About two years ago, boutique hotel chain Joie de Vivre reopened the Best Western Miyako Inn in San Francisco as the anime-infused Hotel Tomo. Looking through their website this morning, the rooms really do look like the closest thing you'll get to experiencing Japan's pop-culture in an American hotel. With plasma screens showing anime and monster movies in the lobby, a vending machine that sells cute, cuddly things from Giant Robot, and with gaming suites that come with everything from PlayStation 3 and Wii to cool bean bag chairs, this hotel has got J-pop covered. It's definitely still a Best Western, per LA Times and NY Times, but if it's creative surroundings you seek (over comfort and luxury), check out Hotel Tomo next time you're in SF. I know I will.
