Forgot to say, I liked Shinjuki as our first stop - it was crazy mental busy but exciting, it was more of the modern side of Japan near our hotel, but we could also easily walk to a beautiful temple and there were districts nearby with some great food options. It's also not far from Piss Alley and Golden Gai. We loved the department stores, particularly for the basement food halls - amazing. Of course, transport is great - Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's busiest stations, possible the very busiest. There's not as much of old Tokyo here as Asakusa for example, but I liked it better than Tokyo Station in terms of the mix.

Do you or your DH possibly have a military ID card (reserve or retired)?

If so, you probably can't beat the New Sanno Hotel http://www.thenewsanno.com/


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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

I have a friend who travels to Japan strictly for pleasure. She went three times last year, and is there now. She prefers a simple, well-located hotel chain called Toyoko Inn (https://www.toyoko-inn.com/eng/), located all over Japan, close to the train stations. If you join their "club", you are able to book early (rather than wait until 30 days out from your travel). In Hokkaido when we were on a cruise, we saw at least one in every port we stopped at, so they really are everywhere.

My favorites:
Courtyard - Ginza
New Otani - Akasaka
Keio Plaza - Shinjuku

Thanks everyone-because hubby is an SPG member we have decided to stay at the Westin Tokyo for the first 3 nights (and hope to get an upgraded room with breaky included). Best deal using points/cash, otherwise could not afford it. Will do day trip to Nikko on day 4 and decide whether to stay there over night or come back into Tokyo and find another hotel for 2 nights.

You can also use points for 4 nights and get 5 nights if that works out better for you.