Hotel The Celestine Tokyo Shiba
"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Only a small percentage of Tokyo’s hotels are situated in proper neighborhoods, and, this is one of ‘em. In the twilight of its glory days as a strong midrange contender, budget travelers can easily access the Celestine brand and its cache of perks: a massive buffet breakfast, and a sweeping private lounge with plenty of tea, snacks, and coffee table books. What's the backstory? The Celestines are a midrange concept from Mitsui Fudosan, a well-established Japanese hospitality brand that has a keen eye for serving luxury travelers as well. The company has had a hand in helping both Aman and Halekulani make inroads in the country, and it brings that sensibility—smart design and good service—to the more attainably priced properties as well. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? Rooms are arranged around an open, Italianate courtyard below, providing plenty of natural light in the corridors—light birdsong in piped in on speakers, which further enhances the surprising morning calmness in an otherwise frenetic city. The property is admittedly getting on in its years, there are nicks in the hardwood furnishings and the drapery could be freshened, but the budget price point is unbeatable, especially since the bones of the hotel are decidedly upper midrange. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? The wi-fi is free and works throughout the hotel, even on that inviting interior patio. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Much of the design here was inspired by the Kagoshima region, and the food and drinks highlight the area's bounty. At La Pelouse, the onsite restaurant, try keihan (chicken rice), a popular regional dish. And the service? Professional, wish-fulfilling staff could easily work at a much more expensive hotel. What type of travelers will you find here? A cross-section of travelers converge in the cozy, tile- and tree-lined courtyard, from businessmen on important calls to budget travelers surfing the web for top ramen. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? The hotel isn't next to a major transport link, but it's nice to be immersed in a quieter corner of the city. You're only a few metro stops away from big-ticket districts. Is there anything you'd change? Maybe a little less brown and beige in the most economical rooms. Any other hotel features worth noting? The fitness center is a nice bonus for a hotel in this price bracket." - Brandon Presser
