Japan - Luxury Hotel - Tokyo - That has smoking rooms available?

Trying to decide where to stay for a 5 day stay in Tokyo that has smoking rooms available. I stayed at The Strings for my last stay in Shinagawa. Ended up with a non-smoking Exec Club Room corner top floor room. Loved the room but found it problematic not being able to smoke. Switched rooms to a King room, smoking, but got put on the noisy train side of the hotel and of course a much smaller room. I didn't complain because I was lucky to get the room at the last moment.

Hotels I'm pondering are:

Conrad
Shangra-La
Grand Hyatt
Park Hyatt
The Strings
Or?

Any suggestions for rooms under $650-ish USD/night? Hoping for something ideally located to the major train stations as I have many friends that will be coming/going to visit with. Would like to stay at a different hotel than the Strings just to change it up a bit. It was a fine hotel. Loved it there for access to everything.

Appreciate any help for this situation.

Trying to decide where to stay for a 5 day stay in Tokyo that has smoking rooms available. I stayed at The Strings for my last stay in Shinagawa. Ended up with a non-smoking Exec Club Room corner top floor room. Loved the room but found it problematic not being able to smoke. Switched rooms to a King room, smoking, but got put on the noisy train side of the hotel and of course a much smaller room. I didn't complain because I was lucky to get the room at the last moment.

Hotels I'm pondering are:

Conrad
Shangra-La
Grand Hyatt
Park Hyatt
The Strings
Or?

Any suggestions for rooms under $650-ish USD/night? Hoping for something ideally located to the major train stations as I have many friends that will be coming/going to visit with. Would like to stay at a different hotel than the Strings just to change it up a bit. It was a fine hotel. Loved it there for access to everything.

Appreciate any help for this situation.

Japan is still behind the worldwide curve on the "ban smoking" kick, so I'm pretty sure that it's still harder to get non-smoking rooms than smoking ones. I don't think that you should really have a problem with any of them. Location would be a bigger limiting factor than availability of smoking room (ruling out Park Hyatt in your case)

Japan is still behind the worldwide curve on the "ban smoking" kick, so I'm pretty sure that it's still harder to get non-smoking rooms than smoking ones. I don't think that you should really have a problem with any of them. Location would be a bigger limiting factor than availability of smoking room (ruling out Park Hyatt in your case)

That's what I thought until I saw, I think it was the Conrad that is non-smoking throughout. It's been 19 months since I was in Tokyo, so I thought maybe this might be common now.

Appreciate the help. Thanks!

That's what I thought until I saw, I think it was the Conrad that is non-smoking throughout. It's been 19 months since I was in Tokyo, so I thought maybe this might be common now.

Appreciate the help. Thanks!

I've never stayed at the Conrad, so your post was the first that I've heard of that all rooms are non-smoking. Maybe Japan is changing faster than I thought!

I do know from staying at the Park Hyatt Tokyo last month that there is a single non-smoking floor but, outside of that area, it seems to be easier to get a smoking room than non-smoking there (though I, a non-smoker, ended up taking a better upgrade to a smoking room, and the smell wasn't an issue for me at all). If the location were not a deal-breaker, I think you would really enjoy that hotel.

If you liked the Strings and the location (which is ideal for meeting people) and want to mix it up a bit, why not try the refurbished top floors at the Grand Hotel New Prince Takanawa.

You should be able to get a 60m2 smoking Executive Club Double or twin room for around 22,000yen if it's just for one person.
Room photos and layout here
http://www.princehotels.com/en/newtakanawa/roominfomation/
Ignore the ugly Standard floors and Select the tab for the club floor. The Executive Club rooms are twice the size of the others on the superior and club floors.
I believe a balcony witha lovely view is a great plus for a smoker.

I've not stayed at the finer hotels on your list, but I've been to the Strings a few times and it compares very favourably with that particular hotel.
Just don't expect much, if anything, from the club lounge at the New Takanawa. The gardens and public areas make very pleasant reunion spaces.

If you liked the Strings and the location (which is ideal for meeting people) and want to mix it up a bit, why not try the refurbished top floors at the Grand Hotel New Prince Takanawa.

The OP asked for luxury hotels.

The OP asked for luxury hotels.
OP also said he liked staying at The Strings.

Try telling derpelikan that The Strings is a luxury hotel :)

IMHO Strings is a top of the pile 4 star and the top floors at the New Takanawa are also high end 4 star rooms. The minus are the bathrooms which weren't upgraded to the standard of the bedrooms but I'm pushing the balcony angle which may be of appeal to the OP.

Edit
brand new/modern: NO
Impeccable service: Don't remember there being much difference to The Strings but I'd say very good rather than impeccable to both.
Good view (only visible from the very top floors): http://img.venere.com/img/hotel/2/1/1/9/329112/539_18_b.jpg with a garden below. View is outstanding in cherry blossom and maple fall seasons.
Good room: http://www.tokyo.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/executive-twin.jpg
In summary a much cheaper alternative to The Strings (particularly a non suite room at The Strings) but nowhere in the league of the other true luxury hotels that are being recommended.
The rec is for the lighter coloured NEW Takanawa Prince which is just next to the darker Takanawa Prince. Both are visible from The Strings.

OP also said he liked staying at The Strings.

Try telling derpelikan that The Strings is a luxury hotel :)

IMHO Strings is a top of the pile 4 star and the top floors at the New Takanawa are also high end 4 star rooms. The minus are the bathrooms which weren't upgraded to the standard of the bedrooms but I'm pushing the balcony angle which may be of appeal to the OP.

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I saw the Prince Hotel from my room at the Strings. Looked like a much older hotel and not as nice as the Strings. Like I wrote, I liked the Strings (and I get points there). I checked on the Ritz Carlton. Looked nice. Kinda stuffy (as in old money) maybe. I'm not that hard to please, but enjoy modern looking nice hotels, impeccable service, great food either at the hotel or nearby walking distance. The room has to have a "wow" factor look/view to go with it.

Am I just asking for the impossible at my price range? I give myself a $1000 per day budget, so I was hoping $650/night hotel and the rest for food and drinks for one should be enough to get something decent, newish and modern. Will be staying 5 nights...

I've never stayed at the Conrad, so your post was the first that I've heard of that all rooms are non-smoking. Maybe Japan is changing faster than I thought!

I do know from staying at the Park Hyatt Tokyo last month that there is a single non-smoking floor but, outside of that area, it seems to be easier to get a smoking room than non-smoking there (though I, a non-smoker, ended up taking a better upgrade to a smoking room, and the smell wasn't an issue for me at all). If the location were not a deal-breaker, I think you would really enjoy that hotel.

The Park Hyatt appeals to me. Just have to use taxi's I guess more. I did stay in Shinjuku at the Hotel Astina for one night on the Exec floors (had a lot of points to burn). It was acceptable but didn't have any sort of wow factor. Also, quite a few hawkers outside in the evenings were annoying. But definitely a lively neighborhood! I felt more comfortable next to Shinagawa station area (stores, shopping, restaurants..very clean area). Park Hyatt just seems a bit too touristy. That's my only hang up for not possibly staying there.

The Park Hyatt appeals to me. Just have to use taxi's I guess more. I did stay in Shinjuku at the Hotel Astina for one night on the Exec floors (had a lot of points to burn). It was acceptable but didn't have any sort of wow factor. Also, quite a few hawkers outside in the evenings were annoying. But definitely a lively neighborhood! I felt more comfortable next to Shinagawa station area (stores, shopping, restaurants..very clean area). Park Hyatt just seems a bit too touristy. That's my only hang up for not possibly staying there.

Given your other comment, I think you would like The Peninsula. IMHO the best service of any luxury hotel in Japan, very nice new smoking rooms available, and even a very nice cigar club. And currently a promotional rate of 39,000 yen per night (about $500) available.

+1 for the Peninsula, but if you're travelling in October 2012 or later and want to take a punt on a new hotel, the Tokyo Station Hotel is looking pretty good and has the best transport connectivity in the city:

http://www.thetokyostationhotel.jp/

Reservations now accepted, rooms from Y30,000.

That's what I thought until I saw, I think it was the Conrad that is non-smoking throughout.

The Conrad is definitely not a 'non-smoking hotel'. The global Hilton website is just wrong; trust the Japanese one:

喫煙・禁煙ルーム
コンラッド東京では、喫煙ルーム、禁煙ルームともにご用意しております。ご予約の際にご希望をお伝えくださ い。宿泊予約: 03-6388-8888

"Conrad Tokyo offers both smoking and non-smoking rooms; please convey your preference at the time of booking."

http://conradhotels.hilton.co.jp/HiWayWeb/appmanager/portals/hotel?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=hotel_room_landing&ctyhocn=TYOCICI

If you liked the Strings and the location (which is ideal for meeting people) and want to mix it up a bit, why not try the refurbished top floors at the Grand Hotel New Prince Takanawa.

You should be able to get a 60m2 smoking Executive Club Double or twin room for around 22,000yen if it's just for one person.
Room photos and layout here
http://www.princehotels.com/en/newtakanawa/roominfomation/


Travelzoo sent me promo for the same rooms for 19900 yen. :cool:

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I definitely learned about some great hotels. It looks like it's going to be The Strings again. Got emails from friends in Tokyo that say it's the easiest to meet at. One would have to xfer 3 times on trains along with carrying her new baby. Want to make it as easy as possible for her to visit.

I did check The Peninsula...was booked for the timeframe I needed (April 5-10). I didn't think they would book so far in advance. Glad I'm starting now. I'd prefer not to switch hotels and split things up just to stay at a particular hotel (but I've been known to do that!).

Looking forward to my next visit to Japan. This will be my 3rd trip since 2005. And already have a 4th planned for November 2013 but will be bringing two friends from Zurich for their first visit to Japan. They are going to love it as much as I do!

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I definitely learned about some great hotels. It looks like it's going to be The Strings again. Got emails from friends in Tokyo that say it's the easiest to meet at. One would have to xfer 3 times on trains along with carrying her new baby. Want to make it as easy as possible for her to visit.

Reiterating jpatokal's suggestion for Tokyo Station Hotel. It's inside Tokyo Station, that's as easy a meeting place as it gets! ;)

+1 for the Peninsula, but if you're travelling in October 2012 or later and want to take a punt on a new hotel, the Tokyo Station Hotel is looking pretty good and has the best transport connectivity in the city:

http://www.thetokyostationhotel.jp/

Reservations now accepted, rooms from Y30,000. (bolding mine)

Rather you than me.

I thought the 'f' word used by the OP in this thread to describe the revamped look was perfect.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1355150-tokyo-station-hotel-re-open-oct.html

Convenient location... Yes.

Reiterating jpatokal's suggestion for Tokyo Station Hotel. It's inside Tokyo Station, that's as easy a meeting place as it gets! ;)

But is there an entrance from inside Tokyo station? The old pre-renovated Tokyo Station hotel didn't have one, as I recall.

But is there an entrance from inside Tokyo station? The old pre-renovated Tokyo Station hotel didn't have one, as I recall.

I don't think that there will be any way to know for sure until it opens (still a lot of construction obscuring the details), but surely it would still be closer to an exit than any other hotel?

But is there an entrance from inside Tokyo station? The old pre-renovated Tokyo Station hotel didn't have one, as I recall.
IIRC, there was a tiny door to the hotel from the southern octagonal hall of the station, which was not very noticeable. I think it was easier to find from inside the hotel - so it was probably intended as an exit rather than an entrance.
I don't think that there will be any way to know for sure until it opens (still a lot of construction obscuring the details), but surely it would still be closer to an exit than any other hotel?
Distance from the Hotel Metropolitan Marunouchi to an exit might come close. I would guess that the Metropolitan Marunouchi is likely to be closer to the Shinkansen entrance (and the Shinkansen tracks).

A few years back, out of curiosity, I wasted about 15 minutes looking for the Tokyo Station hotel, starting from inside the station itself and practically walking around the entire building before finding it. I'd say the Hotel Metropolitan Marunouchi is easier to find barring knowing about the secret door that jlb refers to (which I never saw).

Yeah, I really do silly things like that.

Yeah, I really do silly things like that.
^