Page 110 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Tokyo

108  TR A VELERS ’ NEEDS

WHERE TO STAY

The choice of accommodation in Tokyo can thing that all hotels – from opulent
be truly overwhelming, ranging from five-star establishments to family-run minshuku
skyscraper hotels and well-known foreign (see p111) – have in common is a concern for
brand-name chains to cozy boutique hotels comfort combined with a long tradition of
and ryokan (see p110), or traditional Japanese hospitality. Most accommodations are fairly
inns. A stay at a higher-end ryokan – where central, usually located near the main line
you sleep on futons (mattresses), soak in and metro stations, but if you can forego
aromatic cedar tubs, and enjoy kaiseki (see designer interiors and spectacular night
p118) dinners served in private rooms – can views, there are cheaper options available
be a truly memorable experience. But one on the fringes of the central districts.

Booking and Paying
The Japanese Inn Group is a
useful organization for finding
ryokan and hotels geared to
receiving foreign visitors,
although the number of listings
is somewhat limited. The
booking website Jalan, which
is popular locally, offers many
more options, including some
very reasonable bargains, but,
unfortunately, only some of the
listings are in English. Booking
accommodation in advance
is advisable, especially during
major public holidays (see p33). Elegant room with a view at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo (see p112)
Rates quoted are sometimes
per person, not per room, Deluxe Hotels generally located within easy
especially when wanting to stay Top American chains – such as reach of stations on the
at a ryokan. Hilton, Sheraton, Hyatt, Four Yamanote Line, they are very
Most hotels accept all major Seasons, and Westin – are well convenient. Do not expect
credit cards. The bill is usually established in Tokyo. Japanese- English to be spoken.
payable on departure, but owned hotels range from over- Rooms are Western-style,
business hotels and some the-top opulence and discreet functional, small, and spotlessly
others may request advance exclusivity to chic minimalism clean. Slippers and a cotton
payment. In the case of love and quaint eccentricity. robe are generally supplied.
hotels, advance payment is “Intelligent” hotels are common; There is no room service, but
almost always the norm. they feature rooms that monitor there are usually vending
temperature, computerized machines and often at least
toilets, a voicemail message one restaurant with a good
system, MP3 docks, and Wi-Fi. choice of traditional Japanese
Deluxe hotels often have or Western-style breakfasts.
popular restaurants and bars,
many with spectacular views. Capsule Hotels
Some even have small shopping
malls that offer not just Unique to Japan, these hotels
restaurants, but also convenience feature encapsulated beds in
stores and even post offices. and out of which guests must
crawl as there is no room to
stand up. Rattan blinds or
Business Hotels curtains can be pulled across for
Many lower- and mid-range privacy. Usually constructed in
hotels in Tokyo fall into the two tiers, they cater mainly to
business category (bijinesu salarymen who are too tired
hoteru). Although they cater or inebriated to catch the last
mainly to budget-conscious train home. Most are clustered
Entrance to the 52-story Park Tower, Park business travelers, anyone around major train stations or
Hyatt Tokyo (see p112) can stay, and since they are nightlife areas. Facilities include
A rack full of colorful kimonos in a shop in Tokyo

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