Tokyo Prince Park Tower Hotel
 

We don't normally stay in hotels with five words in their names, but this has a bowling alley, a natural hot springs onsen, plus we get an upgrade. Is brand new, a "Leading Hotel of the World" and is located in Shiba Park near Roppongi. Any opinions?

I don't know the hotel well, but it's close to Tokyo Tower. I would not call Shiba Koen/Zoujo-ji area as "near Roppongi" as it's not a walking distance at all. It's a rather quiet area, though not the most convenient in terms of places to see/eat. Subways are on Toei lines, which is a separate network from Metro.

We're having a lot of trouble finding a hotel (for a two-night layover on our way back from Thailand and Cambodia)- they all seem to be sold out for New Years. We currently have reservations at the Hilton and the Century Hyatt, both on the "wrong side" of Shinjuku station. We also have reservations at the the stylish, economical Park, which everyone on tripadvisor seems to love, but there are few amenities. We can get an upgrade and breakfast at the Prince Park Tower but I like to be in a "neighborhood". Which would you choose?

The answer depends on your preference, as they have totally different ambience.

If you're staying over New Year's, I suspect Zoujo-ji would be more crowded (though not mobbed like Meiji Shrine). On the contrast, it's a holiday time, so suspect Western Shinjuku (mainly office buildings) would be eerie quiet. I'd be personally more drawn to Prince Hotel--it's definitely a higher spec than Hilton/C.Hyatt.

W9 - I really appreciate your help. Just found a great deal on Orbitz for "The Mansions at Roppongi" - studio apartments for $135 a night. Tripadvisor reviews are phenomenal and it's more of a "neighborhood", though I think it borders on a red light district. So it's now betwee Prince Park Tower and the Mansions - What do you think?

Good for you! We were also looking at M@R for our upcoming family trip next summer.

Still two places have different feels. Roppongi certainly would be very convenient--better metro network, lots of restaurants/convenience stores around. As posted in other thread, Roppongi has active nightlife scenes (clubbing/bars/karaoke), though not really what I would call a red light district.

I would personally stay at Prince Hotel if I want to be somewhere more serene, near a park, and less need to do aggressive sightseeing.

On the other hand, I would opt for Roppongi if I want more active sightseeing/dining/shopping.

Really appreciate your help. We haven't been to Japan at this time of year. Do you think it's a plus or a minus that the Prince is right next to Zozuji? Would that be the quintessential Japanese New Years Eve/ New Years Day experience? Or would it be more fun to be in the streets of Roppongi (with two teens)?

PS - My husband and I have both spent a lot of time in Tokyo (years ago) so we're not going to be doing much sightseeing - Maybe a family onsen, the plastic food district and a good video arcade for the boys who will be templed out after Thailand and Cambodia.