Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel is a modern, polished and well-designed upscale hotel offering comfort, calm and strong value in the Tokyo Bay area. With spacious interiors, refined Japanese design elements and warm service, it provides a relaxing base close to Odaiba, Toyosu and the bayside attractions, while still offering easy rail access to central Tokyo.
Rooms are larger than average for Tokyo and thoughtfully arranged, featuring comfortable beds, large windows, mini-fridges, kettles, air purifiers and strong Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, with deep soaking tubs, excellent water pressure and quality amenities. Décor is contemporary and elegant, giving the rooms a restful and refined feel.
Breakfast is served in the hotel’s stylish dining area, offering a generous Japanese-Western buffet with pastries, eggs, salads, grilled fish, rice dishes and good coffee. Many guests describe breakfast as a highlight thanks to the variety and quality.
The location is convenient—right beside Shiomi Station on the JR Keiyo Line, giving easy access to Tokyo Station, Maihama (Tokyo Disney Resort), Toyosu Market, Odaiba and the wider waterfront area. The neighbourhood is quiet and modern, with riverside paths and local eateries nearby.
Facilities include a serene public bath, sauna, fitness centre, 24-hour reception, luggage storage, self-service laundry, vending machines, a bakery-café and secure building access. Staff are friendly, polished and well used to supporting international visitors.
Reviews consistently praise the spacious rooms, excellent cleanliness, modern design, relaxing public bath and strong value for money. Guests particularly appreciate the convenient access to Disney Resort and the calm atmosphere after a busy day sightseeing. Some note the bayside location is a little removed from central Tokyo, but transport links are very good.
Bottom line: Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel is an excellent choice for travellers seeking modern comfort, spacious rooms and great access to Tokyo Disney Resort and the Tokyo Bay area, all at strong value for a polished, upscale stay.
3 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
1x Superior Room
Hotel
Aura Tachibana is a refined, modern ryokan-style hotel in Hakone, offering elegant design, warm hospitality and soothing hot-spring bathing in a peaceful setting close to Hakone-Yumoto. Blending contemporary Japanese aesthetics with traditional touches, it provides a calm, comfortable base for exploring Hakone’s galleries, nature trails and classic sightseeing spots.
Rooms are spacious and beautifully presented, ranging from modern Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring to Western-Japanese hybrids with low beds and minimalist décor. Expect soft lighting, seasonal design elements, yukata robes, tea sets, mini-fridges and strong Wi-Fi. Many rooms feature private open-air baths, giving guests a serene hot-spring experience in complete privacy. Bathrooms are clean, modern and equipped with quality amenities.
Breakfast is offered as a beautifully prepared Japanese set meal or a refined Western option, depending on your booking. Expect dishes made with regional produce, grilled fish, miso soup, fresh vegetables, pastries and excellent coffee. Dinner, for those choosing a half-board plan, features multi-course kaiseki cuisine showcasing Hakone’s seasonal flavours.
The location is excellent—set on a quiet hillside a short walk or shuttle ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Local shops, cafés, the Hakone Tozan Railway and bus connections to Gora, Lake Ashi and the Open-Air Museum are all within easy reach, while the ryokan itself feels secluded and tranquil.
Facilities include elegant onsen baths (indoor and open-air), private baths for reservation, lounges, a reading space, a rooftop terrace, massage services and 24-hour front desk support. The shared baths are a highlight, with calming views and soothing mineral water. Staff are warm, attentive and experienced in hosting international travellers.
Reviews consistently praise the serene atmosphere, beautifully maintained rooms, wonderful meals and exceptional onsen facilities. Guests love the modern-meets-traditional style and the feeling of being tucked into nature while still close to transport. Some note that the walk from the station includes a slope, but most find the setting peaceful and rewarding.
Bottom line: Aura Tachibana is an excellent choice for travellers seeking a refined, modern ryokan experience with superb onsen bathing, elegant design and convenient access to Hakone-Yumoto. Ideal for couples and anyone wanting a relaxing escape.
1 Night
Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
1x Japanese Room
Hotel
Mercure Hida Takayama is a smart, modern base just a few minutes’ walk from Takayama Station, making it a very easy option for travellers arriving by train and wanting to explore the Old Town on foot. It’s a contemporary hotel with a calm, uncluttered feel, and it works particularly well for couples or families who value comfort, convenience, and a good onsen-style wind-down at the end of the day.
The atmosphere is clean and relaxed, with simple, well-considered design touches that nod to the region without leaning too heavily into theme. It’s not a traditional ryokan experience, but it does offer a pleasant sense of place, especially in the public spaces.
Rooms are compact (as you’d expect in central Japan), but thoughtfully laid out with comfortable beds, good storage, and a neat, modern bathroom. Higher room categories give you more breathing space, and twin options are handy for friends or family members sharing.
For those who enjoy a soak after sightseeing, the hotel’s public bath is a real bonus. It’s an onsen-style experience rather than a ryokan, but it’s ideal for easing tired legs after walking Takayama’s lanes, morning markets, or a day trip into the mountains.
Dining is straightforward and convenient, with breakfast typically geared to an easy start before heading out early. In the evenings, you’re better off exploring Takayama’s excellent local dining scene, with plenty of small restaurants and izakayas within a short walk. Hida beef is the must-try in town, whether as a simple grilled set, sushi, or a hotpot-style dish.
Location is one of the hotel’s strongest points. You’re close to transport, an easy walk to the Old Town and riverside areas, and well placed for day trips such as Shirakawa-go or onward travel to Kanazawa, Matsumoto or Kyoto.
Reviews tend to highlight the convenient station-side location, modern cleanliness, and the comfort factor of having an onsen-style bath on site. Guests also often mention the hotel as a dependable, good-value choice compared with pricier ryokan options in peak seasons.
Bottom Line: a comfortable, modern Takayama base with excellent access and a welcome public bath, ideal if you want simplicity and convenience without giving up a few nice touches.
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
1x Superior Room
Hotel
Hotel Forza Kanazawa is a smart, contemporary base that makes it easy to enjoy Kanazawa on foot, with Omicho Market just a short stroll away and Kanazawa Station within easy reach.
The lobby feels calm and welcoming, with warm timber tones and soft lighting that take the edge off check-in. Staff are used to helping with the practicalities, from storing luggage to sharing local tips and arranging a taxi if you need one.
Rooms are designed for comfort and practicality rather than fuss, with supportive beds, good linens and blackout curtains for a solid night’s sleep. Storage is well thought out, which helps keep things tidy even when you have suitcases open. Twin Rooms are more spacious than doubles.
Bathrooms feel a cut above the category, with separated toilet and bathing areas. Some rooms include hydro-massage showers, which are a nice perk after a day exploring.
Little extras add to the easy-going feel, including pyjamas and slippers, iPads in the room and reliable high-speed Wi-Fi. Rooms are non-smoking throughout, and higher floors can catch a few city views depending on your aspect.
Dining centres around a generous buffet breakfast with a mix of local and Western options, including a few regional specialities which are especially good. There’s also complimentary coffee available in the lounge during the day, and outside breakfast hours the space works well for a quick plan of the day or a simple meal picked up nearby.
Location is one of the hotel’s strongest points, with Kanazawa’s main sights, shops and dining areas easy to reach on foot. Practical facilities like self-serve laundry, secure luggage storage and vending machines round things out, and while there’s no on-site parking, nearby options are straightforward.
Reviews regularly highlight the hotel’s cleanliness and value for money, plus the thoughtful touches. The main drawbacks tend to be a busy breakfast period at peak times and the lack of an on-site gym.
Bottom Line: Forza is a dependable, well-located Kanazawa stay with modern comfort and excellent value, ideal if you want to be close to the action without paying luxury rates. It's a hotel we think hits the sweet spot in Kanazawa.
2 Nights
Room Only
1x Double Room
Hotel
Blending Kyoto’s old-town textures with modern warmth, Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi stands out for its attention to design and service despite its unassuming exterior. The lobby’s quiet, library-like mood sets the stage for a restful city stay, with books, soft lighting, and local art welcoming you home.
Rooms are serene, with wooden flooring, warm lighting, plush beds, high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and beautifully detailed Japanese touches like “tatami” entryways and custom textiles. Bathrooms feature clean lines, high-quality amenities, and deep soaking tubs or strong showers. Nightwear, slippers, and thoughtful extras make each room feel extra comfortable.
The central Location between Shijo and Karasuma puts guests in prime position for shopping, dining, and easy subway and bus access throughout Kyoto. Nishiki Market and downtown hotspots are within leisurely walking distance, while Gion and Higashiyama can be reached with a quick ride or longer walk.
Dining options include a breakfast buffet with both Japanese and Western fare—guests highlight the fresh Kyoto vegetables and specialty breads as standouts. Numerous restaurants and bars are moments away, ensuring every taste and craving is satisfied.
Reviews focus on the calming design, helpful staff, and excellent value. Many solo and business travelers mention the quiet, retreat-like feel as a major plus; families appreciate the safety and proximity to attractions. Room sizes are compact but made to feel more generous by smart layouts.
Bottom Line: Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi is a peaceful, design-driven base that puts the city at your feet while ensuring rest and renewal between adventures—a top pick for thoughtful travelers wanting both efficiency and a little Kyoto magic.
4 Nights
Room Only
1x Double Room
Hotel
