"Call housekeeping for more vinyl"

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It has no fitness center or spa—but there's a DJ booth smack in the middle of the lounge, and a grooming center for your dog. What else would you expect from a hotel designed by the likes of Tei Shuwa of Intentionallies and British design gurus Tomato?

Originally a business hotel built in the 1960s, the newly refurbished Claska, tel: (81-3) 3719 8121, is the talk of Tokyo, which despite being Asia's fashion capital has been poorly served when it comes to boutique hotels. No longer. Claska exemplifies the Japanese capital's sense of style with its minimalism-meets-retro interiors and its array of unexpected amenities.

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Apart from the aforementioned pet salon, these include art galleries and a bookstore. There's also a buzzing bar open until 4 a.m. and a café serving fusion cuisine.

Naturally, Claska has been packed out with models, media types, artists and musicians since its recent opening—on good days, a celebrity DJ or two will even come down from their rooms for an impromptu set in the lounge. Just as well—without a gym on-site, a quick boogie is all the exercise you're going to get.