Rack Rates In Tokyo Beat Other Capitals

<B> Rack Rates In Tokyo Beat Other Capitals</B>

By Robert Selwitz

With the yen now approximately 120 to the U.S. dollar, rack rates for quality properties are significantly lower than similar accommodations in other world capitals, according to the Japan National Tourist Organization.

For examples, the JNTO cited the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza and the New Otani Hotel in Tokyo's Akasaka district, both of which charge about $180 per night. Also, a single room with a king-size bed in the Century Southern Tower--conveniently located in the Tokyo's wild and woolly Shinjuku district, the city's liveliest--goes for around $140.

Other options JNTO mentioned included a $180 rate at the new Tokyo Takanawa Prince Hotel's Sakura Tower; a single rate of approximately $130 at the Tokyo Prince Hotel; and a single rate of less than $100 at the Prince Hotel's Yokohama property.

Starwood Asia/Pacific spokesperson Nelli Yong had two bits of advice for Japan-bound U.S. business travelers. First, "while executives flying in and out of Japan have long regarded the country as prohibitively expensive, with the exchange rate being so much in favor of the U.S. dollar, it might be an ideal time to bring families along for a vacation, or to spend a weekend in Japan after a business trip."

And secondly, she suggested, "When you have to entertain, try and do it during lunch time. Restaurant prices during lunch hours are much less expensive than those at dinner time.