Hotel Tomo Review: A Japanese Pop-Culture Hotel

Last weekend, Eugene and I went up to San Francisco to attend StumbleUpon's 10 million Stumblers party. As I often times like to do when I go on trips, I booked reservations at a hotel I've always wanted to check out. (In fact, here's when I first found out about Tomo.) I'm sure you'd agree that part of the experience of traveling is staying at a place that fits your mood, whether that means you want glitz and glamour, luxury, or just a place that you know will have a reliable shower and a firm bed.

As part of the Best Western chain, you'd think Hotel Tomo would feel bland or boring but that's where you'd be wrong. Decorated in a modern, Japanese way, Tomo has all the comforts of a standard hotel chain but with a funky and cool twist. You can expect flat screen TVs, iPod docking stations, bean bags in your room, cool robes and free wireless. The art painted walls makes the spacious rooms feel bright and cheery as does the pastel colored chair and desk.

When you first enter Tomo, you're struck by the colorful furniture, the art on the ceiling and the anime playing in the background. In typical Japanese style, it doesn't feel cluttered or overdone, rather, you feel like plopping down on that big blue sofa and just melting into your surroundings.

If you didn't bring your own laptop, you can easily check your email at one of two computers that's set up in the lobby.

Art is prevalent throughout the hotel including inside their restaurant called Mums. The hand-painted mural is nicely set off by the modern decor.

Right in the heart of Japantown, you're only steps away from some good eats (like sushi and ramen). Or, if you feel like roaming around the city, ask the very accommodating staff to call you a taxi and you'll be anywhere in SF in about ten minutes.

Overall?: A fun and funky hotel for anyone who's budget conscious (we payed around $120) but still appreciates design. It's definitely a good value. The surrounding area is not too busy so you won't feel like a trapped tourist. I can't say enough good things about the staff. Highly knowledgeable about the surrounding area and always willing to go the extra mile, the staff is what makes this hotel feel more like a home.

Big thanks to Hotel Tomo for giving me a guided tour of their hotel. I'll definitely be back!

Hotel Tomo
1800 Sutter St.,
San Francisco, CA 94115
P: 415.921.4000