Tokyo Hotels

Tokyo Hotel Reviews

When land prices plummeted following the collapse of the asset-inflated "bubble" economy of the late '90s, Tokyo's developers seized the chance to construct centrally located skyscrapers. Oftentimes hotels from international brands were installed on the upper floors of these glimmering towers. This boom has complemented the spare-no-expense approach taken by many of the domestic hoteliers a decade earlier, when soaring atriums, elaborate concierge floors, and oceans of marble were all the rage. The result: Tokyo's present luxury accommodations rival those of any big city in the world.

With hoteliers banking on research that says most visitors will pay well to be pampered, it begs the question: "Are there bargains to be had?" In some cases, yes, but you'll have to do your homework. Lower profile business and boutique hotels are decent bets for singles or couples who do not need a lot of space, and, in addition to hostels, exchanges, and rentals (apartments and homes), the budget-conscious traveler can utilize plenty of Japanese accommodations: ryokan, minshuku, "capsule" hotels, homes, and temples.

What to Expect

There are three things you can take for granted almost anywhere you set down your bags in Tokyo: cleanliness, safety, and good service. Unless otherwise specified, all rooms at the hotels listed in this book have private baths and are Western-style. In listings, we always name the facilities that are available, but we don't specify whether they cost extra. When pricing accommodations, try to find out what's included and what entails an additional charge.

Assume that hotels operate on the European Plan (EP, with no meals) unless we specify that they use the Continental Plan (CP, with a Continental breakfast), Breakfast Plan (BP, with a full breakfast), Modified American Plan (MAP, with breakfast and dinner), or the Full American Plan (FAP, with all meals).

Prices

Deluxe hotels charge a premium for good-size rooms, lots of perks, great service, and central locations. More-affordable hotels that cost less—though not that much less—aren't always in the most convenient places, and have disproportionately small rooms as well as fewer amenities. That said, a less-than-ideal location should be the least of your concerns. Many moderately priced accommodations are still within the central wards; some have an old-fashioned charm and personal touch the upscale places can't offer. And, wherever you're staying, Tokyo's subway and train system—comfortable (except in rush hours), efficient, inexpensive, and safe—will get you back and forth.

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