Shibuya Granbell Hotel
"How did it strike you on arrival?It's not brand new, but it's clear the hotel's designer knew that clean lines and a splash of color go a long way in the tight quarters of action-packed Shibuya. Just a quick stroll from the train station, it's far from over the top and sensibly practical. Nice. What’s the crowd like?City hoppers or itinerant business travelers. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.As a boutique property, rooms have different looks, and a handful get carried away (like the Bears Room, with whimsical stuffed teddies). Single rooms can be an itty-bit cramped, but the Premiere Double is mostly right with enough room to maneuver. The interiors are swathed in dark to light grays, all with a hit of neon light—one green, one red—to complete the vibe. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The bed is fine, as are the pillows, but not so fine that you'll be hard-pressed to leave it. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Like the beds, the amenities are fine, too. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.If the rooms run small, the bathrooms are large enough, especially for Tokyo. The fixtures work just fine, as does the rainfall-style standup shower. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?The Wi-Fi is free, which is a good thing considering that it's not always consistent, let alone speedy. Room service: Worth it?There's complimentary breakfast, which isn't much better than the Wi-Fi, but Shibuya is at your doorstep, so go ahead, eat out! Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Sure, it's scant on facilities, but the location means access isn't much of a concern. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Don't book this one for your Hilton-loving parents, but as far as crash-pads go in the thick of Tokyo, this one does the trick. You can find more luxurious rooms at similar prices elsewhere, but they probably won't be smack in Shibuya." - Keith Flanagan
