In
Japan,
rabu hoteru/
love hotels are far more than one might imagine from an
American perspective. Here you might think of a
Motel 6 at best, or something incredibly creepy in some horrible neighborhood. In Japan, love hotels run the gamut from
swanky to
minimal, but all offer
privacy (some have automated payment at the room door). Many are themed or have themed rooms (
tropical,
Valentine, etc.). Interestingly enough, their largest
demographic is
married couples--and yes, married-to-each-other.
Privacy, not to mention
free time, is very rare in many Japanese homes, so this is the best way to go about it.
Comfortable and scrupulously
clean even if they are
by the hour, love hotels are really a pretty
good idea.
Referenced in an early issue of
Oh! My Goddess, by the way.