"Start from the top. What's this place all about?Hip, clean and compact, 1899 is a next generation of Tokyo hotel that was built for a new generation of traveler. Check-in feels more like a local coffee roaster than a lobby, with polished wood and wabi sabi accenting. The design was inspired by a traditional Japanese tea house, but it reflects a millennial audience: adventurous and on-the-go, with little need nor care for overindulgence. So is it a one-off little gem, or part of a chain?Ryumeikan is a century-old Japanese hotelier. But this property, a tea-themed boutique hotel, is quite unlike the rest. Everything from the toiletries in the room to the herbal experts in the cafe are centered around the hot drink and its place in Japanese culture. What can we expect from the rooms?Rooms at 1899 are quaint without being confined. The Superior Double measures about 215 square feet, which is plenty of room to unfold and spread your wings. Fixtures evoke traditional Japanese design: an engawa-style bench, paneling that recalls the tatami-mat styling of a washitsu room. Even the lamps riff on the tea theme, with a look that resembles the chasen whisk used in matcha-making. Tea aside, are there any good eats available on-site?Food's limited to DELI&BAR on the first floor, an on-the-go cafe with various tea-themed items, including matcha liver paste and tea-flavored sausages. There are also matcha-infused sweets, including gelato, waffles, and anmitsu. How's the service?Don't expect pampering—or even room service—but if you're looking for a reasonably priced stay and a consistent theme, this is a great option. Even more so if you're into tea; if you're really into it, ask one of the onsite tea sommeliers for hands-on demonstrations and tastings. And what can we expect from the other guests?They're typing away on their phones, planning a night out in Harajuku and Roppongi. How about the surrounding neighborhood—is there anything fun to do a bit closer to the hotel?Shimbashi is the salaryman capital of Tokyo; during the day, the neighborhood fills with suits and ties crowding into the metro lines. But the convenient location affords easy access to much of the rest of Tokyo, as well as Haneda airport, which is less than 30 minutes away by cab. Is there anything you'd change?We'd love to see more dining options and a lobby bar. What else should we know about this hotel before planning a stay?If you're going to stay in a tea-themed hotel, you might as well take advantage of the opportunity to, uh, soak it all in—so flag down one of those tea sommeliers. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?This is a well-priced option for travelers who don't expect to spend too much time at the hotel." - Brad Japhe
