Tokyo: Places to Stay

It's easy to blow a bundle on accommodation in Tokyo, but it's equally easy to find reasonably priced, clean, pleasant places to spend the night -- IF you know what you're looking for. Try out these three tiers for a great holiday abroad:

1. HIGH END: If you want to spend some cash and be in the center of the action, you can always try the Tokyo Century Hyatt or Hilton hotels. These are smack in the middle of Shinjuku, which is largely a business area but is very near just about everything else. It's also a major subway station, making it easy to get around.

2. MID END: If you don't want to break the bank but want a step above a youth hostel, I reccomend a Japanese traditional inn, or ryokan. These are not high-class accommodations -- you'll likely be in the middle of nowhere, and you will definitely be sleeping on a futon on the floor, not a bed -- but they are clean, comfortable, and affordable. One thing to note about ryokans is that they may have a curfew. Make sure to check!

3. LOW END: Hostels. Tokyo has a surprising selection of hostels, also known as Gaijin Houses. The best place to look for Tokyo hostels is at hostels.com, which not only lists each hostel but features user ratings as well.

Wherever you stay, most places in Japan are clean and professional. You're sure to have fun.