Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome

The Villa Fontaine chain has mushroomed across the city in the last few years. Prices are surprisingly low, and many of its hotels offer unique options such as women-only floors. This branch, opened in 2004, sits in the gleaming Shidome complex. A funky approach to interior design has resulted in, for example, a striking atrium/lobby area with cone-shaped lights and unusual artworks by the lifts.The well-designed rooms make the most of their small size, using discreetly patterned luxury fabrics and nifty shutter/blind combinations. Free, always-on broadband internet access is a bonus. Shame about the disappointing buffet breakfast. This is the smartest of the hotel’s ever-increasing locations, which include Roppongi, Ueno and Nihonbashi.