Hotels

By international standards, Tokyo hotels are generally small and expensive. But the top-flight hotels have excellent service and are as close to the action as it gets in Asia. A myriad of possibilities exist in the inner city -- most of them convenient to Shinjuku, Asakusa, Ikebukuro and Shibuya, the major financial and business precincts.

Hotels in the higher-price category cater to the needs of business people best, with facilities and services such as English-speaking staff, fully-equipped offices for rent, and conference and entertainment facilities. It's also worth considering the prestige factor when booking a hotel room. Opting for a higher class (and more expensive) hotel might enhance your image in the view of the Japanese and, unless you are on a strict budget, is preferable to staying in the cheaper "business" frequented by lower-level Japanese employees.

Hotel rates soar during the holiday seasons of early May and mid-August, and securing a room is only possible if you book well in advance. Outside of this period, however, expect to pay around 15,000 yen or more for a standard double with a 5% goods and services tax added. All major credit cards are accepted at larger chain hotels, but smaller "business" hotels will usually request cash payment.

Tipping is not practiced or expected in Japan. However, in major hotels or ryokan (traditional inns), a gratuity may be extended to the staff if the service has been outstanding. In keeping with traditional of passing cash between persons, place the money in an envelope or wrap it paper.

(unless specified, all numbers are country code-city code 81-3)

Park Hyatt Tokyo
3-7-1-2 Nishi-shinjuku
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Fax: 5322-1288
Rooms: 178
Suites: 23
Frequent flyer: Over 22 airlines
Facilties: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, videoconferencing, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restuarants & bars: Japanese, European, American, sky lounge, cake shop
Highlights: Built in an elegant European-style, it offers the full range of facilities and services, as well as convenience to all major city transport systems. The hotel is approximately 1 hr 45 minutes from Narita International Airport and one hour from Haneda domestic airport by Airport Limousine bus.

Akasaka Prince Hotel
1-2 Kioi-cho
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3234-1111
Fax: 3262-5163
Rooms: 760
Suites: 52
Frequent flyer: JAL
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, meeting rooms, videoconferencing, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants & Bars: Japanese, Chinese, coffee shop
Highlights: Situated close to Akasaka and the downtown area, this hotel is also an easy walk from the Imperial Palace, the National Diet and government ministry buildings.

Akasaka Tokyu Hotel
2-14-3 Nagata-cho
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3264-4436
Fax: 3580-6066
Rooms: 535
Suites: 4
Frequent flyer: JAL, American Airlines, JAS
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants & Bars: coffee shop, tea lounge
Highlights: A mind-soothing garden and a pricey array of world-class boutiques offer hotel guests the best of both worlds -- without the hectic hustle and bustle of the city.

ANA Hotel Tokyo
12-33, Akasaka 1-chome
Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3505-1111
Fax: 3505-1100
Rooms: 901
Suites: 29
Frequent flyer: ANA
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants & Bars: Japanese, Chinese, French, cocktail lounge, sky lounge
Highlights: Located in the exclusive Ark Hills district, and close to the central Kasumigaseki government offices, Akasaka and Roppongi entertainment districts. All major business facilities are within easy reach.

Capitol Tokyu Hotel
10-3 Nagata-cho 2-chome
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3581-4511
Fax: 3581-5822
Rooms: 500
Suites: 18
Frequent flyer: BA, Eva, JAL, JAS, Air France, ANA, Alitalia, Cathay Pacific
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops Restaurants & Bars: Japanese, Chinese, coffee shop, cocktail lounge, tea lounge
Highlights: Providing sophisticated Japanese decor in a relaxed ambience, this hotel is within walking distance of the Hie Shrine, Parliament, Imperial Palace and the Diet Building, and it is just 10 mins to Tokyo Station, or 20 minutes to the Tokyo City Air Terminal, by taxi. Ginza and Marunouchi shopping districts are also a short subway ride away.

Crowne Plaza Metropolitan Hotel
1-6-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro
Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3980-1111
Fax: 3980-5600
Email: cpmetro@itbc.co.jp
Rooms: 815
Suites: 4
Frequent flyer: Over 28 airlines
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants & bars: Japanese, European, Chinese, Korean, coffee shop, bar lounge
Highlights: Located in the heart of Ikebukuro district, with the central business district only 7 km away.

Dai-ichi Diamond Hotel
1-42-8 Higashi-Ikebukuro
Toshimap-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3986-1221
Fax: 3982-4128
Rooms: 139
Frequent flyer: No
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants: Japanese, Western, coffee shop
Highlights: Centrally located and close by the British Embassy Garden and Imperial Palace, this hotel offers good value at a reasonable price. The Otemachi and Shibuya subway stations are within 10 minutes walk.

Diamond Hotel
25, Ichiban-cho
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3263-2211
Fax: 3265-2287
Rooms: 460
Frequent flyer: No
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, meeting rooms, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants: Chinese, Japanese, Western, barbecue, coffee shop, cocktail lounge
Highlights: Central downtown location, with a choice of several cuisines.

The Four Seasons
10-8, Sekiguchi 2-chome
Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3943-2222
Fax: 3943-0909
Rooms: 283
Suites: 50
Frequent flyer: No
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, videoconferencing, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants: Japanese, Italian, Chinese, coffee shop, bar lounge
Highlights: One of Tokyo's best equipped hotels for the business traveler, it offers superior service and facilities in a convenient location.

Hilton Tokyo
6-2 Nishishinjuku 6-Chome
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3344-5111
Fax: 3342-6094
Website: hilton.com
Rooms: 806
Suites: 18
Frequent flyer: Air Canada, Air France, Aeromexico, Alaskan, American Airlines, BA. Continental, Lufthansa, Delta, JAL, KLM, Lan Chile, MAS, Mexicana, Singapore Airlines, Northwest, Qantas
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, videoconferencing, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants: Japanese, Continental, Mediterranean, barbecue, Chinese, bar lounge
Highlights: This is Hilton International's largest hotel in Japan with rooms featuring traditional Shoji screens and meditation gardens close at hand. Its location, in the heart of the business and shopping precinct, is a big plus.

Holiday Inn Tokyo
1-13-7 Hatchobori
Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3553-6161
Fax: 3553-6040
Rooms: 119
Suites: 3
Frequent flyer: American Airlines, United, ANA, Lufthansa, Delta, Northwest, Thai International Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qantas
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, modem socket in all rooms, meeting rooms, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants & Bars: Japanese, Western
Highlights: Centrally located with basic comforts at a reasonable price.

Hotel Grand Palace
1-1, Iidabashi 1-chome
Chiyoda-ku,Tokyo
Tel: 3264-1111
Fax: 3222-6600
Rooms: 431
Suites: 4
Frequent flyer: KLM, Northwest, South African, Varig, United, American Airlines, Air France, Cathay Pacific, JAL
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants & Bars: Japanese, Italian, Chinese, cocktail lounge
Highlights: The sister hotel to Palace Hotel, the Hotel Grand Palace is located near the Imperial Palace, Marunouchi business districts and is 10 minutes by taxi from the Tokyo City Air Terminal.

Hotel New Otani Tokyo
4-1 Kioi-cho
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3265-1111
Fax: 3221-2619
Rooms: 1600
Suites: 55
Frequent flyer: American Airlines, Northwest, United, JAL, JAS, ANA
Facilities: Swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, videoconferencing, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants & Bars: 34 restaurants and bars offering Italian, Chinese, French, specialized Japanese cuisines.
Highlights: Surrounded by a sprawling 400-year old Japanese garden, this large modern hotel is convenient to all major business and entertainment districts in the central Tokyo area.

Hotel Nikko Tokyo
1-9-1 Daiba
Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 5500-5500
Fax: 5500-2525
Rooms: 453
Suites: 18
Frequent flyer: JAL
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, videoconferencing, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants & Bars: French, Chinese, Japanese, coffee shop, bar lounge
Highlights: Located in a new waterfront development that commands panoramic views of Tokyo Bay, the hotel mixes mid-city convenience with a tranquil, open-air ambiance. It is just 15 minutes from the central business district.

Hotel Okura
2-10-4 Toranomon
Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3582-0111
Fax: 3582-3707
Telex: J22790
Rooms: 863
Suites: 4
Frequent flyer: JAL
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants & Bars: Japanese, Chinese, Continental, French, bar lounge
Highlights: Close to the U.S. Embassy and nearby the central business district, it has a well-equipped business center, in-room fax and modem outlets, and a calming Japanese garden for re-energizing at the end of the day.

Hotel Seiyo Ginza
1-11-2 Ginza
Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3535-1111
Fax: 3535-1110
Email: hsgmktng@tkf.att.ne.jp
Website: seiyo-ginza.com
Rooms: 72
Frequent flyer: No
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, meeting rooms, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants & Bars: French, Japanese, night club
Highlights: A small luxury hotel situated in the heart of the Ginza District, it is close to both major business centers and tourist attractions.

Keio Plaza Inter-Continental Tokyo
2-2-1 Nishi-shinjuku
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3344-0111
Fax: 3345-8269
Email: tokyo@interconti.com
Rooms: 1,450
Suites: 22 (including 3 tatami-room suites)
Frequent flyer: No
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, videoconferencing, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants & Bars: Japanese, Italian, French, Chinese, cocktail lounge
Highlights: Perfectly positioned in the heart of the financial district not far from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, this premier hotel also offers easy subway access and close proximity to a wide variety of shops and department stores.

Le Meridien Grand Pacific Tokyo
3-13-3, Takanawa
Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3445-6711
Fax: 3445-5137
Website: htl-pacific.co.jp/Pacific/english
Rooms: 824
Suites: 14
Frequent flyer: Air France, Continental, TWA, Austrian, American Airlines, South African, Alitalia, Gulf Air, JAL, Thai International, Qantas, Swissair, Virgin, Garuda
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, videoconferencing, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants & Bars: French, Japanese, Chinese, coffee shop, bar lounge, sky lounge
Highlights: Designed in an 18th-century French renaissance-style, the hotel provides all the comforts and services of a small city, including restaurants, bars, shops and banquet rooms.

Palace Hotel
1-1-1 Marunouchi
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3211-5211
Fax: 3211-6987
Rooms: 389
Suites: 4
Frequent flyer: KLM, Northwest, South African, Varig, United, American Airlines, Air France, Cathay Pacific, JAL
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, meeting rooms, videoconferencing, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants: French, Japanese, Chinese, Western, coffee shop, cocktail lounge
Highlights: This hotel offers superb views of the Imperial Palace and the Imperial gardens. In-house service is first-class.

Royal Park Hotel
2-1-1 Nihonbashi-kakigaracho
Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 3667-1111
Fax: 3667-1100
Rooms: 450
Suites: 5
Frequent flyer: Air France, Alitalia, ANA, KLM, American Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Northwest, South African, Virgin
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants: Coffee shop with Western and Japanese dishes Highlights: The Royal Park Hotel is conveniently located near the central business district and is a short subway ride to Ginza's entertainment district.

The Westin Tokyo
1-4-1 Mita
Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 5423-7000
Fax: 5423-7600
Email: wetok@westin.com
Rooms: 445
Suites: 21
Frequent flyer: 33 airlines
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, videoconferencing, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants & Bars: Japanese, Chinese, Continental, bar lounge, cocktail club
Highlights: Positioned close to the headquarters of many multinational firms and set in 10 hectares of landscaped gardens, shops and cultural attractions, this is a good choice for the businessman who needs to be close to the action.

NEAR THE AIRPORT

ANA Hotel Narita
68 Horinouchi
Narita, Chiba
Tel: 0476-33-1311
Fax: 0476-33-0244
Rooms: 442
Suites: 6
Frequent flyer: ANA
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, meeting rooms, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants & Bars: Japanese, Korean, French, bar lounge
Highlights: This hotel features comfortable spacious rooms, with a sleek lobby, restaurants, lounge and fitness facilities.

Holiday Inn Tobu Narita
320-1 Tokko
Narita, Chiba
Tel: 0476-321234
Fax: 0476-320617
Email: fvgm3633@mb.infoweb.ne.jp
Rooms: 500
Suites: 5
Frequent flyer: American Airlines, United, ANA, Lufthansa, Delta, Northwest, Thai International, Singapore Airlines, Qantas
Facilities: Swimming pool, modem socket in all rooms, meeting rooms, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurant: American, Chinese, Japanese
Highlights: Five minutes from the New Tokyo International Airport, it offers comfort, convenience and a quick getaway for the business traveler. Highlights include a rooftop cafe and bar with spectacular night views of the airport.

Hotel New Otani Makuhari
2-2 Hibino
Mihama-ku, Chiba
Tel: 043-297-7777
Fax: 043-297-7788
Rooms: 418
Suites: 36 Frequent flyer: American Airlines, Northwest, United
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants & Bars: Japanese, European, coffee shop
Highlights: Located next to the Makuhari Convention Center, 30 minutes from Narita and close to Disneyland, this hotel also provides business facilities, sports club, swimming and tennis.

Hotel Nikko Narita
500 Tokko
Narita, Chiba
Tel: 0476-32-0032
Fax: 0476-32-3993
Rooms: 700
Suites: 10
Frequent flyer: JAL, American Airlines
Facilities: Health club, swimming pool, business center, modem socket in all rooms, laptop rental or computer in room, mobile phone rental, meeting rooms, hairdresser, satellite TV, parking facilities, shops
Restaurants: Japanese, Italian, Chinese, coffee shop, bar lounge
Highlights: Located ten minutes from the airport, it's convenient for early morning departures. Special discount rates are offered to those flying on Japan Airlines.