Japan Proves Economical Does Not Mean Inferior
<B> Japan Proves Economical Does Not Mean Inferior</B>
By Robert Selwitz
It is widely assumed that an economic stay in Japan is a non sequitur, but there are many frugal alternatives for executives needing to keep costs down. While the ground rules for finding comfortable budget digs may appear formidable, many visitors to Japan feel they are well worthwhile, considering the major travel savings.
Japan's inexpensive hotel offerings include a surprising mix of choices at prices travelers wisely might disdain in other countries. A hotel room here costing well under $100 per night may be simple, spartan and small, but it almost certainly will be clean, competently staffed and at or very near convenient public transportation.
While staffs frequently do not speak English, you can almost be guaranteed service will be gracious and friendly. And checkin/checkout procedures will be familiar to Westerners. Best of all, single room rates range between $59 and $70.
Among those offering such lodging is the Japan Economy Hotel Group. With sites in Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo and Tokyo among others, a typical property is the Tokyo Inn, not far from the central Ginza business area. Single rooms per night cost $64, while doubles go for $102.
Other similarly inexpensive accommodations include the P.T. Hotel Group's Hotel Alcyone, which offers Western-style single rooms for $68 and doubles for $135. The Alcyone is a short walk from the Higashi-Ginza subway station, and from Narita Airport, you can inexpensively reach the hotel in about an hour.
In new hotel news, Hilton International on July 1 will open the 296-room Hilton Otaru on the island of Hokkaido. Located 30 minutes from Sapporo, the island's largest city, the hotel is part of the Mycal Otaru complex, which opened in March and includes two department stores, a health club, movie theater and boutiques.
The new Hilton will feature Western and traditional Japanese rooms and restaurants, a ballroom, and eight meeting and function rooms accommodating up to 700 attendees.
Single rooms at the Hilton will cost $170; double rooms will cost between $211 and $254.