Surfing for Hotels
In addition to the online travel booking sites Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, and Priceline, you can book hotels through Hotels.com, Quikbook.com, and Travelaxe.net. Other good sources include Asiatravel.com and Asia-hotels.com. In any case, be sure to compare rates at several booking sites, as well as with individual hotel websites to make sure you're getting a good deal.
For Japan-specific websites, government-approved moderate and higher-priced hotels that are members of the Japan Hotel Association are listed at www.j-hotel.or.jp. Likewise, high-priced, government-registered members of the Japan Ryokan Association can be found at www.ryokan.or.jp. Budget-priced Japanese inns -- which do not offer the service or the class of high-priced inns, but do offer the experience of sleeping Japanese-style -- who are members of the Japanese Inn Group -- are listed at www.jpinn.com. In addition, some 50 modestly priced accommodations in Tokyo are members of the Welcome Inn Reservations system, all priced at about Y13,000 ($108/#55) or less for a double; visite www.itcj.jp for information and bookings. And Japan's largest online hotel reservations company for budget and moderately priced accommodations is Rakuten Travel, at http://travel.rakuten.co.jp/en/index.html.
In any case, it's always a good idea to get a confirmation number and make a printout of any online booking transaction.
Tips for Saving on Your Hotel Room
Although Japanese hotels have traditionally remained pretty loyal to their published rack rates, which are always available at the front desk, the recession has opened possibilities for bargains.
- Always ask politely whether a room less expensive than the first one mentioned is available. Since there are usually many categories, ask what the difference is, say, between a standard twin and a superior twin. If there are two of you, ask whether a double or a twin room is cheaper. Ask whether there are corporate discounts. Find out the hotel's policy on children -- do children stay free in the room or is there a special rate?
- Contact the hotel directly. In addition to calling a hotel's toll-free number, call the hotel directly to see where you can get the best deal.
- Check the Internet. If the hotel has a website, check to see whether discounts or special promotions are offered. Some hotels offer discounts exclusively through the Internet. In addition, check hotel booking sites like Expedia.
- Ask about promotions and special plans. Hotels frequently offer special "plans," including "Spring Plans," "Ladies' Plans," and even "Shopping Plans" that provide cheaper rates and services.
- Remember the law of supply and demand. Resort hotels are more crowded and therefore more expensive on weekends and during peak travel periods such as Golden Week. Discounts, therefore, are often available for midweek and off-season stays.
- Ask about hotel membership plans. Some chain business hotels offer hotel memberships with discounts on meals and free stays after a certain number of nights. Others, such as the New Otani, Okura, and the Imperial in Tokyo, allow free use of the hotel swimming pool simply if you become a member at no extra charge. Ask the concierge or front desk.
