Dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant with spectacular views of Tokyo's financial district, or stay in a trendy budget-friendly hotel, a short stroll from the entertainment heart of the city.
This stylish five-star hotel is set in the heart of Nihonbashi, Tokyo's financial district. It occupies the top eight floors of a 38-storey building, with a two-storey window overlooking the city. The striking dcor features Japanese textiles and was chosen by acclaimed designer Reiko Sudo.
How they rate it
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This is a smart modern hotel "literally on top of Mitsukoshimae tube station", says James Studholme in The Daily Telegraph. The real "highlight here is the view, which day or night is spectacular in all directions". Depending on your room you can look out on the Imperial Palace Gardens, Tokyo Bay and, on a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji. The award-winning spa has corner suites offering 180-degree views. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, with "gadgets galore" and state-of-the art marble bathrooms.
The menu
The Michelin-starred Sense restaurant serves modern Cantonese food, or try the Michelin-starred Tapas Molecular Bar, where you can watch the chefs at work.
Tokyo is infamous for being prohibitively expensive, yet the Ishin Hotel Group offers stylish accommodation at budget prices. The B Akasaka is in a central location, within a ten-minute walk of the Roppongi entertainment district. There is no room service or mini bar, but the rooms are simple, comfortable and come with flat-screen televisions and free internet access. Despite its budget-friendly prices, the B Akasaka has a soothing spa offering everything from full treatments to an express 15-minute, stress-busting treatment perfect for the business traveller.
How they rate it
This well-designed hotel aims to be "both chic and affordable", says James Studholme in The Daily Telegraph. Despite the lack of frills, it manages to create "the sense that you are staying somewhere rather fashionable". You certainly won't be fussed over, but it's a "quiet and serene perch from which to explore the city", says Andrew Yang in The New York Times.
The menu
There are no fancy restaurants here, but a full breakfast is included in the price. You can also get free tea and coffee in the lobby.
Here are some of the finest bed and breakfasts in France, as tipped by Alastair Sawday in The Times.
Across a tiny cobbled courtyard and behind a nail-studded door lies Le Prieure du Chateau de Biron in Biron, Aquitaine, which is an old priory (pictured above). The rooms are fantastic, "fireplaces take pride of place in the huge first-floor rooms, with stone walls, antiques, fine linens and shades of powder blue and pale gold". Prices start at €120 (Leprieurebiron.com).
The "lush walled garden and ancient tower" of La Maison in Blauzac, Languedoc-Roussillon, overlooks "wavyred roofs and blue hills". Try to book the suite that comes with its own terrace, which is "stunning". "There are masses of books, a breakfast table by the fire and good sofas in the sitting room." A double room costs from €120 (Chambres-provence.com).
La Maison de l'Argentier du Roy in Loches, Loire Valley, is in a "regal setting" in the land of chateaux and vineyards. Reserve the Belle Epoque room in the eaves for a "dreamy escape", or Balzac, with its mosaic tower shower'. This B&B is "warm, sumptuous and beautifully restored". A double costs from €95 (Argentier-du-roy.eu).
The spacious rooms at Chateau de Lavaud in Montron, Poitou-Charentes, "are full of personality". There are vintage sinks and old shutters used as bathroom doors. "Take breakfast or dine in a panelled dining room with long views." Prices start from €105 (Chateau-de-lavaud.com).
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