"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? The world of MUJI is headquartered at its Ginza shop, a venue of department store proportions cluttered in equal measures with objects and people. The lobby of the hotel doubles as the store's highest floor, where there's a charming cafe and communal reading room. From there, an elevator shuttles you up to your refreshingly spare room, perched in a distinctly quieter area of the building. What's the backstory? In Japan, MUJI has long been considered a "no-name brand"—its wares are sold without the pomp of fancy marketing. But today the company is very much an internationally renowned brand indeed, one that calls to mind pared-back, unfussy design across its entire portfolio, from bed linens to pencil cases. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? The entry-level rooms at MUJI Hotel come with only a whisper of design; everything's as simple as can be within the confines of minimal square footage. It's like Barbie's dream Tokyo apartment where everything's teeny-tiny and low-slung—but where the toilet still has all the expected bells and whistles. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wifi is free. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? True to form, MUJI's food is unencumbered by fancy flourishes, garnishes, or overwrought recipes. They're a big hit for Tokyoites who work in the Ginza area and pop in for a bite or midday meal. Japanese breakfasts, complete with a smattering of regional ingredients, are geared toward guests and are well worth the extra fee. And the service? Staff pulls double duty, welcoming guests into the fold while politely keeping shoppers from wandering into the hotel's private spaces. They do a solid job of both. What type of travelers will you find here? Guests here are cosmopolitan and well traveled. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? Ginza was one of the first retail districts developed after the Second World War; as such, the tree-lined streets count hundreds of boutiques and dozens of department stores. This is where you can get everything from Mikimoto pearls to the latest Prada. MUJI is palpably more downmarket, but there's something rather alluring about its efficient, no-frills products. Any other hotel features worth noting? The store sells everything you'll find in the hotel itself, right down to the sealed plastic bags of curry served in the restaurant. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? Come to live in the wonderful world of MUJI for a few days." - Brandon Presser
