Searching for a stylish and comfortable hotel in Tokyo that doesn’t break the bank? Look no further! This guide explores some of the city’s most unique and eco-conscious hotels, offering something for every taste and budget. Whether you’re seeking a traditional Japanese ryokan experience, a modern glass tower with stunning views, or a budget-friendly hotel with a touch of luxury, these hidden gems will make your Tokyo adventure truly unforgettable.
Trunk Hotel: Where Style Meets Sustainability
This hotel is a magnet for Tokyo’s creative crowd. Located just around the corner from the trendy Cat Street, Trunk Hotel is a haven for fashion-forward travelers and in-the-know city trippers. Its heart is Trunk Bar, a buzzing lounge where local entrepreneurs and digital nomads gather during the day to work on their laptops. As the sun sets, the atmosphere shifts, and the lounge transforms into a lively cocktail spot. Each of the uniquely designed bedrooms offers a different experience. From a two-story party pad with a plunge pool to a cozy family suite equipped with bunk beds, there’s a room for every traveler. However, all rooms share common features like lofty high ceilings, metro-tiled bathrooms, and minibars stocked with artisanal soda pops and dried fruits.
The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is evident throughout. Reclaimed timber graces the interiors, while staff uniforms are crafted from recycled denim. Even the amenities are locally sourced and eco-friendly, including recycled-rubber bathroom slippers and upcycled laundry bags. Most of these sustainable items are available for purchase at the hotel’s convenience store, alongside craft beers from Tokyo and organic snacks. This hotel seamlessly blends style and sustainability, creating a unique experience that is both eco-conscious and luxurious.
Hanakohro: A Traditional Japanese Inn in the Heart of the City
Step back in time at Hanakohro, a modern ryokan tucked away in the bustling city center. Experience the essence of Japanese hospitality with paper walls, tatami floors, and oversized bathing suites. This innovative hotel merges the traditional elements of a Japanese inn with the convenience and amenities of a modern city hotel. You’ll find yourself immersed in the charm of a traditional Japanese inn while still having easy access to explore the vibrant city.
The clever concept of Hanakohro involves reimagining a few low-floor rooms in an aging hotel as a traditional Japanese inn. You’d usually expect to find such an inn nestled in a quaint rural village, but Hanakohro brings that experience to the heart of Tokyo. The secret perk of staying at Hanakohro is access to the campus’ collection of executive lounges. Each of the three towers boasts a lounge with coffee bars, snack carousels, and cozy private seating nooks. Within the ryokan itself, you’ll find a fourth lounge where you can savor an oversized Japanese breakfast or enjoy complimentary sake and umeshu in the evenings. Hanakohro offers a unique and authentic Japanese experience with a touch of modern luxury.
Gate Hotel Ginza: Budget-Friendly Luxury with Stunning Views
Looking for a luxurious stay without breaking the bank? The Gate Hotel Ginza is a budget-friendly haven disguised as a luxury hotel. Its glass tower soars above a bustling intersection in Ginza, offering captivating views that are sure to remind you of the iconic film “Lost in Translation.”
The first thing that will greet you upon stepping off the elevator is a lively champagne bar situated in the lobby-cum-lounge on the building’s fourth floor. Here, hotel guests and local business professionals mingle over after-work cocktails. While the front desk may seem like an afterthought, the service is as polished and attentive as any five-star hotel in the city. The rooms are impeccably clean and come with a brightly colored accent pillow to add a touch of vibrancy to the dim, nightlife-inspired décor. Light sleepers may want to request a room away from the train tracks, but the double-glazed windows effectively block out noise. The Gate Hotel Ginza is a perfect blend of budget-friendly prices and luxurious amenities.
Celestine Hotel: Budget-Friendly Comfort in a Central Location
Celestine Hotel is a hidden gem for budget travelers seeking a comfortable stay in a prime location. This hotel, although showing its age, offers a fantastic value proposition. The hotel boasts a massive buffet breakfast and a sweeping private lounge stocked with tea, snacks, and coffee table books. The rooms are arranged around an open, Italianate courtyard, flooding the corridors with natural light. The hotel even pipes in the sounds of birdsong, creating a surprising sense of tranquility amidst the bustling city.
While the hotel is not brand new, its budget price point is unbeatable, especially considering its upper midrange amenities. The hotel’s charming courtyard, comfortable rooms, and exceptional value make it a fantastic choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking a central location in Tokyo.
Hotel Graphy: A Modern Take on Shared Living
Hotel Graphy offers a unique and budget-friendly alternative to traditional hotels. The concept draws inspiration from the shared dorm-like apartments popular among young professionals in Tokyo, offering short-stay accommodations for international and domestic travelers. This hotel provides a comfortable and affordable option for those who want to cook their own meals and experience a more local way of life.
We love the private en suite rooms, which are stylishly decorated with mid-century modern furniture. Hotel Graphy provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for travelers seeking a more independent and budget-friendly experience in Tokyo.
OMO3: A Business Hotel with a Soul
OMO3 is a sleek and modern hotel that seamlessly blends business functionality with a touch of warmth. The hotel’s slim and efficient rooms are packed with designer bath products, adorable pillows, and subtle design flourishes. The small lobby doubles as a planning zone, where guests can relax and explore a mural filled with neighborhood recommendations. Each OMO hotel, graded from 1 to 9, offers a different level of accoutrements. The OMO3 leans toward the no-frills end of the spectrum, but still delivers plenty of comfort and charm. OMO3 offers a stylish and practical hotel experience with a focus on local exploration.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza-Gochome: Budget-Friendly Luxury with a Japanese Flair
Mitsui Garden Hotels are renowned in Japan for their high-quality accommodations at affordable prices. The Ginza-Gochome property is a standout, with its prime location and Edo-style baths. While most Tokyo hotels cater to a mix of business and leisure travelers, the Ginza-Gochome property primarily attracts savvy tourists who appreciate its authentic Japanese charm.
Although the furniture is mostly neutral in style, the hotel’s old-school nods to Japan are subtle and tasteful. The Mitsui Garden Hotels are a budget-friendly concept from Mitsui Fudosan, a well-established hospitality brand with a reputation for luxury. The company’s experience with prestigious brands like Aman and Halekulani is evident in the Ginza-Gochome property, which combines smart design and excellent service with accessible pricing. Standard rooms offer limited views, but they provide quietude in a busy neighborhood. For those seeking a more spacious and stylish experience, the Deluxe Twin room is a great option, combining a traditional Japanese tatami sitting area with a modern entertainment center and ultra-modern bathrooms. Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza-Gochome is a perfect blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern amenities, offering a comfortable and affordable stay in the heart of Tokyo.
