I am in the process of planning a last minute trip to Japan. In an earlier post, someone recommended staying in Roppongi Hills at the Grand Hyatt. I am looking for a good four star hotel in a great location. I would like to be in a pedestrian friendly area like (I am told) Roppongi Hills or Ginza (?).

The Grand Hyatt rates seem to be very high for my dates; any other suggestions? Any thoughts on The Imperial or the Okura? Are there any good Starwood properties; I have a fair number of points and would be interested in a points and cash deal. I think there are two Intercontinental properties; are they well located?

Thank you.

I stayed at the Intercontinental Tokyo Bay in June 2009. I booked directly on the ichgroup website (they were having a Japan sale) - we paid something like $160 per night for three nights. It was a bargain - I have never experienced such luxury and service at that price.

Personally, I loved the location of this hotel precisely because it was out of the way and by the water (and therefore felt very peaceful)yet close to public transportation. It was easy to walk around - no crowds, etc. But you definitely need to leave the neighborhood to go "out."

Based on the hotels you write about in the op, the Grand Hyatt is right in the thick of it, the main drag in Roppongi is just a few minutes walk away. I understand that you are no longer considering this hotel, but of the three hotels you ask about this is the only one that is in a lively/busy location, day and night. Albeit I am not much of a Roppongi fan.

The immediate area around the Imperial hotel is quite compared to Roppongi, and from here it is a little longer of a walk to get to/from shopping/restaurants/sights/transport, etc.

The Okura, is on a hill althought shops/restaurants/sights/public transport are close by I find it's location a little isolated, and wouldn't choose the hotel.

We stayed one night at the Strings Intercontinental at the Shinegawa Station. It was well-located to the station, that's for sure - If you go there, take the Narita Express -forget the shuttle, which takes longer and costs more. Otherwise, I can't tell you re location as we took the train in and out of there. It is a nice hotel. We booked on the internet and got the non-refundable rate, as we were as sure of our timing as one can be. The room was small but very well-appointed and nicely decorated and the hotel was quiet and had a nice lobby with a bar and restaurant in the atrium. The hotel is on the upper floors of a building.

I stayed at the ANA near Roppongi and wished I had stayed at the Cerulean in Shibuya which has lots going on day and night. The ANA was fine, but it was not in a great walking area and I was unimpressed with Roppongi which was withing walking distance but not an interesting walk.

My Japanese friend had recommended both the ANA and the Cerulean-both 4 star properties.

I've stayed at the "B" Roppongi. Very pleasant hotel, helpful staff, and nice clean room with a great neighborhood view. It was last October and was $140 or so. Right on Roppongi Dori about 50 yards from the subways/ train station. The ANA is at the very far end of Roppongi, the B is in the midst of the action, right near the main intersection and about a 4 or 5 minute walk to Roppongi Hills.