Page 111 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Tokyo

WHERE T O ST A Y  109

a personal TV, radio, alarm call expressways and highways,
system, and air-conditioning. much like motels. Dual pricing
Smoking is not allowed inside applies – typically ¥3,500 for a
the capsule, but there is usually two-hour rest, and ¥7,000–
a communal smoking room, ¥8,000 for an overnight stay,
usually with vending machines although the more luxury
selling beer, sake, soft drinks, places will charge more. Love
and sometimes snacks. hotels can be an affordable
Japanese-style baths and often way to stay in a relatively
saunas are included in the price; luxurious hotel, though some
sometimes bathing facilities caution is required. If you
can be surprisingly extensive, check in too early, you may
including jet massage and cold- be charged an hourly, rather
water pools. Most capsule than overnight, rate. The Sparse but pristine interior of a youth
hotels have TV lounges and overnight rate is usually only hostel in central Tokyo
restaurants selling Japanese available after 10pm, but this Recommended Hotels
food and beverages. Some depends on the hotel. As
even have small video arcades. with capsule hotels, it is only The hotels recommended in
The size of such hotels varies possible to check into a love these listings feature a wide
widely, ranging from 50 capsules hotel for one night at a time. selection to suit every budget
to over 600. Most still cater only Rooms are fairly spacious, and requirement. As well as
to men, but the number of clean, and with a private bath. the best and most luxurious
capsule hotels catering to Couples choose their room international deluxe hotels,
female guests is rising. These from a photo board, then pay ryokan (traditional Japanese
establishments usually have a either a cashier who sits behind inns) are also included, where a
women-only floor. Expect to a screen or at a machine. They relaxing soak in a thermal hot-
pay ¥3,500–¥5,000 in cash. It is then receive their key. English is spring bath is an unforgettable
only possible to check into a not usually spoken, and room part of the experience. For the
capsule hotel for one night at rates and payment instructions more budget-conscious traveler,
a time, although it is common are almost always in Japanese. there is a range of business
for people to stay for multiple Credit cards are not accepted. hotels to choose from and also
nights in a row. In this case, you minshuku (family-run B&Bs),
must check out in the morning often located away from the
and check in again later in the Youth Hostels city center. In Tokyo, a hotel
day. It is usually not possible to Cheap, clean, and open to isn’t just a place to spend the
store luggage at the reception. people of all ages, youth hostels night – it can also be a unique
in Tokyo are the cheapest part of the travel experience.
option for travelers. They do not So novel accommodation
Love Hotels usually require membership, options such as capsule and
Designed for dating couples and rates run from ¥2,500 to love hotels are included; as well
and married partners who live ¥4,000. Payment is in cash only. as being unusual, these places
with extended families and All meals come at an additional can also be good value for
feel in need of some privacy, cost. Many youth hostels have a money. The DK Choice identifies
love hotels are mainly found in curfew, so it is worth checking establishments that have one or
entertainment areas and along first if you may stay out late. more exceptional qualities, such
as featuring top-class amenities,
being great value for money, or
having unique style.
DIRECTORY
Jalan
∑ jalan.net/en/japan_
hotels_ryokan/
Japan Hotel Association
Tel (03) 3279-2706.
∑ j-hotel.or.jp/english
Japanese Inn Group
Tel (075) 708-7433.
∑ japaneseinngroup.com
For JNTO offices and website
see p159.
The East Lobby at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo (see p112)

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