Where is it? In the quiet leafy residential and commercial district of Akasaka, north of Roppongi, Tokyo's notorious nightlife area. Home to numerous embassies, temples and art galleries, secluded Akasaka has excellent transport links; the neighbourhood station is a few minutes' stroll from the hotel. Midtown, the city's newest luxury shopping mall, is five minutes away; Ginza and Shibuya are
a 10-minute taxi trip.
What is it like? Chic budget accommodation for style-conscious travellers. Billed as a boutique hotel, the b Akasaka's rooms are small but well appointed, with clean lines, purpose-built desks and large flat-screen televisions. In some rooms, the beds can be folded up into a wall nook to create space for in-room spa treatments. Bathrooms are small but equipped with top-quality toiletries (get your free b women's amenity kit at reception) and a rain shower with body jets.
What else? The hotel feels like a small private club, with its hip foyer, well-trained English-speaking staff and surprisingly spacious Japanese-style urban spa - a nice change from Balinese or Thai establishments. A relaxing flower-filled bath (right) is the signature treatment, ideal for the travel weary. A
15-minute head massage costs a reasonable 1,050 yen (HK$79).
What's on the menu? There is no room service but all rooms have tea and coffee machines, and fresh fruit and excellent coffee are available at no charge throughout the hotel. Liana, a popular Italian restaurant on the ground floor, serves breakfast and delicious pizzas.