"Why book? Great prices and the convenient location next to Shinjuku Station make this a top contender for budget travelers’ first Tokyo foray. Set the scene At the brand new Hotel Groove, rooms come with colorful carpets and wooden panelling to elevate the offering beyond paint-by-numbers accommodation. A great pick for those who aim to spend minimal time in their rooms, exploring the city instead, but want a comfortable—if predictable—digs for a good sleep at the end of a busy day. The backstory Esteemed Asian hospitality chain Pan Pacific recently launched two new hotels—one lofted on top of the other—in a glittering tower high above the evolving Kabuki-cho red-light district near Shinjuku station. The Groove is the more fiscally approachable property (the other is the high-end Bellustar Tokyo on the lower floors, but still high enough that guests can take in the sweeping skyline from the large windows. The rooms A boon to special-needs or older travelers who need extra space to move around, Hotel Groove’s sleeping quarters—beyond the entry-level Superior Rooms—are reasonably large compared to other properties in this price range. Floor-to-ceiling windows create an even greater sense of grandeur, and decor is functional but with a few pops of texture and color to distance the vibe from cookie-cutter hotel blocks. At the higher end are suites designed by noted Japanese artists, not to mention some traditional-style accommodation (tatami and futons), too. The neighborhood/area Kabuki-cho has long been the choice destination for Tokyo’s sketchier night scene, but the shimmering tower in which the Hotel Groove inhabits is the area’s first essay at appealing to a more mainstream crowd. While the surrounding blocks have limited appeal, you’re only a stones throw from the fun micro-bars of Golden Gai, the LGBT scene of Shinjuku Ni-chome, and the street eats along Omoide Yokocho. The service Although popular with large groups, the hotel’s lobby has a rather small footprint, which can make check-in a bit crowded. Anything left to mention? Coin laundry is a surprise perk for long-staying travelers in Japan. Direct airport limousine (read: coach) buses are handy, and a rarity for newer properties in Tokyo." - Brandon Presser
