Hotel Tavinos

Hotel Tavinos is a 'manga hotel' in Tokyo's Hamamatsucho district close to Tokyo Bay.

The budget-friendly hotel takes an innovative approach to interior design, inspired by pop art culture throughout. Bold and fun art panels grace the walls and integrated with the floor and furniture design. The art style is more Roy Lichtenstein-era pop art than kawaii Japanese manga, but the approach stands out and should resonate with visitors.

The rooms themselves come in three simple yet vivid designs, that will surely get you in the mood for breakfast. Entering one of the rooms will reveal a multi-panel comic scene based on preparation of freshly-brewed coffee (our favourite), fried egg or toast.

In stark contrast, breakfast is actually a no-frills, basic offering of pre-packed breads/pastries and freshly brewed coffee or tea. Located in the main lobby-cum-lounge area, it's ultimately designed for people in a rush – which does tally with the budget-friendly pricing and pseudo-business hotel vibe. Electrical outlets, free Wi-Fi and the aforementioned drinks service make this a suitable area to relax, charge your phone or catch up on emails.

Check-in is self-serve at the reception-based kiosk, with required toiletries available to choose at your discretion.

Specific rooms are actually pre-bookable in advance — a nice innovation for lower-tier hotels and handy if you want to guarantee that Tokyo bay view to the east. Prices are competitive and start in the 8,000- JPY range, bookable from all the major hotel comparison sites.

The lounge is also home to perhaps Tavinos' greatest innovation – giant touchscreen panels showcasing a 3D bird's-eye view of the area. This 'AI Concierge', christened TAVINOSHIORI, also offers voice support, in English and Japanese, allowing guests to explore and ask for sightseeing recommendations. See if you can catch the monorail trains, which and synchronised and move in real-time across the map.