Where to Stay - Tokyo - page 107

107

A Double or a Twin?

For the sake of convenience, the price for two people in a room is listed as a
“double” in this chapter. Japanese hotels, however, differentiate between rooms
with a double bed or two twin beds, usually with different prices. Most hotels
charge more for a twin room, but sometimes the opposite is true; if you're look-
ing for a bargain, therefore, be sure to inquire prices for both. Note, too, that
hotels usually have more twin rooms than doubles, for the simple reason that
Japanese couples, used to their own futon, traditionally prefer twin beds.

on the second floor, has a friendly staff and an exceptionally long front desk, which hope-
fully translates into quicker service. Rooms, from the 3rd to 11th floors, are tiny but
pleasant, with the more expensive rooms sporting comfortable leather chairs, good-size
desks, espresso machines, a TV with headphones, and duvet-covered beds (but no clos-
ets). Note that the cheapest rooms (also without closets) don't have desks or space to
unpack, a good example of what ¥25,000 buys in Tokyo. I suggest asking for a room
away from the highway overpass beside the hotel.
8-6-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061. & 03/3572-4131. Fax [phone]. www.granvista.co.jp. 267
units. ¥14,500-¥21,500 single; ¥25,000-¥34,800 double. AE, DC, MC, V. Station: Shimbashi (2 min.). Ame-
nities: 3 restaurants; bar; lounge. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, high-speed Internet.
Hotel Gracery (formerly Ginza Washington Hotel) You can't beat
the rates and prime Ginza location of this budget hotel, just off Chuo Dori behind Ginza
Sapporo Lion. Part of a business hotel chain targeting downtown metropolises, it offers
tiny rooms smartly decorated in beige and red, with duvet-covered beds, unit bathrooms,
and clothes racks filling in for closets. Female travelers may opt for the Lady's Floor,
which features wooden floors (in the belief that walking barefoot makes one feel more
relaxed) and amenities geared toward women, while those looking for an upgrade can try
the Executive Floor, with TVs that double as computers.
7-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061. & 03/6686-1000. Fax [phone]. www.gracery-ginza.com.
270 units. ¥15,600-¥22,200 single; ¥22,200-¥24,200 double. AE, DC, MC, V. Station: Ginza (3 min.) or
Shimbashi (7 min.). Amenities: Restaurant. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, high-speed Internet.
Hotel Monterey La Soeur The Monterey chain targets female travelers with its
feminine decor, and this hotel, designed by a woman, is no exception. A small, boutique-
like property with a slight European ambience (note the display of Art Deco perfume
bottles in the tiny lobby), it rises above the ordinary business hotel with small but com-
fortable rooms that demonstrate a woman's touch without being fussy. If rooms here are
full, try the nearby sister Hotel Monterey Ginza ( & 03/3544-7111 ), with the same
boutique-hotel concept and similar prices.
1-10-18 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061. & 03/3562-7111. Fax [phone]. www.hotelmonterey.co.jp.
141 units. ¥18,000-¥21,000 single; ¥24,000-¥48,000 double. AE, DC, MC, V. Station: Ginza Itchome (2 min.)
or Ginza (4 min.). Amenities: Restaurant. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, high-speed Internet, minibar.

5

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier This chic hotel is a notch above
older Ginza properties and a good choice for business travelers looking for stylish rooms
with good views. Located at the edge of Ginza close to Shimbashi, it occupies the upper
floors of an office building (reception is on the 16th floor), with guest rooms providing