Originally Posted by dtremit

A lot of the Japanese hotel chains seem to have three and even four bed rooms, which I don't think I've seen in any Western chains.

The Tokyu Stay chain in particular has washing machines in every room, which I could imagine being useful, and many have basic kitchenettes. I also came across Mimaru and Mimaru Suites which seem to have more apartment-like rooms. I think there are a number of other "aparthotel" chains out there but I don't recall the names.

On the other side — keep in mind the Marriott Plat lounge benefit is technically "member plus one guest" — so you might end up paying extra for the kids anyway. Japanese hotels seem to like following rules to the letter.

Originally Posted by brenc3

The international chain options in Japan, below the top tier anyway, still vary a lot in terms of amenities and room quality, and location options can be limited. I'd look into specific hotels you're interested in and whether they can provide rooms with enough space, amenities, and location for what you need on your trip.

Many popular business hotels are a solid value. They often include a basic breakfast, laundry facilities, and baths/springs like the Dormy Inn (I'm partial to the Dormy). In my experience there's a floor on quality level at these hotels, meaning that I've stayed in rooms ~Y5000/night for a single that were clean, comfortable, safe, and perfectly adequate for a short stay. If you're not crazy about the included breakfast there are plenty of coffee shops like Tully's, Doutor, etc. I've also cobbled together a conbini breakfast for my jet-lagged self at 6am. So bottom line, business hotels are a great value and it's unlikely that the big chains will offer amenities that justify the price difference. Even when I'm traveling for work I still sometimes stay at the business hotels for the location convenience as well as the experience.

Originally Posted by roberto99

I agree with the wife!

I totally avoid staying at American hotel chains out of the US because I want something different than I get in the US. Also, I don't want to be surrounded by Americans when I'm in another country.

My last time I stayed in the Amsterdam Marriot, I rode in the elevator and heard another young American state, "I can't believe I got $1,000 in roaming charges from that week in Moscow!"

I'd rather experience more local things than another "American environment"