Unique ‘no frills’ loft accommodation in Tokyo will surprise you

CHECK IN

Spying the OMO5 sign across the top of a building near the Otsuka train station, I check into the hotel from its spacious and inviting lobby-slash-cafe from the former office building's fourth floor with a friendly young staffer. The hotel, named OMO5 Otsuka by Hoshino Resorts, is the luxury brand's "budget" arm that is rapidly expanding across the country, and I am pleasantly surprised at what I find.

THE LOOK

Light and airy, the building's unique design mimics yagura - Japanese wooden tower - so there are clean pale-coloured cypress lines forming squares throughout the building and in each of the 125 rooms. Designed by Japanese architect Tatsuro Sasaki who is behind the more luxurious HOSHINOYA brand, it has a distinctly Scandinavian vibe. The building's common areas include a go-Kinjo map on the wall to showcase the area's best features as you're entering the property at the fourth floor (and there's a new digital, interactive version of it, too). The area opens up to a buzzing cafe and lobby/lounge, with lots of modern Japanese art, a DJ booth decorated with vinyl and large windows to take in the views. On display are lots of tempting items for sale, sourced locally; you can help yourself to free extra toiletries such as toothbrushes, which you won't find in your room (to prevent waste). As a nice added touch, pyjamas are available to hire.

THE ROOM

There's a corner reserved for shoes at the door before you step inside and onto the room's tatami mats. The coral colour scheme highlights remarkable use of space inside the compact, high-ceiling rooms, each featuring a loft for sleeping. Underneath, a comfy, large daybed offers a relaxing spot to chill-out or watch TV. The geometric design allows for plenty more storage and places to hang clothing - also under the stairs - where you'll find a mini-fridge, safe, tea and coffee. A wide window ledge means you can overlook the region below and the smart blue-and-white checked bathroom features a bathtub and shower. Who said this was a no-frills hotel?

FOOD & DRINK