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The B Akasaka Could B 4 U

Where: 7-6-13, Akasaka, Tokyo, Japan, 107-0052

That's right, since the Purple One is all over the place these days, we figured we would bring back Prince titles--see above.

In any event, The New York Times recently sent writer Andrew Yang over to Tokyo's B Akasaka, and he's back with a fairly positive review. Tokyo gives the same sort of hotel room sticker shock as New York City, so it's good to see "budget" options expanding. The B Akasaka looks like a good entry in the Easy Hotel-style category--minus the blindingly-bright Stelios orange, of course.

Interesting then that the B Akasaka gets called out not as a Japanese Easy Hotel, but as an aloft-style budget-boutique. Says Andrew:

The hotel doesn't have certain services, like room service, in favor of a more do-it-yourself philosophy. No need to worry about extra charges for the minibar (there is none), or Internet access (it's free) or telephone calls (local calls are also free)...The B Akasaka is perfect for work-intensive business trips, quick solo weekend shopping excursions or just a place to stay while seeing friends. If you insist on being fussed over and want to have everything brought to your fingertips, this is not the place for you. But if you like the autonomy and anonymity that the metropolis of Tokyo affords, then the B Akasaka is a quiet, and serene perch from which to explore the city.

If you're not into Japanese minimalist hotels, this Sunday's Times also features the Lost Trail Lodge--a don't-even-think-about-WiFi lodge less than five miles from Truckee, CA. The Lodge has no phones, no plasma TVs and no roads leading to the property: you have to ski or snowshoe in from town. Minimalist indeed.

Image via Eloketh

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