In a unique and surprisingly brilliant collaboration between two hotel chains, California's Joie de Vivre and the Best Western Group, the eccentric Hotel Tomo is one of the city's coolest budget-chic hotels. With giant Japanese robot vending machines in the lobby, Miyazaki films on the flat-screen TVs, and Japanese artist Heisuke Kitazawa's bright murals on the lobby ceiling, walking into the Hotel Tomo’s lobby for the first time makes for quite a first impression. Hotel Tomoo’s fun and funky rooms feature bright and colorful furnishings, natural pine wooden surfaces, and all manner of Japanese gadgets and gizmos. WiFi, large flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations are also an unexpected bonus. For gaming obsessed travellers, don’t miss at least one evening spent in the high-tech gaming suites with giant, life-sized screens where you can play Wii and Playstation 3 to your heart’s content while lounging in their boldly colourful bean bags. If you’re looking for 5-star hotel amenities then this may not be the hotel for you, as there is no public restaurant, bar, pool or gym to speak of. However, you’ll have a wealth of excellent Japanese dining options right on your doorstep, as the hotel is located in San Francisco's edgy Japantown district. You’ll also be only a short taxi ride away from the city’s best shopping, sightseeing, dining and nightlife spots, so expect some of the most affordable accommodation prices in the city at the Hotel Tomo.
