Tokyo Hotels
As with everything else in Tokyo, the neighbourhood you choose determines the flair and flavour of your visit. However, one thing does remain a constant - hotel rooms are small, so if space is important to you, prepare to pay for it.
All hotel accommodation is subject to a number of taxes. Japan's consumption tax, which currently stands at 5%, is added to the final bill. Rooms costing ¥15,000 or more per night (including service charges) incur an extra 3% tax. A flat tax is also required, at a rate of ¥100 per person per night on rooms costing between ¥10,000 and ¥14,999, and ¥200 per person per night on rooms costing ¥15,000 or more.
Tipping is not customary and might even offend, but luxury hotels add a 10-15% service charge to hotel bills.
The hotels below have been grouped into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over ¥45,000)
$$$ (¥30,000 to ¥45,000)
$$ (¥15,000 to ¥30,000)
$ (under ¥15,000)
These prices are the starting prices for a double or twin room, including tax, and do not include breakfast, unless otherwise stated.
Business
One of only a few high-end hotels in Shibuya, this is a good choice for visitors looking for some buzz with their business travel. Sleek modern design extends from the lobby to the guest rooms, which are highlighted by minimalist Asian décor. Bathrooms are small but luxurious - those hankering for a bathroom view should request a corner room, where breathtaking vistas are on offer from the bath. At the business salon, computers and conference rooms can be hired, and in line with other Tokyo hotels leisure facilities, incur an extra cost for each use.
26-1 Sakuragaoka-Cho, Shibuya-ku
Tel: (03) 3476 3000.
Website: www.ceruleantower-hotel.com
Price: $$$$
Located within minutes of the Imperial Palace, this enormous hotel towers over the vibrant Akasaka government and entertainment district. The Otani is every inch the Tokyo mega hotel, but hidden behind the concrete facade is a historic 400-year-old Japanese garden. With Tokyo green spaces in desperately short supply, this 10-acre oasis, complete with waterfall, ponds and bridges, offers guests a tranquil haven from the city's hustle and bustle. Rooms range from basic doubles and twins to ‘conceptual suites' such as Suite Hiroshige, whose design is inspired by the famous artist from the Edo era.
1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku
Tel: (03) 3265 1111.
Website: www.newotani.co.jp
Price: $$$
The spectacular curved edifice of this ‘urban resort hotel' is located in Tokyo's bustling waterfront area, close to the Tokyo Big Sight international exhibition centre, and only 15 minutes from the city's main business districts. Each guest room has a private balcony overlooking the bay, while sophisticated rooftop suites boast private gardens and jacuzzis. The hotel's contemporary design features pale colours, natural materials and works of art. The spacious, airy feel and excellent service make it a fine choice for those not requiring a city centre location.
1-9-1 Daiba, Minato-ku
Tel: (03) 5500 5500.
Website: www.hnt.co.jp/index_en.html
Price: $$$
Luxury
Located in Tokyo's fashionable Shiodome neighbourhood, this 37-storey building has all the facilities a luxury traveller might need, including a renowned spa and an impressive 25m swimming pool. Panoramic views are on offer from every bedroom - choose between the neon lights of the Tokyo Bay skyline, or the green oasis of Hama Rikyu Garden, the former royal hunting grounds. The surrounding Shiodome area offers the buzz of a multitude of restaurants, theatres and shops right on the doorstep.
1-9-1 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku
Tel: (03) 6388 8000.
Website: www.conradtokyo.co.jp
Price: $$$$
The grand dame of Tokyo's international hotels, the Imperial's reputation for impeccable service can be traced back to its 1890 origins. Many changes have taken place since then however, including the unfortunate demolition of the art deco building designed by world renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, which had incredibly survived Tokyo's devastating 1923 earthquake. Now a thoroughly modern 31-storey building, the hotel currently offers 1,000 rooms equipped with all modern conveniences.
1-1-1 Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku
Tel: (03) 3504 1111.
Website: www.imperialhotel.co.jp/e/tokyo
Price: $$$$
For years a byword in decadent luxury, it was the Hyatt's role as muse and backdrop to Sophia Coppola's 2003 film Lost in Translation that pushed it onto the world stage. The hotel is a stunning 52-storey edifice in fashionable West Shinjuku, and guests check in at the 41st floor reception, and first glimpse the stunning views that give this hotel its wow factor. Both the surprisingly spacious guest rooms and public spaces testify to an incredible eye for design, while original artwork is on display everywhere.
3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tel: (03) 5322 1234.
Website: www.tokyo.hyatt.com
Price: $$$$
Moderate
Quite possibly offering the cheapest double rooms in central Tokyo, this hotel has an old fashioned décor at an old fashioned price. Those seeking sleek modern rooms will be left disappointed, but as a central base for a short visit, this hotel cannot be beaten. Within walking distance of the expat haven of Roppongi, and the restaurants and bars of Aoyama Itchome, guests are well placed for sightseeing.
8-10-32 Chome, Akasaka, Minato-ku
Tel: (03) 3402 6111.
Website: www.asiacenter.or.jp
Price: $
Stylish and with an excellent location, the sleek rooms at the Fontaine have the minimalist Asian design ethic sweeping Tokyo's hotels. Standard Queen sized beds offer a comfortable night's sleep, whilst those looking for a little more can upgrade to the larger room and King size bed on offer in the Premier Business Room. The hotel is located in the shiny Shiodome district, and guests have excellent transport links and facilities right on their doorstep.
1-9-2 Higashi Shinbashi, Minato-ku
Tel: (03) 3569 2220.
Website: www.hvf.jp/eng/
Price: $-$$
Other Recommendations
Tucked away in a quiet side street, this traditional Japanese B&B is a welcome oasis in the urban landscape of neons and giant TV screens of buzzing Ginza. With carefully selected natural materials throughout, as well as an organic restaurant on site, the emphasis here is very much on healthy living, and a return to a more traditional way of life.
3-11-3 Ginza Chuo-ku
Tel: (03) 3248 4432.
Website: www.yoshimizu.com
Price: $$
If bland business hotel beds and carb-heavy breakfasts are beginning to bore, why not book a room at one of Tokyo's traditional Japanese inns. Just minutes from Tokyo's famous Sensoji Temple, this small but beautiful ryokan is the perfect base for exploring the bustling neighbourhood of Asakusa. Bowing kimono clad receptionists welcome you into a small but bright lobby, filled with calligraphy and Japanese nick nacks. Bedrooms are spacious with sliding doors and en suite bathrooms, all in the simple Japanese style.
1-31-11 Asakusa, Taito-ku
Tel: (03) 3843 2345.
Website: www.shigetsu.com
Price: $$
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