Henn Na Hotel Maihama Tokyo Bay
"How did it strike you on arrival?So this is happening—this hotel is run by robots (and a few people). Where's the concierge? Oh, right, it’s that furry velociraptor behind the desk in a green and white bellhop cap—or the mannequin-like, smiling woman next to it, speaking in her staccato subway-announcement voice. This should be interesting! Nice. What’s the crowd like?Speaks in code. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The rooms are small, functional, clean, and nothing special—no matter the category. Deluxe rooms are slightly bigger, complete with built-in desk, but don't expect more flare beyond the striped throw-blanket on the bed and the television on the wall. A scanner outside the door unlocks the room by way of facial recognition if you're keen. Inside, each room gets a bedside robot (one, called Churi-chan, is a cartoonish character dressed in pink and green) that can tell you all of the things that Siri already knows (the weather) and can do all of the things your incredible iPhone can do (scheduling a wake-up alarm), although, uniquely, it can also turn off the lights (if you can't do it yourself). How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Truthfully, some of these tiny robots are pretty cute. We wouldn't be opposed to slipping one of the furry ones into our luggage. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Bathrooms are a reminder of the only robots anyone truly needs while in Tokyo: Toilets that do more than flush. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?C'mon, it's a robot hotel, of course Wi-Fi is free. Room service: Worth it?Okay, so the robots aren't exactly savvy enough to whip up comfort food and deliver it to each guest room. However, there are some O.G. machines on premises that will do the trick—they're called vending machines. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?It's just barely faster than a turtle, but the robotic cart that carries luggage to the room deserves a pat on the back. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.This hotel exists in this location for one specific reason: its proximity to Tokyo Disneyland. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The dinosaur concierge (in reality, the touchscreen in front of it that guests use to check-in) doesn't always work perfectly and has the tendency to fumble (understandable: velociraptors have small hands), so staff waits nearby to swoop in with the human touch. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Its robotic functions aren't always any more exciting than the touch-screen remotes at most newer hotels, but if you're already planning on going to Tokyo Disney, and you have a blossoming nerd in the family, it can be one of the more amusing accommodations in Tokyo (and at the very least, a solid photo-op)." - Keith Flanagan
