Slightly off-topic is the parallel to airport lounges - hotel lounges. Wanted to mention to all FF'ers traveling to Japan that most Japanese hotel chains offer 'club lounges' to guests. Always free, it is just necessary to sign up, just once for each chain. Access is available irrespective of room rate etc, unlike the American chains that provide club lounges if you pay a premium rate, on the 'executive floor'.
Joining is best done on the web prior to first visit, or sometimes can be done on check-in. Minutes ago I finished breakfast at the Prince Hotel Park Tower Tokyo, one of the nicer lounges. Fabulous view from the 27th floor, with juice / cereal / toasts / bakery / fruits etc provided. No hot food as is the norm in these lounges. And only 3 other guests.... I had earlier walked past the queue of guests waiting for a table at a main restaurant, where it costs about A$30 for breakfast. Some chains (like Prince) also include free evening cocktails. And in the case of this visit, the Prince upgraded me to what is one of the nicest king sized rooms I've ever had anywhere. It is on a special corporate rate, but is still amazing value for 23,000 yen per night, tax included, when the free club lounge then provides the evening drinks and breakfast too.
