The Barn Tokyo
"Why book? A family-run boutique hotel stuffed full of higher-end perks, but with budget price tags. Set the scene The keyword is efficiency, with a tiny garden for lounging and a whisper of a lobby space with a tiny admin desk and a dining table for guests. Smiley staff are far more proficient in English than some of the front desk staff at pricier digs, and they’re happy to help with restaurant recommendations and bookings. The backstory The Barn Tokyo has a sister property, The Hideout Tokyo, which opened two years earlier down the street, and offers similar accommodation. Rooms While the rooms are small—which comes as no surprise in Tokyo’s budget category—they edge out the competition in a few ways. There’s enough room under the beds to hide unzipped suitcases, and TVs come with complimentary Netflix and YouTube access, which is—perhaps surprisingly—an offering that few luxury hotels have in Japan. Neighborhood Steps from Ueno, this is a great base to explore the northeast section of town, from the stores selling ceramics and restaurant wares along Kappabashi-dori, to the temples of Asakusa, and even Skytree." - Brandon Presser
