Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu Location: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Rating: 4-star Right in the city heart, this hotel with its distinctive exterior is perfectly located for business and pleasure, served by five subway lines and convenient to business, government, fashion and entertainment districts. A shopping arcade runs the length of the block-long building, with a variety of designer labels represented. Features: Satellite TV, telephone, refrigerator, hair dryer. [CLICK on photo for more information]

Hotel Kagetsu-en Location: Hakone, Japan Rating: 3-star Hakone Kagetsu-en is beautifully surrounded by the colorful cypress grove and from your room's window you can enjoy its amazing overview. The real draw are the hotel's hot spring baths, the hotel's cuisine and the beautiful scenery of Hakone. This hotel offers an authentic Japanese experience. Hakone Kagetsu-en comprises 70 well-appointed guest rooms with air conditioning, colour TV, hairdryer, IDD telephone, 24 hour room service. [hotel website not available]