We have had the good fortune to stay at Strings Hotel, Tokyo for the past few days. Our timing was near perfect as this hotel becomes Strings by InterContinental, Tokyo on May 20th, which is tomorrow, the day before we leave. If you are old enough, most can remember what you were doing when Armstrong first walked on the moon, or JFK met his maker or even when Italy won the World Cup. This hotel becoming an InterContinental won’t rate with those events but at least I can say I was there!

I’ve also linked to some photos I took earlier in the stay.

Location
The hotel is located right next to Shinagawa Station. Shinagawa is a business area and not one of the prime tourist destinations in this city but it’s nevertheless very convenient. First, it’s easy to get to. The Airport Limousine Bus from Narita stops and picks up at the front door but only 4 or 5 times a day. Other routes take in different hotels in the area which are easily walkable to Strings. And Narita Express stops at the Shinagawa Station and it’s about 5 minutes from platform to Check-In. From that point of view this is the best located IC, and near best located hotel of any description, in Tokyo. We got here by Airport Limousine bus and were meet on the street by a porter and taken to Reception on the 26th floor.

The Hotel
It is located from Floor 26 to 32 at the top of a Shinagawa office high rise. The hotel is small by comparison with the other two IC’s in Tokyo (and the one in Yokohama). For example, the new ANA IC has over 800 rooms. Strings has just 206. Consequently it has fewer big hotel features. There is no pool, only two restaurants, one bar, a small but well equipped gym, steam room and a small business centre with three terminals. Use of the terminals is free as is internet connection via the lan port and cable in each room. There is no specific club floor nor club lounge.

Room
The hotel seems generally to be the most expensive of the Tokyo IC’s. I reserved a Club King and was upgraded to a Corner Premium Suite with club benefits. Please be aware that this was prior to the hotel becoming an IC. Club benefits after tomorrow under the IC regime will be a little different from what I experienced.

This Corner Suite has a great bathroom, a bedroom with twin beds and a sitting room with TV, cd, dvd etc It is very comfortable. During my stay the beds were changed in preparation for the re-branding to really good firm feather top beds. The twin beds are large and this makes the bedroom a bit cramped. There is really only space for one suitcase. A king suite bedroom is probably more spacious because the bed would take up less room. Furnishings are stylish and conservative - lots of wood, browns, beiges and light blues. If anything the room is a little over furnished and would benefit from some reduction in clutter. It also has a very large shag pile rug which rucks up and looks strange.

The free mini bar has basic contents. One each of 5 x 50cl spirit bottles, 4 beers, and several sodas and mixers. There is also a 200 ml bottle of Moet. There is no wine. It was replenished each day. The bar contains no food or nuts.

The suite is generally top notch. It is one of the nicest suites of its size I’ve had anywhere. Views across the city are magnificent and there is a view of Rainbow Bridge and the Harbor. By their dimensions on the Strings Hotel website, I’d think the standard rooms would be compact but adequate.

Restaurants
We only had breakfast at the hotel. It is a top quality buffet which currently is priced at about 2700++ yen with a mixture of Western and Asian foods. There is an egg station and plenty of fruit. Ideal for me. Breakfast is in The Dining which also does lunch and dinner a la carte. There is also a pricey Chinese fusion restaurant which I was told was very good.

Service
The hotel staff are universally friendly and professional. I’d rate this as one of the most positive things about the place. The small size makes it more personal.

Ambiance
The place is like a top class boutique hotel. It is quiet and understated. The central atrium, which contains reception, restaurants and all the facilities is basically open plan and looks quite stunning. It has a calm air. It is very different from ANA InterContinental Tokyo and will suit many people.

Teething Problems
I have to admit that as much as I like the place there have been more issues about rates, terms etc than I would have wanted. The rate I booked at via the PC website has changed several times. There has been a lack of clarity over what was included. I put these down to teething problems and lack of familiarity with IHG systems. From my own experience in a previous life it is very hard for a hotel to change systems etc as this one is currently doing. So I am prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt. However, I think it is essential that anyone staying here has a full understanding of what they are getting and paying for to avoid dramas. I’ll be interested to hear of others’ experiences over the coming months as this would be my first choice in Tokyo.

As I said, this hotel becomes an IC tomorrow. I’ll report some comments on that in a day or two particularly in relation to how Ambassadors and RA’s will be affected and how the hotel will manage without a club lounge. The re-branding process should be interesting to see tomorrow morning.