Originally Posted by
LapLap
... I kind of feel sorry for some people who travel around Japan in luxury - those chats with older ladies in a shared bath are some of my most cherished memories of this country.
Hey girl!
Just to tag onto this sentiment - during my most recent stay of 10 days in Japan, I spend the entire trip schlepping around the Kansai, staying in inexpensive business hotels as usual. Tiny little bathrooms, just about enough space in the room to turn around, a relatively comfortable bed and breakfast included. Had a ball. Then I splurged a bunch of HHonors points for a stay at the Nagoya Hilton Grand just before leaving. Had the most horrendous night ever on a bed that felt "like an ironing board." (nice quote, by the way. I'll steal it again.
) Plus, they wanted to charge me for Wi-Fi, which I got free everywhere else.
Point is, the comfort of the room trumps all of the fancy trimmings. Mixing budget with 'luxe doesn't matter to me as long as I get the relative value from each.
JR