APA Hotel and Resort Yokohama Bay Tower

APA Hotel and Resort Yokohama Bay Tower is part of the APA chain, one of the largest hotel groups in Japan and a familiar name to travellers who book business hotels. The Bay Tower is a high-rise on the edge of the Minato Mirai area, so many upper rooms have wide views over the city and in some cases toward the bay. The appeal is simple: a clean room, a good bed and a location near the waterfront at a price that is usually well below the larger hotels in the district. It is a sensible choice for budget-minded couples, solo travellers, groups of friends and families who are happy with compact rooms and plan to spend the day outside.

Budget stays in Minato Mirai are not easy to find, which is why this hotel appeals. Because the district is built around large towers, malls and a convention centre, most hotels there sit in the upper price brackets. A chain hotel on the edge of the district gives you access to the same walkable waterfront, the same rail lines and the same evening illuminations for far less per night.

The trade-off is room size, since rooms in the APA style are efficient and compact, with a unit bathroom, a small desk and a bed that takes up much of the floor.

From the hotel you can reach the Ferris wheel and waterfront parks in a short walk or a short train ride, and the Red Brick Warehouse and Yamashita Park are only a little further. Chinatown is reachable by subway, and Yokohama Station is nearby for trains to Tokyo, Kamakura and the airport. The surrounding area has convenience stores, chain restaurants, ramen shops and cafes, so you can eat cheaply and well without leaving the neighbourhood.

Higher floors usually give the best view and the quietest night, so request one when you book if you care about either. Rooms vary between single, double, twin and larger family styles, and some hotels of this brand include a public bath or a large shared bathing area, so check when you book whether that applies to your dates. Breakfast is commonly offered as an add-on, and it is worth comparing the price with the cafes and bakeries nearby.

This hotel suits travellers who spend their days sightseeing and use the room mainly to sleep. It is less suited to long stays with a lot of luggage, to guests who want a spa or a pool, or to anyone who wants a big, luxurious room. Prices rise on weekends, holidays and event days, so book early if your dates coincide with a concert, a fireworks display or a conference. Check the cancellation terms before you confirm.