  thumb|some love hotels have multiple complex entrances designed for the discretion of customers. thumb|some love hotels have no windows.  thumb|a selection of available rooms  a love hotel is a type of short-stay hotel found around the world operated primarily for the purpose of allowing couples privacy for sexual activities. the name originates from "hotel love" in osaka which was built in 1968 and had a rotating sign. ==distinguishing characteristics== love hotels can usually be identified using symbols such as hearts and the offer of a room rate for a  as well as for an overnight stay. the period of a "rest" varies, typically ranging from one to three hours. cheaper daytime off-peak rates are common. in general, reservations are not possible, leaving the hotel will forfeit access to the room; and overnight-stay rates become available only after 10:00 p.m. these hotels may be used for prostitution, although they are sometimes used by budget-travelers sharing accommodation. entrances are discreet; and interaction with staff is minimized. rooms are often selected from a panel of buttons; and the bill may be settled by pneumatic tube, automatic cash machine, or a pair of hands behind a pane of frosted glass. although cheaper hotels are often quite sparse, higher-end hotels may feature fanciful rooms decorated with anime characters; and equipped with rotating beds, ceiling mirrors, karaoke machines, and unusual lighting; or may be styled similarly to dungeons or other fantasy scenes, sometimes including s&m gear.{{cite news |last=haggart |first=blayne |url=http://www.theglob
Hotel_types Hotels_in_Japan Japanese_inventions Sex_industry Sexuality_in_Japan