Trunk Hotel, a haven for Tokyo’s creative crowd and savvy travellers, exudes a cool vibe perfectly fitting its trendy Cat Street neighbourhood. At its heart lies Trunk Bar, a bustling space where local entrepreneurs and digital nomads work by day and unwind with cocktails as the sun sets. Each room offers a unique experience, from the two-storey party pad with a plunge pool to the cosy family suite with bunk beds. All boast lofty ceilings, stylish metro-tiled bathrooms and minibars stocked with artisan soda pops and dried fruits.
Sustainability is paramount here. Reclaimed timber adorns the interiors, and recycled denim is used for staff uniforms. Even the amenities are locally sourced and eco-friendly, including recycled-rubber slippers and upcycled laundry bags. These sustainable offerings are also available for purchase at the on-site convenience store, alongside local craft beers and organic snacks.
A Traditional Japanese Experience: Hanakohro
Step into Hanakohro, a ryokan nestled in the heart of Tokyo, and experience the essence of Japanese hospitality. Paper walls, tatami floors and oversized bathing suites create a traditional atmosphere. This unique ryokan seamlessly blends the tenets of Japanese hospitality with the spirit of a city hotel, allowing you to explore the vibrant city without compromising on comfort.
The clever concept involves transforming low-floor rooms in an aging hotel into a traditional Japanese inn, reminiscent of those found in quaint rural villages. A stay in one of the 16 Hanakohro rooms grants access to the hotel’s executive lounges, located in each of the three towers. Enjoy a coffee break, snack on delicious treats, or relax in a private seating nook. Within the ryokan itself, a fourth lounge awaits, where guests can savour an oversized Japanese breakfast and indulge in complimentary sake and umeshu in the evenings.
Luxury on a Budget: Gate Hotel
Discover the Gate Hotel, a budget-friendly gem disguised as a luxury stay. Its glass tower rises above a bustling Ginza intersection, offering breathtaking views that capture the essence of Tokyo. Upon stepping off the elevator, you’ll be greeted by a lively champagne bar in the lobby-cum-lounge on the fourth floor. This vibrant space attracts both hotel guests and local business folk seeking a relaxing after-work drink.
Despite the seemingly casual front desk around the corner, the service is impeccable and comparable to that of any five-star hotel in the city. The rooms are impeccably clean, each featuring a brightly coloured accent pillow adding a touch of vibrancy to the dim, nightlife-inspired decor. While light sleepers might prefer rooms away from the train tracks, the double-glazed windows do an excellent job of blocking out noise.
Neighbourhood Charm on a Budget: Celestine Hotel
Escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and experience the charm of Celestine Hotel, one of the few hotels situated in a true neighbourhood setting. This budget-friendly hotel offers a range of perks for travellers seeking value, including a massive buffet breakfast and a sprawling private lounge stocked with tea, snacks and coffee table books.
The rooms are arranged around a tranquil Italianate courtyard, allowing natural light to flood the corridors. The sound of birdsong, piped in through speakers, adds to the surprising serenity of this oasis in a bustling city. While the hotel shows its age with some minor wear and tear on the furnishings, its budget-friendly price point is unbeatable, especially considering its decidedly upper midrange feel.
A Modern Take on Shared Living: Hotel Graphy
Before Airbnb, finding affordable accommodation in central Tokyo without navigating complex bureaucracy was a challenge. Shared dorm-like apartments provided a solution for young professionals. Hotel Graphy echoes this era, offering a short-stay alternative for international and domestic travellers. This hotel provides a comfortable and affordable place to crash and cook a few meals without the hefty price tag.
We especially love the private en-suite rooms, which are styled with items reminiscent of a Danish mid-century garage sale, giving them a unique and stylish vibe.
Neighbourhood-Focused Comfort: OMO3
OMO3 offers the practicality of a business hotel with a focus on comfort and local experience. While the rooms are sleek and efficient, they are infused with thoughtful details, including designer bath products, adorable pillows and subtle design flourishes. The compact lobby doubles as a planning zone, where guests can relax and discover local recommendations through a mural featuring QR codes for English translations.
The OMO hotels are designed to cater to different needs, with each property offering a range of amenities. OMO3, leaning towards the no-frills end of the spectrum, still offers plenty of comfort and a unique experience.
Edo-Style Charm: Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza-Gochome
Mitsui Garden Hotels are renowned in Japan for providing high-quality accommodation at affordable prices. The Ginza-Gochome property shines with its prime location and unique Edo-style baths. Unlike most Tokyo hotels catering to business and leisure travellers, this hotel predominantly attracts savvy tourists seeking a distinct sense of place.
While the furniture is mostly neutral in style, the subtle nods to Japanese tradition add a charming touch without being overwhelming. Mitsui Gardens, a budget-friendly concept by the well-established hospitality brand Mitsui Fudosan, caters to both luxury and budget travellers. The company’s experience with renowned brands like Aman and Halekulani is evident in the intelligent design and excellent service of its more affordable properties.
Standard rooms offer limited views, but the tradeoff is quietness in a busy neighbourhood. For a touch of luxury, opt for the Deluxe Twin room, which blends Eastern and Western design elements, featuring a quaint tatami sitting area, low-slung beds, a sophisticated entertainment centre and ultra-modern bathrooms.
