LOL :)

After your surgery will you headline at my club in Patpong?

patpong I or II?? i have standards..

I haven't come onto the Asia Forum for ages and now this! Good for you, Bob!

First China, then Japan, mayhaps the rest of the world after that?

One thing you didn't ask but here it is: the Japanese drive on the left hand side (have you ever wondered why two island nations on opposite sides of the world both drive on the left?) So, if you are on one of the numerous escalators and want to let others pass, stand on the left side. OTOH, it probably doesn't matter which side of the escalator Bob is on...

i love blocking the escalators

Isn't that how you met kuranosuke?

LOL, lcuy - I remember that...

i was on an excalator at emporium but i was not blocking it..

i am still overwhelmed especially about the expensive hotels... i was told most hotels in tokyo would be about $75 but that is not true i am finding...

Oh, Bob, you misunderstood, the hotels are $75 an hour!

Good one Kathie!

or a minute... i prefer thai prices

Here's a place in the Shinjuku area for $30/night: http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/shin...apsule.en.html . I would pay for you to stay there (1 night only), but photos would be required.

Actually, most hotels in Tokyo (not including the by-the-hour hotels) probably do have rooms for $75 or less. But they would be single rooms, minuscule beyond belief, and any web site would likely be in Japanese only. Still, they would be clean.

However, if you're looking to stay at the "hyatt, ritz, oriental" as you suggested elsewhere, that's a different story. One of the very best deals you might find is at the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi Hills, where the fully-cancelable Senior rate is about 25000 yen/night. This is a superb hotel, one of the very best and most comfortable in the city (though probably a small notch below Four Seasons, Mandarin, and maybe Park Hyatt). It's in an excellent location, in an upscale shopping area and with direct access to 2 subway lines. 25k yen isn't cheap, but the regular, non-senior rate is 45000 yen. And you'd likely pay at least twice that for a comparable place in NYC, Paris, or Hong Kong.

For more modest rates -- and much more modest accommodations -- the Japanese chains such as Toyoko Inn or B Hotels would be worth a look. Others in this forum have stayed there and can give more info. I stayed a few weeks ago at the Mitsui Garden Hotel in Ueno for 10000/night for one of their better rooms -- king bed, high floor, etc. Room would have been barely big enough room for 2 people, but hotel is new and location ok.

Bobb-o...important advice..please never admit to any Japanese natives that you're a Needham-ite. My army buddies from your quaint New England village, are all personas-non-grata after raising two years of hell in Beppu. Many Japanese I know in cities all over the country swear that if a Needhamite has the chutzpah (Japanese for "nerve") to show up, they will retalliate for the shame inflicted on their forebears by Needham "boys"..even though it was 66 years ago...so be forewarned! Quincy guys are most welcome because of the many good deeds I was known for. Happy travels..but skip Japan.

Stu, Beppu's guardian.

stu, you fathered and support how many...

Great thread.
Is it safe to swim there? It will take a very long time, quicker to fly.

Bob...lost track for the 'fathering" bit..but "support"?...I skipped town when Uncle Sam discharged me...left no address.

Nywoman...great comment!

Thai prices have risen since we were there 5 years ago. The 5-star hotels are not so cheap anymore.....

$75.00 per night???

Ohhhhh you must mean $75.00 to transport the two of you from the Narita airport to your Tokyo hotel.

If you are worried you can book the Westin with the cash and points deal now being offered @ $150.00 + points per night and cancel for something else better later when it comes along. You have about 11 months so something should pop up in Shinagawa or somewhere else easier transport wise for you.

Aloha!

not so worried as horrified

No worries. You can easily get a 10m2 room with unit bath for $75.00/night.

But horror, yes. The room will have no space aside from what the bed and the spot of carpet between the bed and the bathroom door and room entrance. And the bathroom is doll-sized.

Consider a machiya in Kyoto. Whole house. Even has beds and furniture. And reasonable price. My friend rents them.

In Tokyo, after spring some special rates will come up for fall. Luxury hotels in Tokyo are quite a nice value - much less than comparable in NY or Paris or London with great service.