Finding a hotel that checks all the boxes – comfort, style, and eco-consciousness – can be a challenge. Luckily, Tokyo has a plethora of unique and stylish options that cater to discerning travellers. These hotels offer a mix of traditional Japanese charm and modern design without compromising on sustainability. Let’s explore some of the coolest spots in the city.
Trendsetting Trunk Hotel: A Haven for Creatives
Located in the heart of Tokyo’s trendiest district, the Trunk Hotel is a magnet for creatives, entrepreneurs, and in-the-know travellers. This stylish hotel is a perfect reflection of its neighbourhood, with Cat Street just around the corner. The Trunk Bar is the beating heart of the hotel, buzzing with activity throughout the day. Locals and digital nomads gather to work on their laptops during the day, and as the sun sets, the bar transforms into a lively spot for socializing and enjoying cocktails.
Each room at Trunk Hotel is unique, ranging from spacious two-story suites with plunge pools to cozy family suites equipped with bunk beds. But despite their differences, all rooms share a common thread: lofty ceilings, metro-tiled bathrooms, and minibars stocked with artisanal sodas and dried fruits. Sustainability is a core principle at Trunk Hotel. Reclaimed timber adorns the interiors, while staff uniforms are crafted from recycled denim. Even the amenities are eco-friendly, made locally with recycled materials. You can find recycled-rubber bathroom slippers and upcycled laundry bags, available for purchase at the hotel’s convenience store alongside craft beers and organic snacks.
Hanakohro: Traditional Hospitality Meets City Vibe
Hanakohro offers a unique fusion of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern city life, offering a fun way to experience the best of both worlds. Situated in the heart of Tokyo, this ryokan provides a refreshing change from the usual hotel experience. The clever concept is to take a few rooms in an aging hotel and completely revamp them with a traditional Japanese inn feel. The hotel embraces the tenets of Japanese hospitality while allowing guests to explore the bustling city without feeling confined.
You’ll find paper walls, tatami floors, and oversized bathing suites – a familiar sight in traditional Japanese inns. The hotel’s unique layout allows for easy exploration of the city and a relaxing retreat to your throwback digs. The 16 Hanakohro rooms offer a secret perk – unlimited access to the hotel’s collection of executive lounges, found in all three towers. These lounges offer a haven of comfort, with coffee bars, snack carousels, and plenty of private seating nooks. Guests can also enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast in the ryokan’s dedicated lounge, followed by complimentary sake and umeshu in the evenings.
The Gate Hotel: Budget-Friendly Luxury in Ginza
Step into the Gate Hotel, a budget-friendly hotel that feels like a luxurious stay. The hotel’s glass tower rises above a bustling intersection in Ginza, offering stunning views of the city. The first thing you’ll encounter is a lively champagne bar in the lobby-cum-lounge on the fourth floor, a popular spot for both hotel guests and local business professionals. Despite its focus on affordability, the Gate Hotel doesn’t compromise on service. The front desk, while seemingly an afterthought, offers polished and attentive service rivaling any five-star hotel in the city.
Each room features a brightly colored accent pillow that adds a touch of vibrancy to the otherwise subdued, nightlife-inspired décor. The hotel’s double-glazed windows effectively block out noise, even for light sleepers. While some rooms face the train tracks, the hotel gladly accommodates requests to avoid them.
Celestine Hotel: Budget-Friendly Bliss in the City
Celestine Hotel is a budget-friendly haven in the midst of Tokyo’s bustling cityscape, providing a surprising oasis of tranquility. The hotel is situated in a real neighbourhood, offering an authentic experience far removed from the usual tourist traps. The hotel stands as a testament to the fact that budget-friendly accommodation doesn’t have to compromise on quality or amenities. Guests can enjoy a massive buffet breakfast and a sweeping private lounge with plenty of tea, snacks, and coffee table books.
Rooms are arranged around a light-filled Italianate courtyard, bringing a sense of nature into the bustling city. The calming sounds of birdsong, piped in through the speakers, further enhance the peaceful atmosphere. While the hotel shows its age in the nicks on the hardwood furnishings and dated drapery, the budget-friendly price point is unbeatable.
Hotel Graphy: Short-Stay Haven for Travellers
In a city known for its strict bureaucracy, finding affordable and flexible accommodation can be challenging. Hotel Graphy steps in to fill this gap, offering a short-stay option for both international and domestic travellers. The hotel borrows from the era of shared apartments, providing private en suite rooms with a touch of mid-century Danish charm. Guests can enjoy the comfort of a private room while still having access to a communal kitchen and shared spaces.
OMO3: Soulful Design and Local Immersion
The OMO3 hotel offers a unique blend of efficient functionality and personal touches, making it a great choice for travellers who value both style and comfort. The slim and efficient rooms are enhanced by designer bath products, adorable pillows, and subtle design flourishes. The lobby serves as a planning zone, where guests can gather, relax, and explore a mural full of local recommendations complete with QR codes for more information. OMO hotels strive to provide a unique experience at each location, offering varying levels of amenities, ranging from basic comfort to luxury. While the OMO3 leans towards the no-frills end of the spectrum, it still provides a comfortable and stylish stay.
Mitsui Garden Hotels: Edo-Style Baths and Quiet Luxury
Mitsui Garden Hotels are known for their quality accommodations at affordable prices. The Ginza-Gochome property stands out for its prime location and Edo-style baths, offering a unique and authentic Japanese experience. The hotel caters mainly to tourists seeking an authentic taste of Japanese culture. While most of the furniture is modern and minimalist, subtle nods to traditional Japanese aesthetics add a touch of local charm without being overwhelming.
Mitsui Garden Hotels are the brainchild of Mitsui Fudosan, a respected Japanese hospitality brand with a strong reputation for delivering luxury experiences. The company’s expertise in serving discerning travellers is evident in the smart design and excellent service found at their more affordable properties. Standard rooms offer limited views, but the tradeoff is a peaceful retreat from the busy city. For a truly immersive experience, opt for the Deluxe Twin room, which seamlessly blends Eastern and Western design elements. You’ll find a quaint tatami sitting area, low-slung beds, a state-of-the-art entertainment system, and ultra-modern bathrooms.
