Tired of cookie-cutter hotels? Tokyo offers a world of unique accommodations that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you’re a design aficionado, a sustainability advocate, or simply seeking a comfortable and affordable stay, these hidden gems are waiting to be discovered.
Trunk Hotel: Cool and Sustainable Style
Trunk Hotel is a magnet for Tokyo’s trendsetters and those seeking a stylish escape. Its location near the fashionable Cat Street makes it the perfect base for exploring Tokyo’s vibrant fashion scene. The hotel’s heart beats in Trunk Bar, a bustling lounge where local entrepreneurs and digital nomads gather. By day, it’s a hub for work and collaboration, but by night, the atmosphere transforms as cocktails replace coffee.
The rooms at Trunk Hotel are as diverse as the city itself. They range in size from a spacious two-story party pad with a plunge pool to cozy family suites featuring bunk beds. However, they all share a common thread: lofty ceilings, metro-tiled bathrooms, and minibars stocked with artisanal soda pops and dried fruits. But it’s not just about style – Trunk Hotel embraces sustainability. Reclaimed timber adorns the interiors, recycled denim makes up the staff uniforms, and even the amenities, from recycled-rubber slippers to upcycled laundry bags, are locally sourced and eco-friendly. The hotel’s on-site convenience store offers a curated selection of craft beers from Tokyo and organic snacks, reflecting their commitment to responsible consumption.
Hanakohro: Tradition Meets Modernity
Hanakohro blends the charm of a traditional Japanese inn with the convenience of a city hotel, offering a unique and immersive experience. This clever concept transforms a few low-floor rooms in an aging hotel into a ryokan, reminiscent of a quaint rural village. Step inside and be greeted by paper walls, tatami floors, and oversized bathing suites, where you can indulge in the essence of Japanese hospitality.
Beyond the ryokan’s captivating design, guests enjoy access to a network of executive lounges spread throughout the hotel complex, offering a haven of comfort and convenience. These lounges feature coffee bars, snack carousels, and private seating nooks, perfect for a quiet moment of relaxation or a productive work session. The ryokan itself houses a fourth lounge, where guests can savor oversized Japanese breakfasts and enjoy complimentary sake and umeshu in the evenings.
Gate Hotel: Budget-Friendly Luxury
Gate Hotel’s sleek glass tower, overlooking a bustling intersection in Ginza, offers quintessential “Lost in Translation” views. Step off the elevator and you’ll be greeted by a vibrant champagne bar in the hotel’s fourth-floor lobby-cum-lounge, buzzing with both hotel guests and local business folk enjoying an after-work drink. The hotel’s service is as impeccable as its design, surpassing expectations with the polished and capable service of a five-star establishment.
While the rooms are clean and stylish, featuring a bright accent pillow to liven up the otherwise dim, nightlife-inspired décor, light sleepers may want to request rooms away from the train tracks. However, even those rooms facing the tracks will find solace in the effective noise-dampening double-glazed windows.
Celestine Hotel: Midrange Charm with a Budget-Friendly Price
Celestine Hotel, a charming midrange hotel, offers a unique blend of value and amenities. Its prime location in a lively neighborhood allows budget-conscious travelers to easily access the city’s attractions while enjoying a comfortable and affordable stay. Guests can start their day with a lavish buffet breakfast and enjoy a spacious private lounge filled with tea, snacks, and coffee table books.
The hotel’s open Italianate courtyard, surrounding the rooms, floods the corridors with natural light. The piped-in birdsong creates a surprising sense of calm in the midst of Tokyo’s frenetic energy. While the hotel shows signs of its age, with a few nicks in the hardwood furnishings and some slightly faded drapery, its budget-friendly price point and upper-midrange facilities make it a standout choice for value-conscious travelers.
Hotel Graphy: A Modern Twist on a Classic Concept
Hotel Graphy pays homage to Tokyo’s history of affordable housing for young professionals by offering a modern take on shared apartments. The hotel provides a short-stay option for international and domestic travelers seeking a comfortable and affordable place to stay without the hefty price tag of a traditional hotel.
Guests can choose from private en suite rooms with stylish mid-century furnishings, perfect for those seeking a unique and charming accommodation. The hotel’s design evokes a sense of nostalgia while providing all the modern conveniences for a comfortable stay.
OMO3: Comfort and Convenience in a Vibrant Neighbourhood
OMO3, a stylish business hotel, offers a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Tokyo’s dynamic neighborhoods. While its rooms are efficient and compact, the hotel’s designer bath products, adorable pillows, and subtle design flourishes add a touch of personality.
The small lobby doubles as a planning zone, where guests can lounge and explore a mural filled with local recommendations. QR codes provide access to English-language information, making it easy for travelers to discover the neighborhood’s hidden gems. The OMO hotels are known for their unique concept, with each property offering a distinct level of amenities. OMO3, while leaning towards the no-frills end of the spectrum, still provides a comfortable and satisfying stay.
Mitsui Garden Hotels: A Budget-Friendly Haven in Ginza
Mitsui Garden Hotels are renowned in Japan for their exceptional value and quality. The Ginza-Gochome property, in particular, stands out for its prime location in the heart of Ginza and its charming Edo-style baths.
While most Tokyo hotels cater to a mix of business and leisure travelers, Mitsui Garden Hotels primarily attract savvy tourists seeking a distinct sense of place. The hotels blend modern amenities with traditional Japanese touches, creating a comfortable and authentic experience. Standard rooms may offer limited views, but the quietness is a welcome respite from the bustling neighborhood. The Deluxe Twin room offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western design, featuring a tatami sitting area, low-slung beds, a high-tech entertainment system, and ultra-modern bathrooms, creating a luxurious and comfortable retreat.
