Just to clear up a couple of things that I didn't mention in the video (mostly because I didn't want to bore you guys): 1. We're calling it a hotel instead of an Airbnb because it's actually licensed as one -- the license to start a hotel in Japan is much harder to get than a standard Airbnb or "minpaku" license, and requires you to install more heavy-duty smoke detectors and fire safety-related things, including fire-resistant doors and walls, and also has more requirements regarding check-in and security than the Airbnb license. Why would we go through the trouble of getting this? Japan only allows minpaku-licensed properties to operate 180 days out of the year, while a hotel can operate all year. Does it look like most hotels? No, but it's still a hotel nonetheless! 2. Yes, the price may seem high, but this area of Tokyo is extremely expensive -- hotel rooms of a similar size to this house (600ft2/55m2) nearby (Ebisu and Roppongi, since Hiroo doesn't have any licensed hotel other than the US military-only New Sanno Hotel) tend to charge double of what we're charging, with the caveat that you can only stay as two, maybe three guests. In Besso Hiroo, your whole family may be able to stay over without having to get multiple rooms, since we have the pullout sofa. Sure, you can find more inexpensive options nearby, but they will be either business hotels or capsule hotels where you'll be sacrificing size and comfort.
Thank you for the explanation alex! So you can operate year round. Gotcha! I figured this place would lean more into the luxury/boutique side of things with all the money you guys put into it. Compared to staying at the 4 seasons or any luxury hotel in Tokyo I suppose your place would be amenable to those folks and be a more intimate place to stay over several days.
I recommend putting something in the kitchen that will fit in the grooves on the sink. That way you can prep your ingredients (cutting, cleaning, etc.) while you use the stove.
I wish you a lot of success. People are complaining about the price. This place is huge! Multiple people could put in on the rate. Also to mention… It’s in Tokyo, people! This isn’t Budget Suits!
For the washing machine (and maybe the other appliances) I'd maybe add an english manual or some labels on the buttons. I would have no idea what to press. :D
First I have to say I really love the design and the restauration here. Your team did an amazing work. That said, I think it would have been better to create a share house or multiple cheaper rooms ; here it just seems like an air bnb without calling it an air bnb
Too small for a sharehouse. Its only a 1 bedroom place. Its basically a home rental/air bnb like you said. Meant for a small family or a couple. Def not for a solo traveler
It's cool, but it's disappointing that some of the functionality wasn't kept. For example the self filling and temperature regulating bathtub. And the smaller bathroom mirror and sink. It is a hotel I suppose.
I completely hear what you're saying; however, certain features, including bath reheating functionality, are not permitted in Ryokan or hotel settings to maintain hygiene standards set by Japanese law.
I love the renovation. Bookmarked the hotel as I might be in Tokyo next year with the family and for the area, standalone nice if small house that can sleep 4 is not bad at all.
A couple of things I noticed. The fridge and the washing machine should open the opposite direction. I also missed hanging space in the Bedroom, bath and the entrance. And lastly no counter space in the kitchen, maybe just put a board in the same stone on top of the sink.
For the fridge, you want it to open into the kitchen not away from it. Your suggestion would actually make the flow of the space irregular and that's a major no-no for Feng Shui. The washer/drier looks like it can only open the one way but at least it won't bang on the walls when open.
In Quebec, we have something called "Tant qu'à" which translates to "Might as well" and it describes this situation where you start a small renovation project and, while "that" is being worked on or "this" wall is opened, might as well do this and that. Once you've stick your finger in it, the arm usually follows and soon enough, your simple kitchen makeover sees you in the middle of a stud forrest ;) A very international concept!
It's a typical boutique hotel. Price, function, all. => a group of friends / family of >4 wants >4 real beds not 1 queen size bed + 1 fold out bed + 1 sleeping couch => someone who wants a kitchen want space for prep work => a group of friends / family of >4 wants a couch / seating for >4 => a single / pair get's a really nice 4 star hotel room for this price
Looks pretty good. I think i have 2 real gripes about it: 1). Where do you prepare your food? There is literally only a sliver of counter space. Its not even big enough for a cutting board. That sink is massive comparatively and would have probably been better off being slightly smaller to accommodate the smaller space and give actual counter space. 2). The roof. I think it would be better if the roof fence was about your elbow height. It looks nice but feels like you're closed in a box and when you sit all you see is wood. Most people would like to feel a breeze and **SEE** something. Removing the top two or three boards all the way around, would open it up more while still keeping it private
It looks pretty big actually. I can't believe that my apartment is 11 square meters larger. I love the japanese minimalism with the plants and the grey walls. Would stay there if i ever went to tokyo
I enjoyed this episode. Interesting renovation. Now it looks like a brand new house. Congratulations on expanding your endeavors and many blessings to your journey and future. You are an inspiring guy.
Congrats on he project! I got so confused by the name hotel during the entire video, and kept wondering where the other bedrooms would be, and why people shared a bathroom or why it was not en-suite. Etc. Guest-House would be a better term ;)
It's officially a hotel and built to meet the standards but it seems that you've just found a way around AirBnb limitations. It's listed on AirBnb so it is an AirBnb. A really nice one. If Japan ever does something to stop traditional AirBnb would you still be able to list it on AirBnb since it's actually a hotel? I can see a family with two young kids who dont mind sharing a bed staying there. Mimaru hotels is very family friendly so they'd be your competition... though they arent on AirBnb. That aside good luck with it. Hopefully you wont have neighbors complaining since it seems to be in a residential area.
Staying here right now, and it’s even better in person! The attention to detail is unreal-everything from the decor to the views. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a slice of Tokyo luxury! 🌃👌
Best area to live in when working in central Tokyo, but not sure it s where you wanna stay for your holidays. Then, not sure why you would pay more to stay there for holidays (while it is true there is a premium for renting long term there)
LOVE the renovations! You guys did an amazing job and that area really is great! Seems a bit cramped for 4 large americans to wanna go there. Im gonna go out on a limb and say it would be a good place for a couple or a very small asian family that is more comfortable in close quarters. Its def a great guest house. Wouldn't call it a hotel at all. Theres no staff either
I imagine he will add a manual for things but the label maker, whilst sounds like a great idea for your own home, would make the space feel less exuberant & more obsessive Airbnb host.
Yea after seeing the high end everything, I expected the price tag. $750 for two nights is a bit much, but I guess it is a luxury place versus an affordable one. I’ll stick with my business hotels lol.
I see a lot of people say that this place is too expensive, and while by itself, I'd say it would be, where it's located, I think the price is fairly reasonable. Obviously calling it a hotel is far fetched and pretty misleading (though I am glad in the description, it's listed as an air bnb and not a hotel), but overall, I feel like if you do have the money, especially if you're not the most fluent in Japanese but would like to stay in Tokyo, it'd be a decent enough option.
I always find it fascinating that we don't measure distance in meters/km/etc but in time. We're 10 minutes away from this, 12 minutes away from that. Good luck on the hotel though may it go well! Zoning in Japan is so odd, would love to hear about the 'legality' of turning something like this into a Hotel, or is it more like an AirBNB type deal?
Because it depends how the way is. Route A and B are both 300 m long. Route A is just straight and not very steep. Route B is steep and you have to walk a lot of corners. Route A will be faster, although it's the same distance😁 It's the same for the navigation system in cars. You can either go for the shortest route or the fastest, cause short doesn't always equal fast 🙃
Very nice, Alex! The dates I'm planning on being in Tokyo are unavailable though. I'll continue checking because our plans to visit have already been scrapped twice.😢 I'm hoping that the third time's a charm. 🤞🏼
I think these people commenting about it not being affordable are coming from "affordable" being a 112 sq. ft business hotel lol. This is a massive step above that, and still cheaper than many of the name brand hotels. Far and away cheaper than any luxury hotel in the spot. Congrats on making moves my dude!
Right. Hes intending this for ppl who have cash to burn. 400 a night for some ppl is chump change. Thats who he wants there. He didnt intend this for budget travelers.
