The room isn’t small, certainly — but size isn’t everything.

Much depends on the layout, on how the space is designed, as well as the light and the perspective of the view.

For example, the Premium Room at the Strings is roughly the same size, yet it feels entirely different: the layout is far better thought out, with a wide floor-to-ceiling window that creates a sense of depth and brings in remarkable light. Similarly, the bathroom is configured in a way that makes it feel genuinely spacious.


It’s not just a question of square metres — it’s a question of design.
And when the design is poor, even a decent-sized room can feel underwhelming.

Conversely, at the ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay, where the rooms are undeniably compact, the space is so cleverly used — and so bright — that you never feel cramped. The view, it must be said, is also great.