Tim and Liz:

First off, thank you for your gracious words on my "return to Beppu" post.

Secondly...I strongly second Birders message above...Park Hotel Tokyo...superb in every way. We just spent five nights there last month. Very unique...begins on the 25th floor of a new office building in the Shiodome. The design of the hotel portion is well thought out. Try to get a room with a view of the Hamarikyu gardens below.

Stu T.

To follow up...
I just made a reservation for two nights at the Park Hotel for next March. The price is 19,000 yen per night for the smallest room, including service charge and consumption tax but excluding other tax.
These prices are part of the "Early Bird" package (bookings made at least 21 days in advance).
I will continue to check back to see if the rate drops.
Thanks again for all who replied to this post!

Tim and Liz:
>>>shop at Oriental Bazaar or somewhere similar for souvenirs...<<<

I'd like to share something with you if, indeed, you go to the Oriental Bazaar...it's on one of the most upscale streets in the city (Otomesando Road)..quite nicely presented.

However, after you shop in the Bazaar you might want to try a mom and pop lunch at a little hole-in-the-wall we discovered, where traditional "okonomiyaki" is made on a large grill (the place only seats 15...delicious rendition of this dish).

Finding it is easy, once you're at the Bazaar. Simply walk up the street to the very narrow "Maryoshi" Building, squeezed between the Shuremura Make-up store and Tod's Shoes and Bags. (Directly across the street from the ubiqitous Benettons)!

There will be a sign in Japanese out front heralding the little place. You take a rickety elevator to the third floor...and enjoy a great experience.

Exceptionally inexpensive...if I recall, $15 for two, and the only thing they offer is the aforementioned okonomiyaki..a very filling lunch.

You will enjoy whatever time you have for Tokyo....the Park Hotel is indeed lovely..and you have a good rate, about the same as we paid. Bon Voyage!

Stu T.

Hi Tim_and_Liz, we stayed at the Park Hotel and we liked it. Be prepared for a small room (esp. compared to hotels in the US). But the hotel is beautifully decorated, the staff friendly and the rooms adequate and sufficient.

Have a great time!

We had a great time at the Tokyo Prince Park Hotel Tower. Rate was $180 during the high New Years season, rooms had views of Mt. Fuji and were a "normal" size by American standards. Room not as chic as the Park, but common areas were very cool. Location was central and amenities included full breakfast, in-house bowling and onsen (hot spring), oxygen bar, French bakery, pool and gym. Book through Leading Hotels of the World for free upgrade. One disadvantage is that it's not walking distance to restaurants, but it's in a park next to an authentic shrine there are two subway stops within a 2-5 minute walk. You can be in Roppongi in less than 10 minutes either by taxi or subway.

T & L,
when in March will you be here in TKY?

tower- thanks for the restaurant rec! We definitely want to try okonomiyaki and will visit that restaurant if time allows.

Thanks Manisha! We are prepared for a small room, doesn't bother us much, especially since we'll only be there two nights.

crosscheck- thanks for your recommendation too. And I loved reading your trip report!

bmttokyo- we arrive the evening of March 5th and depart late afternoon on the 7th. Not very long!

Would have loved to take you both out to my favorite hole in the wall ramen shop but I'll be in Chiang Mai then. Perhaps next time.

Darn! Hope to meet you next time! (And I am sure there will be a "next time&quot

Looking forward to it. Also saw somewhere that you will be in BKK around March 7? I will be arriving BKK later that day & will stay till the 9th.

I'll take a raincheck for our ramen place in TOKYO then.

Tim,Liz:

Just a little tip on the Park Hotel...they have a fair buffet
for bkfst, which is quite steep-o, as is the ala carte.
We discovered on the ground floor of the building a cute little coffee-bakery, reasonable and more than adequate. There are also a halfdozen restaurants in one of the basement areas with a wide selection of lunch and dinner menus, again very reasonable for Tokyo...as well as a 7-11 type convenience store.
Have fun!

Stu T.

Just from from holidays. The Keio Plaza was very nice, generous size rooms and very comfortable beds. The position is good in regard to access to Shinjuku station. The restaurants at the Keio are good if some what overpriced. There are many decent places within 100 metres of the hotel that were much cheaper.

For those wanting to try shabu-shabu, try Shabuzen in Roppongi. It is affordable & all you can eat.