Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [99]
Keiō Plaza Hotel (Map; 3344-0111; fax 3345-8269; www.keioplaza.com; 2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku; s/d from ¥26,450/29,800, Japanese-style ste from ¥98,050; ; JR Yamanote line to Shinjuku, west exit) The Keiō Plaza has 47 floors and a simple, refined style. Rooms provide excellent views over west Shinjuku and there’s are more than a dozen restaurants in the lower floors. So-called ‘universal’ rooms here are exceptionally accessible for those with disabilities.
Park Hyatt Tokyo (Map; 5322-1234; fax 5322-1288; www.tokyo.park.hyatt.com; 3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku; r/ste from ¥55,650/68,250; ; JR Yamanote line to Shinjuku, south exit) Views here are legendarily stunning, day and night, and from these serene heights appear to be part of another world. Dignified but relaxed, the stylishly understated rooms are done in naturally finished wood, fabric and marble. Staff is gracefully, discreetly attentive and the restaurants are among Tokyo’s best.
Shibuya
Around the top of Dōgenzaka is the highest concentration of love hotels (also referred to as ‘boutique’ hotels) in Japan. Tokyo’s love hotels are not as wacky as elsewhere in the country, but you’ll find a theme to suit your tastes – any-thing from pink and girly to bondage-ready. Wander into the lobbies and take a look at the screens picturing the available rooms. Though check-in is usually around 10pm to midnight for a full-night’s stay, prices are pretty budget-friendly if you’re in a pinch.
MIDRANGE
Pickings are slim in Shibuya for midrange hotels. Less expensive business hotels in Ueno, Ikebukuro and even Shinjuku represent much better value for money, but then you’re not in as fun a spot as here.
Shibuya City Hotel (Map; 5489-1010; fax 5489-1030; www.shibuya-city-hotel.com, in Japanese; 1-1 Maruyamachō, Shibuya-ku; s/d from ¥9900/18,300; ; JR Yamanote line to Shibuya, Hachikō exit) Night owls will love this hotel, strategically located on the lower slope of Love Hotel Hill, just a short downhill roll from good live-music venues and clubs. For such a prime location, the prices are a fabulous deal. It has comfortable, spacious rooms with LAN internet access, including one tricked-out wheelchair-friendly room (¥15,000).
Shibuya Tōkyū Inn (Map;3498-0109; fax 3498-0189; www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/en/TI/TI_SHIBU/index.shtml; 1-24-10 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku; s/d/tw from ¥13,650/21,420/21,840; ; JR Yamanote line to Shibuya, east exit) At a similar standard to the Shibuya Tōbu Hotel, the vaguely mod nonsmoking rooms are the best of the bunch. There’s LAN internet access in the comfortable rooms decorated with accents in primary colours.
Shibuya Tōbu Hotel (Map; 3476-0111; fax 3476-0903; www.tobuhotel.co.jp/shibuya; 3-1 Udagawachō, Shibuya-ku; s/d from ¥14,060/20,035; ; JR Yamanote line to Shibuya, Hachikō exit) One of Shibuya’s nicest business hotels, the Tōbu has stylish, clean and relatively large rooms with LAN internet access. Common areas are pleasant and sparkly, and the friendly, attentive staff speaks English.
TOP END
Granbell Hotel (Map;5457-2681; fax 5457-2682; www.granbellhotel.jp; 15-17 Sakuragaokachō, Shibuya-ku; s/d/ste from ¥13,100/21,400/55,400; ; JR Yamanote line to Shibuya, south exit) Though the size of the Granbell’s rooms are on par for Tokyo, the glass-walled bathrooms and bright tropical colour schemes give the illusion of spaciousness. In addition to amenities like free LAN internet access, English-language TV and hairdryers, rooms in the main building feature curtains with fun Lichtenstein-esque designs and Simmons beds. Suites, such as the two-storey View Bath, are uniquely well-appointed with luxuries like record players (!) and open-air terraces.
Cerulean Tower Tōkyū Hotel (Map;3476-3000; fax 3476-3001; www.ceruleantower-hotel.com; 26-1 Sakuragaokachō, Shibuya-ku; s/d from ¥32,540/43,135; ; JR Yamanote line to Shibuya, south exit) Sprawl out on huge beds and drink deeply of the big