Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [100]
Roppongi & Akasaka
Akasaka has a high concentration of luxury hotels due to its location: there are loads of good restaurants nearby, the political and business centres are within walking distance, and Roppongi’s nightlife is just down the road. Of course, if nightlife features prominently on your agenda, Roppongi has several convenient digs.
MIDRANGE
Asia Center of Japan (Map; 3402-6111; fax 3402-0738; www.asiacenter.or.jp; 8-10-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku; s/d from ¥8610/12,390; ; Ginza, Hanzōmon, Toei Ōedo lines to Aoyama-itchōme, exit 4) Down a narrow road in a quiet Akasaka neighbourhood, the Asia Center attracts many long-term stayers. Old-annexe rooms have wood-panelled walls and an airy, simple charm. LAN internet access, laundry facilities, parking (¥1500 per night) and ¥945 breakfast buffet are among the offerings.
Arca Torre (Map; 3404-5111; fax 3404-5115; www.arktower.co.jp/arcatorre; 6-1-23 Roppongi, Minato-ku; s/d from ¥12,755/16,570; ; Hibiya, Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exit 3) Excellently placed yet reasonably priced, the cosy Arca Torre is made for hard partiers and heavy sleepers. Rooms at the back are considerably quieter than those facing the street. Beds are on the hard side, but even standard singles are furnished with semidoubles. All rooms have free LAN internet access.
Hotel Ibis (Map; 3403-4411; fax 3479-0609; www.ibis-hotel.com; 7-14-4 Roppongi, Minato-ku; s/d/tw from ¥13,382/16,285/22,145; ; Hibiya, Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exit 4a & 7) Just this side of noir, the interior of the Ibis suggests some dark drama lurking underneath. Aesthetics notwithstanding, it’s a clean, modern hotel just steps from Roppongi Crossing. Rooms are small, and solo travellers should skip the cramped single rooms in favour of larger semidoubles. There’s LAN internet access.
Chisun Grand Akasaka (Map; 5572-7788; fax 5572-7789; www.solarehotels.com/english; 6-3-17 Akasaka, Minato-ku; s/d ¥14,600/17,900; ; Chiyoda line to Akasaka, exits 6 & 7) This business hotel has all of the comforts of its class (like LAN internet) and then some: MP3-player-ready speakers, in-room clothes presses and full-sized beds even in single rooms. Red trim and funky fixtures throw tasteful splashes of personality into the rooms, some of which have balconies.
b Akasaka (Map; 3586-0811; fax 3589-0575; theb-akasaka@ishinhotels.com; 7-6-13 Akasaka, Minato-ku; s/tw from ¥14,600/20,400; ; Chiyoda line to Akasaka, exit 3b) Curvy patterns, like circular windows and rounded shower stalls, characterise the modern rooms at b Akasaka. On a quiet street across from the TBS Broadcasting Center, this lovely business hotel offers free LAN internet, a light buffet breakfast and free coffee and tea 24 hours a day. There’s also a spa next door, should you need to unwind after a long day.
Hotel Avanshell (Map; 3568-3456; www.avanshell.com, in Japanese; 2-14-14 Akasaka, Minato-ku; s/d/tw ¥15,750/19,950/25,200; ; Chiyoda line to Akasaka, exits 6 & 7) The cafe in front of the Avanshell gives this hotel more of a European flavour than other business hotels in the neighbourhood. Some of the spacious, modern rooms even have balconies – a rare plus when the environs are relatively quiet at night. There’s LAN internet in all the spacious rooms.
TOP END
Hotel Ōkura (Map; 3582-0111, 3582-3707; www.okura.com/tokyo; 2-10-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku; s/d from ¥42,363/48,700; ; Ginza line to Tameike-sannō, exit 13) A preferred landing place for visiting dignitaries and businesspeople, the unpretentious but graceful Hotel Ōkura exudes old-school elegance. The inviting feel of the hotel’s retro decor and low-lying architecture is complemented by a beautiful Japanese garden. Personable staff, excellent business facilities and top-notch restaurants