Claska

Signature Japanese precision meets artistic flair in this one-of-a-kind multiplex facility. Originally meant to be a simple renovation of an old business hotel, Claska now includes not only a boutique lodging facility, but also an art gallery, studio, lifestyle goods shop, event space, and a dog-grooming salon. Conceptualized by an English design firm, the hotel's exterior resembles a Rubik’s cube in various shades of brown that’s especially brilliant looking when lit up at night. 

Inside, Japanese designer Shuwa Tei's aesthetic is uncluttered and ultra-contemporary with gleaming, dark beamed floors leading to a wood-paneled reception desk. The reading area opposite is partially encased by an L-shaped shelf lined with architecture magazines and designer trinkets. Further into the ground floor, the large windows in the restaurant let lots of light stream through their bamboo blinds. Gold-trimmed pillars, recessed lighting, and a corner bar with leather couches transforms the space into a swanky lounge in the evenings. 

Other common areas are as minimalist as the lobby. Hallways between rooms feature dark carpeting and single spotlights studding the ceilings. The hotel shop includes Scandinavian-inspired wood furnishings. Neutral tones give the spa a clean, peaceful vibe. Claska's overall stylishness isn't particularly cozy for vacationing families with children, but it is especially inviting to guests on business, leisure travels with an extra appreciation for design, or tourists who want to stay somewhere distinct. 

There’s a suburban feel to Claska’s slower-paced, residential neighborhood in the Meguro District just outside the heart of Tokyo. However, the hotel's location on a central street lined with cafes, bookstores, and antique shops does leave it susceptible to street noise. The distance from more popular tourist locations can also feel inconvenient. 

To reach well-known Tokyo hot spots, travelers will need to use the city buses and multiple subway systems. There's a bus stop across the street from the hotel, but Meguro Station, the biggest hub in the area serving several train lines, takes 10 minutes to reach by bus or 30 minutes on foot. Another train station is a 12-minute walk from the hotel, offering direct transport to the nightlife, shopping, and business areas of Shibuya and Shinjuku in central Tokyo. The Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Tower, and Harajuku District are each about 30 minutes away from Claska by public transport. The famous Ginza shopping area, along with the renowned Tsukiji fish market, are both 40 minutes away by public transport. The Imperial Palace takes 50 minutes to reach by train. 

Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport is 40 minutes by either taxi or public transport. Narita International Airport is an hour and 15 minutes away by taxi, or between one- and a-half and two hours by public transport. 

Claska is best known for its 20 guest rooms, available in four styles: Modern, Contemporary, Tatami, and D.I.Y. Within each category, Japanese designers have individually conceptualized each room so that while no two are identical in appearance, all of them feature carefully-chosen colors, furnishings, and layouts that reflect a specific story or intent. All rooms come with twin or double beds, and range from 182 square feet to 1323 square feet for larger, suite-style setups.

Modern Rooms feature original Japanese-style furnishings designed exclusively for Claska. These include light wood desks, neutral-toned linens, and subtle vintage accent pieces. Several Modern Rooms include large outdoor decks with seating. Contemporary Rooms go for a similar, minimalist look; cedar wooden flooring and clean white walls contribute to the airy, bright feel of the spaces, while some rooms also introduce pops of color by including dark suede sofas, Japanese floral paintings, or bright blue work desks. Tatami Rooms incorporate eastern influences into western frameworks, with sections of the wooden flooring giving way to straw mats and shoji screen windows on several walls. D.I.Y Rooms, used mostly by long-term guests, can be custom designed according to a combination of the travelers’ and designers' tastes. Some rooms include large furnished decks. 

All bathrooms keep to a general theme of wooden flooring and shelves, with white tiled walls and steel fixtures, though some also feature glass walls. All rooms have shower/tub combos, handheld showerheads, and bidet toilets. Hairdryers, slippers, spare toothbrushes and razors, and Marks & Web botanical toiletries are also provided. 

In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and Wi-Fi, along with air-conditioning, electric kettles, and mini-fridges. CD and DVD players, safes, and shoe shining equipment are provided in some of the larger rooms. Other extras, like humidifiers, sewing and ironing equipment, iPhone chargers, and incense sets can be rented. Extra beds can be accommodated in some rooms for an extra fee. While there are no accessible rooms for guests with disabilities, adaptations and special requests can be accommodated upon advance notice. Guests should also note that in-room smoking is permitted.  

Claska doesn’t offer the range of amenities expected for a four-pearl hotel, but the few available are of top quality. The well-lit and airy on-site restaurant and bar Kiokuh serves breakfast daily. If added to the room rate, the morning meal comes as a Japanese set (think miso soup, baked fish, rice, and tofu) or an English set (omelets, meats, breads, and jams). If purchased separately, an a la carte menu is available. The restaurant offers eclectic, French and Italian-focused menus featuring seasonal Japanese ingredients for lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. The restaurant’s full menu is also available for room service, along with other menu items exclusively for in-room dining. 

The hotel doesn't include a business center, a fitness center, or a pool. However, massages can be booked in the spa area. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and free on-site parking is also available. Guests can also rent custom-designed bikes to explore the local area. There's a hip gift shop that sells local art and housewares.

Corporate events can be booked in the hotel complex’s studio spaces, and the hotel also offers custom weddings that make use of all the common areas, from the studios to the rooftop decks. On a regular basis, guests have free access to the roof terrace, which opens to stunning panoramas of Tokyo city -- and on a clear day, even a glimpse of Mount Fuji.