I'm going to be in Tokyo for the first time in early December, and am having some difficulty finding a nice hotel within easy walking distance to local attractions (shopping, dining, temples, fish market, etc.) and the subway (to get to those attractions not within walking distance) which also offers bookable king size beds.

I also need an in-room safe (or do I?) and high speed Internet (which I think is pretty much a given in Tokyo).

Any recommendations?

Jake

I should add that I'm a tall guy, hence the desire for a King-size bed, instead of Queen. Twins are right out...

Jake

What's your budget/night?

Up to around ¥40,000/night would probably be fine. I'd also lean towards properties more likely to give me an upgraded room (e.g. Marriott, IC, Starwood, Hilton) :-)

Jake

How about the Hotel Seiyo Ginza?

Mr. Megatop and I stayed there last December on our first trip to Japan. It's a long walk or short cab from Tokyo Station, where the Narita Express arrives and the Shinkansen (bullet trains) depart. On the edge of Ginza, it's naturally close to that main shopping district. Ginza-itchome Station on the Yarukucho Line is a stone's throw away, and Ginza Station (where the Ginza, Hibiya, and Marunouchi lines cross) is maybe five blocks. As you noted, from the subway you can get to just about anywhere. The fish market is maybe a dozen blocks away from the Seiyo Ginza, andthe main Kabuki theater is on the way there. The Imperial Palace is a walkable too (in the other direction), though it's a bit of a hike. If you've made it that far, Yasukuni Shrine and War Museum is another reasonable walk. Lots of good and great restaurants in Ginza, though some are expensive.

Mr. Megatop and I had a very nice room with a King Bed. It qualified as luxury, though was a bit dated. We found a good rate in your budget range. The Seiyo Ginza is often recognized as having one of the best concierges in the world. They were good, but I don't know about THAT good. The doorman, however, was one of the best I've ever had--he greeted us by name when we arrived in a cab without us introducing ourselves (he knew who was checking in that morning or he checked the tags on our luggage or both). And he was a hunk too!

Thanks for the suggestion. That's the same hotel my travel agent came up with for me too. I think I'll be giving it a go!

Jake

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=617773 is a pretty discouraging review of the Seiyo Ginza.

We've stayed at the Hilton in Shinjuku and it's quite OK. The Conrad is much nicer. They both offer kind beds.

Another vote for Seiyo Ginza. You can't go any more upscale than this hotel.

But sadly a lot of the "old timers" are gone and replaced by young staff. I find the old timers much more efficient and professional. And they always recognize and call me by my name.

There's also the Westin in Ebisu. It's fine too and definitely has king beds (you may have to request a king bed room).

At the budget end, the Tokyo Bay IC appears on Priceline very frequently.

Seiyo Ginza absolutely. First rate hotel, great location.

Would those of you recommending the Seiyo Ginza be able to offer a counter-point/perspective on the rather negative review mentioned above? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=617773) I do find that a bit troubling...

Jake

Would those of you recommending the Seiyo Ginza be able to offer a counter-point/perspective on the rather negative review mentioned above? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=617773) I do find that a bit troubling...

Jake


Totally unlike that when I went. The review is more recent than when I went. Im not quite sure what to say to be honest. My experience couldnt have been further from that in virtually every way; but I was there about a year and a half or two years ago.

I posted a response in the thread started by luxury. My experience last December was totally different than hers. The specific problems she had were some of the finer points of my stay. As posted above, the welcome was especially warm, and they let us into our room at barely 9:00 am. It was a fine room, though it was a bit dated and in need of a refresh. The problems luxury faced were significant, but they may not be the kind of problems that would be replicated for most other guests.