Fauna

We are choosing between Hotel New Otani Tokyo, Royal Park, and Okura Hotel, each progressively more expensive. Our main consideration is proximity to transportation for day touring and possibility to walk around the hotel in the evening to experience nightlife not too far away from the hotel. Which one is better given the prices?

W9London

Hi, I know all three hotels. In terms of proximity to public transportation, Royal Park (right next to Suitengu subway station) and Otani (3min walk to Akasaka Mitsuki, which is a very good transportation hub). From Okura, it's 5min walk steep-ish down hill to Kamiyacho on Hibiya line (read uphill on the way back), and a good 10min treck to another station.

As for walking around at night, New Otani has lots of restaurants and bars nearby. Royal Park doens't have much in terms of nightlife. From Okura, you'll need to get to Roppongi (cab ride c.Y1000, unless you want 15-20min walk uphill).

Having said that, New Otani rooms are small-ish, and the hotel can use some refurbishment in my opinion. Okura service is inpeccable though I wasn't impressed with their gym. Royal Park has the best link to Narita Airport, as non-stop limousine bus stops at TCAT right across the street.

pwpark

I stayed at the Otani a few years ago. There are lots of great restaurants just across the street and Akasaka Mitsuke station is nearby and I agree it's an excellent hub to get around or to connect with the JR line.

I walked around with young kids around the hotel at night and didn't feel at all in danger although there are the bars to consider. You may wish to look into the Akasaka Prince hotel across the street. It's like something out of the Jetsons; also has smallish rooms but a very good bakery onsite.

W9London

There are no direct JR line connection from Akasaka Mitsuki. Though Marunouchi Line goes direct to Tokyo Stn.

Fauna

Thank you very much for your detailed advice. Someone suggested that we stay in Dai-Ichi Hotel- Tokyo in Ginza, I can't find much information on it in any of the guide books. I guess at this point we are choosing between New Otani and Dai-Ichi Hotel in Ginza. Which one would you recommend?

W9London

I presume you're referring to Dai-ichi hotel in Shimbashi. It is convenient to both subways and JR trains, plenty of restaurants nearby and a comfortable walking to Ginza.
I have not stayed there so cannot comment on the room size.
New Otani is much larger, though it has a nice Japanese garden. If possible, stay on the Tower which has larger rooms. Be sure to check the room size, esp if you're at the main wing.
In general, you might want to inquire the room sizes whichever hotels you decide to stay. Some people might find 25 m2 a bit on a small side.

jenniel6

My family and I stayed at the Dai Ichi Hotel and can't say enough good things about it. Concierge was extremely helpful and the location was very convenient! We would stay there again 'in a heartbeat'. Good luck with your decision.

Marko

Noted and filed for reference, thanks.