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Most of the guest rooms in this anonymous 21-story concrete tower are nothing special -- fine if you score a low weekend rate, not good enough for the money if your rate starts inching to close to $200. The best reason to stay here is to experience one of the handful of wonderfully unique Japanese-style suites, which recreate an elegant Far East hotel room in every detail: futon beds elegantly dressed and laid out on tatami floors, sliding rice-paper shoji screens, ofuro bathrooms with separate showers and soaking tubs, and a prime view of the half-acre rooftop classical tea garden. One- and two-night Japanese Experience cultural packages include suite accommodations, welcome sake, shiatsu massages, dinner, and in-suite breakfast.

Even if you opt for a more mundane Western-style room, you can enjoy the beautifully sculpted Japanese Garden; the five restaurants and bars, including Senbazuru (A Thousand Cranes) for Japanese cuisine elegantly presented by kimono-clad servers (go for breakfast for the ultimate culinary adventure), and the Garden Grill for superb teppan yaki steak and seafood; and the terrific Japanese-style Sanwa Spa for shiatsu massages. The location is close enough to the prime business district to be convenient, yet far enough to be peaceful. Little Tokyo dining options are nearby, and Downtown shuttles and free taxi vouchers make exploring easy. Expect a clientele that's split between Japanese and Westerners.

Facilities: 2 Japanese restaurants (including a Tokyo-style teppanyaki grill); California-style bar and grill; 2 cocktail lounges; full-service Japanese-style spa (www.sanwahealth.com) w/saunas, baths, and shiatsu massages; fitness center; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; courtesy shuttle; business center; shopping arcade; salon; room service (6am-11pm); in-room massage; laundry service; dry-cleaning service; executive-level rooms; Japanese garden.

© 2005, Wiley Publishing, Inc.