-midrange bones make it an unbeatable deal.
Modern Minimalism: Hotel Graphy
Before Airbnb, finding affordable living space in Tokyo without the complexities of Japanese bureaucracy was a challenge. Hotel Graphy offers a modern take on this traditional solution, providing a short-stay option for travelers who want a cozy place to crash and cook a few meals.
The private en suite rooms are styled with mid-century furniture, giving them a touch of Scandinavian charm.
Neighborhood Oasis: OMO3 Asakusa
The OMO3 Asakusa is a modern hotel with a soul. While the rooms are streamlined and efficient, small touches like designer bath products, adorable pillows, and subtle design flourishes add a touch of personality.
The lobby is a planning zone where guests can relax and explore a mural full of neighborhood recommendations. QR codes are available for those who want to learn more in English.
The OMO hotel chain offers different levels of amenities, and the OMO3 leans towards a no-frills approach, but comfort is still a priority.
Quality & Value: Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza-Gochome
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza-Gochome is a shining example of the Mitsui Garden Hotels collection, known for providing quality accommodation at affordable prices. This Ginza gem earns extra points for its fantastic location and Edo-style baths.
The hotel caters mainly to savvy tourists who appreciate a distinct sense of place. While the furniture is generally neutral, subtle nods to traditional Japanese design add a touch of charm without being overwhelming.
Mitsui Fudosan, a well-established Japanese hospitality brand, has a knack for serving both luxury and budget travelers. The company brings its signature smart design and good service to this more affordable property.
Standard rooms may offer limited views, but they provide a quiet retreat in a bustling neighborhood. The Deluxe Twin room offers a fantastic blend of East and West design, featuring a traditional tatami sitting area, low-slung beds, and a modern entertainment center and bathroom.
