Park Hotel Tokyo: Travelers' best kept secret

Finding affordable hotel options in Tokyo is always difficult, which is why we are always surprised Park Hotel Tokyo does not get more attention. Sure, the Park Hyatt and Ritz-Carlton are amazing luxury hotels. But for the adventorous affluent traveler who wants to spend more time out on the Tokyo streets than laid out on a massage table, Park Hotel Tokyo does the basics perfectly without charging eye-popping prices.

The hotel is located on top of the Shiodome Media Tower in the corporate maze of Shiodome/Shimbashi, almost hidden until arriving by elevator at the 45th floor. Hotel guests can conveniently walk directly from the hotel to Shimbashi station without ever going outside.

The hotel architecture is intriguing: a giant atrium roof looks down upon an open lobby with the rooms on eight floors all facing into the main area. The lack of long hidden corridors channels the Park Hotel Tokyo's vibrant energy into the lobby, making it relatively social compared to other hotels of this class.

The rooms themselves partake in a boutique hotel minimalism that does more with less. Rooms generally go in the ¥20,000-¥30,000 (US$224-336) a night range, although Park Hotel Tokyo holds various bargain discounts throughout the year.

Judging from online sites like Trip Advisor, Park Hotel Tokyo is perhaps better known among Tokyo travelers than Tokyo residents. Hopefully the word is spreading.