Hotel Koé

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Hotel Koé feels very much at home in frenetic Shibuya, which is packed with bars, clubs, and quirky department stores. At first, you won't even realize that there's a hotel here—the ground floor, after all, has a live DJ spinning beats. What's the backstory? Mimicry is the ultimate form of flattery, Koé, seemingly hyper-aware of the success of TRUNK(HOTEL) nearby, is looking to replicate some of the magic for a slightly younger crowd—and for less expensive room rates. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? Staying at Hotel Koé is like living inside of a magazine. The priorities are the consumables—clothing, records, and cocktails—and the rooms come second. Imagine a supremely spartan college dorm with burnished wood and polished concrete. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Free wifi. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Geared toward locals, the French restaurant here is an outpost of a popular Daikanyama neighborhood haunt. Hundreds of Japanese restaurants exist a stone's throw from the front door; you'll be glad you can get an excellent cup of Joe here before starting the day. And the service? With only 10 rooms, the hotel is poised to offer all the attention you need. What type of travelers will you find here? Locals who have co-opted the shared retail and cafe spaces. You don't even need to step outside to feel the rhythm of Shibuya. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? With a buzzy vibe and nonstop action, the hotel fits in seamlessly with its neighborhood. Any other hotel features worth noting? Don't be afraid to opt for the smallest room—with the party going on downstairs and all around you, you won't be spending too much time in it anyway. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? Social butterflies will consider this their hive." - Brandon Presser