Sanco Inn Grande Tokyo Hamamatsucho

Rarely have I found such a well equipped room with some clever space-saving shelves, an abundance of charming baskets full of amenities, and the newest go-fast electronics ideas - including plenty of outlets and the fantastic Japanese toilets. The location, for us, was terrific -- two blocks from the Hamamatsucho station which links the Yamanote Line with the monorail from Haneda Airport. Use stairway exit S5, otherwise it's a much longer walk. We wanted to visit the Tuna Auction and depart Tokyo on a cruise -- both ultra convenient from the Grande. Although we had dinner plans elsewhere in Tokyo, there were enough appealing restaurants in the area that one need not necessarily struggle with the more congested central locations. A great perk was that we could select our preferred pillows from a selection in the lobby. The staff, whose English was decidedly limited, was nonetheless helpful, particularly dealing with the 05:00 taxi to the Wholesale Fish Market. The Grande is a well-run small hotel.

The down-side to room 1206, however, was that all these enhancements took up space. The room would have been very comfortable for a single person, but the two of us had to choreograph and negotiate space at every move. The standard, double bed was wedged into an alcove which meant that the far person had to climb over the near one in order to get out of bed. The large desk chair, which completely blocked passage, immediately found its way into the hall; the vanity stool was sufficient for the computer. All those charming baskets ended up on the floor under the single luggage rack; our 2nd suitcase (fortunately both carry-on size) stayed on the floor, and both served as dresser drawers, there being no alternative. I am glad we were there only two nights -- and we did manage. We can only assume that these space limitations are not a problem for Asian guests, but for larger people, it is. Great room for a single; not so sure for a couple -- and certainly not one with any intimacy problems.