Nikkey Palace Hotel

R. Galvao Bueno, 425, Liberdade

11-3207-8511

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Old hotel purpose-built for Japanese community goes easy on trappings, but location is chief. Textured white wallpaper adorns super-basic rooms that could use more light; furniture is light wood and really nothing special. Pluses include modern, deep soaking tubs in ofuro style and extra-large closets designed to fit golf clubs. Downstairs sushi restaurant serves continental or Japanese-style breakfast for guests, tiny Sakeria bar in lobby has tasting menu of six imported sakes that perfectly accompany the karaoke that goes on every evening, though you’d think it’d annoy the Japanese seniors reading the paper nearby. With men’s only sauna and barbershop, open to public as well.